How to Sand Ceramic Tiles Before Painting or Regrouting

Ceramic tiles are durable and glossy, but that same smooth surface makes paint or new grout hard to stick. Proper sanding is the secret to lasting adhesion. This guide explains how to sand ceramic tiles effectively—without cracking the glaze or creating uneven edges—so you can repaint, regrout, or refinish with confidence.

Why Ceramic Tiles Need Light Abrasion

The slick glaze on ceramic resists most coatings. Light sanding creates microscopic texture that helps primers, paints, or adhesives grip the surface. Using fine silicon carbide abrasives ensures just enough etching without visible scratches or glaze damage.

Recommended Tools

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• 9x11" wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Spray bottle with water
• Microfiber towel and tack cloth
• Tile cleaner or degreaser

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 220 grit: Light glaze dulling for primer adhesion
• 400 grit: Smooth the surface before painting
• 800 grit: Optional finish for ultra-smooth repainting or clear sealing

Step-by-Step: Sanding Ceramic Tiles Safely

1. Clean thoroughly. Scrub tiles with degreaser or mild detergent to remove soap film, oils, and dirt. Dry completely before sanding.
2. Dull the glaze. Use 220 Grit (25-pack) silicon carbide sandpaper to lightly abrade the surface. Sand evenly using gentle, circular strokes—your goal is to dull the shine, not remove the glaze.
3. Refine for smoothness. Switch to 400 Grit (50-pack) paper to smooth out any visible marks and prepare for painting. Keep the paper slightly damp to reduce dust and prevent overheating.
4. Optional final sanding. Use 800 Grit (100-pack) wet/dry paper if you’re applying a clear coat or high-gloss finish. This stage enhances adhesion while maintaining a refined texture.
5. Clean again. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove residue. The surface should look matte and feel slightly rough to the touch.
6. Prime and paint. Apply a tile bonding primer first, followed by paint or sealer as desired.

Special Cases

For textured tiles, use a flexible sanding pad to reach grooves evenly. Avoid coarse grits below 180—they can cut through the glaze. When refinishing floor tiles, work in small sections to maintain even dullness and prevent slips on wet surfaces.

Pro Tips

• Use silicon carbide paper—it’s sharp enough to abrade hard glazes gently.
• Wet-sand whenever possible to control dust and heat.
• Always clean thoroughly before and after sanding—residue interferes with paint adhesion.
• Sand lightly—your goal is micro-texture, not visible scratching.
• Allow surfaces to dry completely before priming.

Aftercare

• Use mild cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals that can strip new coatings.
• Allow paint or sealer to cure fully before heavy use (typically 7 days).
• For bathrooms, re-seal every 12–18 months to maintain waterproofing.

FAQs

• Can I sand porcelain tiles the same way? Yes—but porcelain is denser, so sand slower and keep surfaces wet.
• Why is the tile still shiny after sanding? You may need to apply slightly more pressure or use fresh 220 grit.
• Do I need to sand grout lines? No—clean them instead; grout is soft and doesn’t require abrasion for regrouting.

Watch & Learn

For reliable tile refinishing, use high-quality silicon carbide wet/dry sheets from the fine sandpaper collection. The 220–400–800 grit sequence creates the perfect microtexture for primer and paint adhesion.

Conclusion: Sanding ceramic tiles doesn’t require force—just precision. With silicon carbide abrasives, gentle pressure, and proper cleaning, you can transform glossy tiles into a paint-ready surface that holds color and resists peeling for years.