How To File Down Ceramic Tile? [A Simple Process]

Working with the rough edges of ceramic tiles is quite inconvenient. This problem is generally created after cutting the tile. Filing can be a perfect solution for unfinished edges, which makes them smooth. Therefore, one should know the right way to file down ceramic tile to do the job perfectly.

The filling is usually done to dull the uneven edges and joints of the ceramic tile. You should follow the effective and safest procedure that prevents damaging the glaze of the tile. Besides, it is essential to know some additional tips. Also, some mistaken factors should be avoided.

However, today’s article will discuss the factors involved in correctly dealing with ceramic slate edges. Hopefully, all the matters and answers to most of the essential questions in the following sections will be helpful for any DIYer.

5 Simple And Safe Steps To File Down Ceramic Tile: 

Ceramic tile filing is a strategic procedure requiring some precise steps. The right approach allows one to succeed safely and let the work be done. Therefore find out what are the essential steps.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Things

The process requires some essential items that will make each step easier. Now, look at the list below to know which tools should be collected at the beginning of the job.

• Ceramic tile;
• File;
• A table;
• Hand gloves;
• Safety goggles.

Step 2: Take Safety Measures

First, take some precautionary measures before starting work. When cutting and filing ceramic slates, fine dust is released into the air, which can enter the eyes, nose, or mouth. People must use goggles to avoid this. 

Also, wear hand gloves as your hands can inadvertently be injured. Moreover, gloves are especially effective in protecting against dust.

Step 3: Place Tile On Table

Place the tile with uneven edges in a flat place. Using a table is a better option in this case. Keep the block in such a way that it is 2 inches from the end of the table surface. This will facilitate filing.

On the other hand, hold the other part on the table with your hand as you must apply enough pressure while filing. If not pressed by hand, the workpiece may fall and break. After setting up well, go to the next step.

Step 4: File The Tile

Now it’s time for filing. In this case, A report in “The New York Times” ⁽¹⁾ suggests using a medium file. Hold the file with the opposite hand with the hand holding the part of the slate on the table. A file is a suitable handheld tool to finish any edge. So, keep rubbing the edge with the file evenly back and forth.

How long it takes to be smooth depends on the roughness of the title cut. Continue rubbing evenly on all edges until the desired result is achieved. Repeat the process a few times according to the necessity.

Step 5: Wipe The Tiles

Once the rubbing is complete, wipe the entire slate with a damp or soft cloth as lots of dust has accumulated on and around it. Wipe them in such a way that no debris is left anywhere.

Not all ceramic blocks get bad cuts. Therefore, it is essential to quickly fill the problematic one for immediate use and remove dust and dirt.

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Filing Down Ceramic Tiles: 

Due to ignorance, people often make some mistakes while filing down ceramic slates. One must have a complete idea of these faults to avoid them in time. However, now you will learn about some of these mistakes, including ways to prevent them.

Mistakes	Outcome	Ways To Avoid
Not enough filing	This can leave the work unfinished and create an inconvenient situation in subsequent tiling.	Spend enough time filing down until the workpiece gets a smooth edge.
Not using table	The file does not work well and is interrupted by rubbing as the body is in a flat position.	Place it on a high place like a table so that the working part is out of the table surface.
Negligence to be safe	The edges of a smoothed slate are sharp which is risky. Hands can be cut off if gloves are not worn.	Do not forget to use safety gloves to protect your hands from injury.
Too much filing	Excess filing damages the good parts in addition to the rough edges. Beginners usually make this kind of mistake.	Maintain a measure of the cutting area. Marking the part is a better idea.
Not using the right grit	The brinks do not get the right condition. This is a waste of time and can even damage the workpiece.	For very rough edges 60 – grit to 80 – grit is applied first and after flexing 200 – grit can be used.

7 Tips For Filing Down Ceramic Tiles Safely:

Tips always present something special that allows any task to be flawless. In the case of ceramic plate filing, it is essential to know some important and helpful tips. This will help to make the project more perfect.

Tip 1: Do Not Touch Edge Without Gloves

Do not hold the workpiece empty-handed. When the slate is rubbed, its edges become acute, which is dangerous to touch. You may want to test and examine it by touching it unknowingly. For this, keep gloves on your hands until the end of the work to keep you safe from minor injuries.

Tip 2: Use Power Tool

This is an updated version of the earlier Saber saw. It can work faster than manual filing equipment. A study has shown in the book “Popular Science” ⁽²⁾ that Saber was widely popular for cutting complex objects like ceramic slates and giving a solid edge. You can change the blade and file as needed.

Tip 3: Keep Hands Away From File

When holding the extra part of the slate, make sure that the hand does not come close to the file. Especially be careful when using the automatic tool. The file runs in such a way as to perfect the rough part of the slate. So, contact with the skin can cause damage.

Tip 4: Keep Your Mind To Rest

In this case, DIYers recommend using handle-mounted files. Brink smoothing is a more delicate task that requires more attention. Since this file is operated manually, the mind can be rested by slowing down. Therefore, it can be more focused on work for a long time.

Tip 5: Start From A corner

Carelessness can cause damage to the slate. When it is necessary to sand around it, start from this corner and work in a circular motion. One should gradually increase speed. Otherwise, the workpiece may get severely damaged, which is almost impossible to recover.

Tip 6: Change File If Necessary

Power tools often have several extra files you can use according to their needs. The device is suitable for ceramic blocks and will not be perfect for other materials. So, do not forget to replace the file that can work on sensitive slate options.

Tip 7: Use Respiratory Mask

Do not forget to use a respiratory mask. The place needs to be looked at while filing. Therefore, flying fine dust particles enter the body through the airways and cause respiratory discomfort. Before starting rubbing, cover the nose and mouth very well with a mask so that no dust or debris enters the body.

Related Questions About Tiling Down Ceramic Tile:

Can You File Or Sand A Ceramic Tile Yourself?

Following the right way, you can do the ceramic tile filing or sanding yourself. If you are trying it for the first time, a manual sander should be used as it can control the speed and focus on the workpiece properly. Also, be aware of the potential mistakes. 

The task is not difficult as it comes with just a few simple steps. You just need to have the necessary tools. Handle-mounted tools or power file machines can be used to interfere easily with the slate edges. But, using a power file as a beginner can be a bit difficult, although it helps sand in the fastest time.

What Is The Best Way To File A Tile?

The best way to file a tile is to use a hand-held or manual file. Moreover, the file works well to retain the brightness of a ceramic tile. Because it does not easily reach the tile surface and damage the glaze, the opposite can happen in the case of sand or anything else. Many people use sandpaper which is not practical in most cases. 

Sandpaper can inadvertently move to the surface and cause it to fade. Masking tape can also be used, but if the brinks are too rough, the masking tape will not work well without sanding. Therefore, it is good to use a file. Notably, a manual file is recommended that deals equally with each uneven edge portion.

Is Grinding Or Filing The Ceramic Tiles Same?

Generally, grinding and filing function on ceramic tile in the same way. Although grinding is a cutting process, it has different uses that can work great with unpolished brinks. Its round head can crush hard material like ceramic slate on-demand in less time. There is no manual tool for grinding, so you have to do the job with a power tool.

The task of filing is also to conduct with the uneven edges of the ceramic tile after any cut. The carbide grit cement can easily remove the complex rough parts of the tile by rubbing. However, the grinding and filing are the same significant task on ceramic slates performed by different machines.

How Do You Grind Down Ceramic Tiles?

First, place the tile on the table and fasten it with strong clips, so it does not move. Set up the grinder with the correct grit. After attaching correctly, push the grit with the palm of your hand to make sure it sticks. Now, press the red button on the machine and turn it on. As the tool will work for polishing, hold the machine upside down in rough places.

But, in this case, it is necessary to Keep grinding from left to right until the desired edge is achieved. Be careful that the grit cannot be kept in one place for a long time while rotating. This can make the brinks more uneven with other parts.

Can You Sand Down Ceramic Tiles?

The ceramic tile can be sanded down to solve the rough edges. This can be done with both manual and power tools. Using low grit sandpaper such as 60 or 80 for very rough edges is recommended when doing the work manually. 200-grit sandpaper gives a more delicate finish as soon as the edges come to a semi-smooth finish.

Caution is essential when using a power tool as it crushes tiles quickly. Therefore, apply gentle pressure and check the places after use. You can also use a file that gives a nice edge to the plate. At the end of all, you can do the work of finishing with sandpaper or power.

How Do You Shave Down Ceramic Tiles?

First, prepare a table saw for ceramic tile shaving down. Be sure to wear safety goggles for eye protection as there is enough dust in the air during dry work. Now use the device like a grinder. After setting the edge of the tile, turn on the machine and gently push the tile. Whether you are doing this for the first time, it is better to do it at a lower speed.

However, a drummer with a carbide blade can work well in this step. Use hacks with round carbide blades to make a thick cutoff. Moreover, tie an indefinite deadline within which shaving will end.

Final Verdict:

Ceramic tile installation is convenient only when its edges are even. Filing is one of the most popular methods of sanding, which is used by most DIYers. This article has presented an effective way to file down ceramic tiles.

Hopefully, the entire process will help you to get the desired tile condition. Most significantly, people should clearly know ​​the mistakes and ways to avoid those. At the same time, do not forget to take safety precautions that will allow the work to go smoothly.

References

(1)Gladstone, B. (1982, March 21). HOME CLINIC; REPAIRING OR REPLACING CERAMIC TILE: SOME TIPS ON CUTTING. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/21/nyregion/home-clinic-repairing-or-replacing-ceramic-tile-some-tips-on-cutting.html?searchResultPosition=3

(2)Luckett, H. P. (Ed.). (1972). Popular Science. Michael Hadley. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=psqW_3WpLaMC&pg=PA60&dq=file+down+ceramic+tile&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOj_afr9j4AhUW-TgGHd4NA0sQ6AF6BAg5EAI#v=onepage&q=file%20down%20ceramic%20tile&f=false