Partial replacement of tiles in the bathroom. How to replace bathroom tiles: budget and exclusive alternative finishes

Since the bathroom is the room that we visit most often, the need for its repair increases dramatically. However, many are wondering why the tiles in the bathroom are falling off? Over time, various flaws appear on the surface of the tile, and therefore restoration of the tiles in the bathroom will be required. This is often due to the fact that constant humidity affects the entire surface, as well as a sharp change in temperature, which causes the tiles in the bathroom to crack.

If the tile in the bathroom is swollen, this indicates that during operation moisture got under it or errors were made during its installation.

If your bathroom tile is coming off or it just started to crack, then this indicates the need to restore it.

That being said, enough people are asking seasoned experts how to restore bathroom tiles without having to renovate the entire bathroom. Let's consider what is the replacement of tiles in the bathroom and how this can be done.

How to repair the tiles in the bathroom if there are cracks in some places? This can be done in the following way. First you need to clean the dirt in the cracks with water. Then mix the glue with paint that matches the color of the tile. After that, we close up all the defects with the resulting composition. Note that such restoration of old tiles in the bathroom as wall painting is practically not used at the present time, since this is not the elimination of the causes of the problem, but only the “hiding” of shortcomings. But at the same time, this option is budget. With this solution to the problem, the old tiles in the bathroom will continue to crack. Therefore, replacing the tiles in the bathroom is the only correct solution to all problems.

Tile repair - where to start?

Repairing bathroom tiles is a process that requires care and attention. In this article, we will figure out what points the restoration of tiles in the bathroom consists of. And also, in fact, how to change the tiles in the bathroom with your own hands.

Repair of tiles in the bathroom, for starters, includes preliminary work that is associated with preparing the surface for tiles.

Before changing the tiles in the bathroom, you should clean the ceiling and walls from the previous coating.

We change the tiles in the bathroom with the help of special tools. For convenience, we recommend that you use a mechanical puncher (with a spatula nozzle), a building hair dryer (which softens the paint), a spatula, or even a chisel (you can easily renew old tiles in the bathroom with it). After the complete removal of the previous coating, the work surface should be treated before the next stage of restoration of the tiles in the bathroom. To do this, it is enough to use a soap solution.
Restoration of tiles in the bathroom at the next stage includes the process of priming with ordinary glue, which we dilute with water in a ratio of 1 to 1.

After that, you can already install the door frame for future doors. If necessary, at the same stage, the procedure for leveling the ceiling surface is carried out - for which it is necessary to putty the surface. The last stage of the repair is, in fact, the replacement of tiles in the bathroom. Experienced masters know how to update bathroom tiles without resorting to complex and expensive methods. For example, in order not to crack the tiles in the bathroom, it is necessary to pre-strengthen the ceiling and walls with a special mesh.

Basic rules for laying tiles

Before you start laying tiles, you need to take care of all the necessary tools that make it much easier to repair tiles in the bathroom:

• level;
• mastic, glue and solutions;
• spatula;
• set of distributors.

Next, we make a complete marking of the walls using a vertical level. You should also determine where the bathroom tile replacement will start from, since a symmetrical pattern should start from the central part of the wall or other surface.

If the tile has a uniform texture, then it should be laid from the lower left corner. To prevent cracks on the tiles in the bathroom, it is necessary to fix plastic crosses between the tiles. The thickness of the crosses will depend on the size of the tile - the larger the tile, the thicker the crosses should be.

Please note that in order not to fall off the tile in the bathroom, it must be laid as follows. The very first tile is located at the intersection of horizontal and vertical marking lines. Next, glue the second tile next to it. The third tile must be applied a little higher than the first, so that the tile in the bathroom does not crack. This way of laying is a kind of steps, which we continue to lay up and to the side. In the photo below you can see how to do it correctly.

After 20-25 days, we overwrite the seams with a special solution. Grouting is not only a great way to update bathroom tiles, but also a necessary procedure.

Replacing broken tiles

Very often you may encounter the fact that one of the tiles on the lining is cracked or damaged. In this case, nothing will help, except for replacing the damaged tile with a new tile. You can easily do it yourself, quickly and simply. The first thing to consider is the strength of the adhesive on which the damaged tile was planted. After all, the stronger the glue was, the more difficult it will be to dismantle the damaged tile.

If the tile does not hold tightly, a light blow will be enough for the tile to fall off, but if the damaged tile is firmly planted on the glue, you will have to use a chisel plus everything. Just chip the tile into pieces, breaking it into pieces, it is easier to peel off.

When the damaged tile has been removed, before sticking a new one in its place, you need to prepare the surface. The first thing to do is to clear the place of the slightest fragments and remnants of the old glue. When the surface is completely cleaned, you need to prepare a new tile. Carefully check the match of the size of the tiles and the nuances of the shades. If there is a pattern on the tile, make sure that it matches the pattern of the previously laid out, pasted tile.

In this article, you learned how to restore the tiles in the bathroom with your own hands, without resorting to complex and costly procedures. We also note that updating the tiles in the bathroom is a great opportunity, moreover, to refresh your home.

It may happen that the “classic of the genre” - tiles - is fed up, and you want to somehow change the design of the bathroom, make it more original. Let's try to get to the heart of the matter and find out what finishes you can choose and how to replace the tiles in the bathroom so that the space of this room does not lose its beauty and functionality, but at the same time is completely transformed.

It is advisable to use materials that meet certain requirements dictated by the specifics of the room. First of all, it is moisture resistance, practicality and, of course, aesthetics.

You can create a cozy and comfortable bathroom interior using:

• waterproof wallpaper;
• paint;
• mirror and glass tiles;
• mosaic;
• wood;
• phototile;
• fake diamond;
• liquid wallpaper.

If you are looking for an acceptable replacement for the floor, then laying artificial stone or self-leveling floors can be a good solution.

Self-leveling floors in the bathroom look interesting and unusual

Before replacing bathroom tile with any alternative, you should make sure that the material you choose will outperform, or at least be as good as, decades-old proven tile.

Plastic panels

The material is attractive for practicality, simple installation technology and affordability. The variety of types of plastic panels, different in texture, color solutions and sizes, is striking. They can have a glossy or matte finish. The most popular PVC panels are white, pastel colors and imitation of natural stone - onyx, marble, etc. You can purchase panels that are difficult to distinguish from tiled lining.

You can decorate the interior of the bathroom in a modern style with the help of plastic panels.

This bathroom finish does not require alignment of the walls, it is moisture resistant. It is advisable to use panels for the ceiling. The disadvantages of the material include not very high strength characteristics. If you neglect the careful sealing of the seams, mold may appear on the inner surface of the panels. The material is attached to the crate.

Wallpaper in the bathroom - unusual, but quite possible

A good alternative to tiles in the bathroom is the use of wallpaper, which is recommended to be combined, for example, with tiles or decorative panels. The usual paper version is unsuitable for the bathroom. You can only use products with the marking "three waves", indicating increased moisture resistance. The facing material is coated with a water-repellent layer, withstands temperature changes and is immune to the penetration of hot steam.

Vinyl or fiberglass moisture-resistant wallpaper is a great replacement for boring tiles. But this option for changing the interior requires the use of a moisture-resistant primer, and the glue must contain antifungal components.

Vinyl wallpaper with 3d glitter will look very unusual on the walls of the bathroom.

Very practical in bathrooms - washable wallpaper. Their surface is covered with a protective film and is less exposed to the damaging effects of moisture.

Washable wallpaper for bathrooms

As an additional protection against moisture, the joints of the canvases are coated with silicone sealant. Wallpapers with bright, colorful patterns and patterns are perfect. It should be borne in mind that the life of the wallpaper in the bathroom is quite short. The option will be of interest to lovers of frequent changes.

Glass and mirror tiles

Glass tiles are an elegant and original, but rather expensive way of finishing. The material is durable, does not deform, does not lose its attractiveness for a long time. An extensive range of formats and colors allows you to implement almost any, even the most daring, design ideas. Such a surface is hygienic and safe. It is easy to care for it with glass cleaners.

Mirror tiles on the ceiling in the bathroom will visually expand the space.

An excellent choice for a bathroom can be a tile imitating granite, phosphorus, silver, or a material with the effect of an icy surface. For connoisseurs of original and elegant design, glass tiles offer truly unlimited possibilities. This cladding is suitable for both walls and floors.

Mirror tiles are the perfect decoration for the bathroom

An excellent effect can be achieved by combining ceramic and glass tiles, especially since the same thickness of the materials somewhat simplifies working with them. Calling on your imagination to help, you can create unique, inimitable compositions.

Bathroom interior combines glass and ceramic tiles

Often, glass decor is used to decorate the bathroom, which is produced in the form of tiles of different colors, having a thickness of 4 mm. Their size is usually 100x100 or 65x65 mm. Such a facing material is used to create decorative panels and mosaic patterns.

Mosaic on the bathroom wall

A great alternative to bathroom tiles is mirror tiles. The room, lined with such material, has an exclusive, stylish look. With the right selection of adhesive mixtures, the tile is securely held on the surface for a long time, it is not afraid of either heat or moisture. Mirror tiles visually increase the space of the room. More often the color of the reflective layer is silver, but other dyes (blue, gold, pale pink, etc.) can also be used.

Plastic mirror panels are similar to tiles, but they are a flexible material that can be used on more than just flat surfaces. With large panels, finishing work progresses faster. This is facilitated by the low weight of the sheets. The panel is a plastic base coated with a reflective film. It can be transparent or glossy, sometimes it has a decorative pattern. It can be given any shape using an ordinary clerical knife.

Plastic mirror panels

You can list all the ways to design a bathroom for a long time, especially when you consider the many different ways to combine materials. No one better than specialists who know all the intricacies of working with each specific finishing option will complete this task. Therefore, in the absence of practical skills and experience in this area, the most rational solution would be to turn to professionals.

Very often there is a need to update boring tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, but it is not always possible to completely replace the coating. In this case, you can make some changes to it yourself. So you get a new, bright and repaired surface without changing the tile itself.

Despite the high strength and wear resistance of the material, over time, any tile needs to be updated.

Why do it

How to understand that it's time to make changes to the tiling? This question is rather individual. Everyone decides when it is necessary to carry out cosmetic repairs or change the decor in the house. Nevertheless, several general situations can be deduced that lead to such a solution:

• Pollution. The tile is covered with streaks, plaque or grease. Stains are difficult to wash off, the seams change their color.
• Obsolescence. The coloring has faded, and the drawing is no longer relevant. In addition, over time, the same design gets bored.
• Style change. For example, you decide to change the bright fusion to a more calm and romantic style. Bright tiles can be decorated in pastel colors.
• Repair. Replacing furniture leads to the fact that you need to pick up a new apron, floor and walls under it, but it is not always possible to lay a new tile.
• Defect. Chips, scratches and cracks on one or more elements.

It is not necessary to wait for the wear of the coating or repair, you can take personal initiative and renew the tile at any time.

Pollution and loss of attractiveness are the most common reasons for tile renovation.

Training

Before you decide to update the tile with your own hands, you need to perform a number of manipulations. Without proper preparation, you are unlikely to be able to improve the appearance of the coating.

In order for the new design to look aesthetically pleasing and securely held on the tile, the following steps must be taken:

1. Grade. To begin with, inspect the tile, note visible defects and consider possible options for their elimination. Consider several design options.
2. Seam cleaning. Remove dirt from the joints between the tiles and, if possible, whiten the grout or remove its damaged layer.
3. Dirt removal. Wash off all dirt and stains that can be removed naturally from the surface of the tile: limescale, rust, greasy splashes, etc.
4. Degreasing. Use a solvent or alcohol to walk over the surface to remove the greasy film. This stage is mandatory for any kind of decor.
5. Grinding. Performed as needed. The top layer of glaze is cleaned from the tile, and bumps and hardened dirt are also removed.
6. Padding. Surface coating with a primer is used mainly before painting.

Dirt removal is an important factor in the preparatory work

Grout replacement

The most common option for updating ceramic tiles, especially in the bathroom, is to replace grout. Through such an operation, you can give the coating a neater look, remove dirt, fungus and mold that have clogged into the seams, and simply change the appearance.

You can do the following:

• locally update the grout;
• completely replace the grout with the same as it was;
• change the color of the seams;
• draw patterns with colored mastic.

Using a scraper, you can remove the old grout from the tile joints

Consider how to update the old tiles in the bathroom and in the kitchen in this way:

1. Wet the joints with water and let the grout soak slightly.
2. Using a blade, make cuts along the edge of the joints.
3. With a scraper or similar tool, remove the old mastic from the seams.
4. Clean out the recesses.
5. Treat the seams with an antiseptic.
6. Prepare a new mass and fill the seams with it.
7. Remove excess and wash the tile after drying.

Coating repair

There are also such unpleasant situations when, for one reason or another, some elements of the cladding become unusable. Defects spoil the appearance of the tile, but this problem can be solved by carrying out a light repair.

If the tile is cracked, chipped or scratched, or just started to move away from the mortar, as often happens in the bathroom, you should replace it with a new one. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Clean the grout from the joints around the perimeter of the damaged element.
2. Pour water into the seams and wait for the solution to soak.
3. Carefully pry the tile with a spatula or screwdriver and remove it. Try not to touch adjacent fragments.
4. If you plan to put it back in place, you need to clean off the entire solution from the back. The wall from the glue must be cleaned in any case.
5. Prepare the grout and apply it to the new tile.
6. Attach the tile to its place and press it. Set the level, seams and tap with a mallet.
7. Seal the seams after drying.

Sometimes it may be necessary to dismantle a sufficiently large fragment of the cladding

You can use the same tile, buy a similar one, or stick a completely different piece, for example, with a pattern. In this way, several parts can be replaced even for no apparent reason related to damage.

Painting

A very interesting option that allows you to update ceramic tiles in the kitchen or bathroom with your own hands is the use of paint. Since tiling surfaces involves their constant contact with water, it is best to use waterproof acrylic mixtures.

In order to paint the tiles you will need:

• dye;
• primer;
• roller or brush;
• masking tape or template.

First you need to carefully clean the surface and degrease it. If you plan to completely open the tile with paint, then you need to sand and prime it in advance.

You can update the tiles and refresh the interior with the help of painting

It is more convenient to apply paint with a roller, but with a brush you can create a texture. Painting should be done in two layers, allowing it to dry slightly. In order not to smear other objects or paint only part of the tile, use masking tape. To create patterns, you can lay out the contours with it or fix the prepared templates on the tile.

self-adhesive

Another way to effectively update old tiles in the kitchen involves the use of adhesive-backed PVC film. Otherwise, it is called self-adhesive. This material is suitable for finishing almost any surface, besides, it is very convenient and easy to work with it.

You can create a unique apron in the kitchen by using a film with a photo print, an ornament, or simply by combining several colors in one composition. You can also decorate the walls in the bathroom. You can cut out decorative elements from it or buy ready-made vinyl interior stickers.

In order to fix the film on the tile, it is necessary to remove any protrusions on its surface and degrease the coating. Cut the self-adhesive into fragments of the desired size, separate the protective paper slightly and start gluing from the corner, smoothing it with a rubber spatula to remove bubbles.

If you need to cover a volumetric or embossed tile with a film, you can use a regular hair dryer for this. To begin with, wet the tile with water and stick the film, so you can adjust its position. Turn on the hair dryer and gently heat the self-adhesive in the place where it is adjacent to the bulk element. It will begin to take the form of a base. After that, drive off excess water around the edges and cut off excess film.

It is important not to overheat the PVC material, otherwise it will melt, keep the hair dryer at a distance or reduce the heating intensity.

With the help of self-adhesive film, you can create a rather unusual and original interior.

Volumetric decor

A very interesting way to update a plain, boring tile in a bathroom or kitchen is to use various small details to create three-dimensional compositions. For this purpose you will need:

• beads;
• stones and rhinestones;
• shells;
• buttons;
• coffee beans;
• glass and other details.

Volumetric decor can not only decorate the bathroom, but also mask the damaged surface.

With their help, you can selectively decorate areas of the room or individual tiles. You can attach such an ornament to superglue, acrylic varnish or hot melt adhesive. Thus, you can create a marine theme in the bathroom, complement the kitchen apron, etc. The specific look and composition of the composition depends solely on your imagination.

All ways to update the tiling are great for both surfaces in the kitchen and for the bathroom. In such simple ways, you can radically change the appearance, style and perception of the interior, bring fresh notes and comfort into it. With the help of improvised means, you can do the redecoration of the premises with your own hands with minimal costs of both money and your own efforts.

Almost any bathroom is fully or partially lined with ceramic tiles. Today, this material is considered, perhaps, unsurpassed for rooms with high humidity. Approximately 80% of the collections of all global tile manufacturers are dedicated specifically to bathrooms. Laying and replacing tiles in the bathroom are in incredible demand. This is especially true for cities such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, where you can buy tiles of any price range from different manufacturers, such as, for example:

• Russian Kerabud and Ukrainian Atem
• Polish Cersanit, Oposzno and Paradyz
• Spanish Peronda, Venis and Rocersa
• Italian Ragno, Atlas Concorde and Caesar

Each collection is presented not only in different price ranges, but also in different sizes and shapes. Therefore, laying or replacing tiles should only be carried out by an experienced specialist, who can be easily found on the Youdo crowdsource exchange.

Why do you need to replace tiles?

Bathroom tiles, especially floor tiles, are often exposed to external impacts. In addition, the replacement of tiles in the bathroom may be necessary in the following situations:

• the house has shrunk, the wall has sagged, and the tiles have crumbled, or have chipped and cracked
• over time, the old grout mixture spilled out of the joints, and the dry adhesive mixture began to spill out, as a result of which voids appeared under the tile, and it failed
• the bathroom is being renovated, for which it is necessary to remove all or part of the old tile

In each of these situations, the replacement of tiles will take place taking into account certain features.

Bathroom tile replacement

Despite the specifics of the work on replacing tiles in the bathroom, depending on the situation that caused it, there is a general algorithm for carrying out this procedure:

• removal of damaged tiles or their row with complete cleaning of the surface on which they were located
• restoration of the base of the wall or floor on which the new tile will be laid
• direct laying of new material using a level and a rubber mallet
• decorative finishing work after laying the tiles, including grouting the joints with special grout mixtures

The bathroom is exactly the place that every person visits several times a day.

Therefore, the need for repair of this room is much higher than in any other. This occurs due to the fact that the ceiling, walls, as well as plumbing equipment are subject to constant humidity, significant temperature changes.

What are the stages of a bathroom renovation? How to do the process of replacing tiles in the bathroom with your own hands? Let's take a closer look at these points.

Changing tiles in the bathroom

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Preparatory work

The task of the first stage is to fully prepare the existing surface for fixing the new tile you have chosen on it. It is mandatory to clean the ceiling and walls from old paint or tiles.

The following tools will make this process much easier:

1. A mechanical puncher with a spatula-shaped nozzle (it will perfectly help to beat off the paint).
2. Building hair dryer (suitable if the vibration from it does not cause much harm to the surface). The hair dryer is able to soften the paint to such an extent that an ordinary spatula can easily remove it. The only negative from the use of this tool is a rather caustic and strong smell.
3. Putty knife.
4. Chisel and hammer. With their help, you can easily get rid of the old tiles.

After you have removed the old paint using the above tools, you need to clean the surface. To do this, use an ordinary soap solution. After that, a primer is performed with PVA glue diluted in water (pay attention to the ratio - it should be exclusively 1: 1).

Now pay attention to the doors of the room and the door frame as a whole. You must select them in advance. An excellent option are doors made of aluminum profile or plastic. If preference is given to natural, then they must be covered with a special protective moisture-resistant varnish. If there is a need to expand the doorway, then this is also done without any problems. The door frame itself is installed immediately, but it is better to hang the door only when all the dirty work is finally completed.

If necessary, the ceiling surface is leveled. To do this, putty is applied in an even layer for coloring.

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We lay the tiles according to the rules

Take care of the following tools and materials in advance:

1. Vertical level or plumb.
2. Glue, mastic, and Portland cement mortar.
3. Notched trowel.
4. A set of plastic crosses.

Initially, it is necessary to carry out a complete marking of the walls. A vertical level or plumb line will help with this task. After that, vertical and horizontal lines are applied. This is necessary for orientation when laying tiles. It is very important to decide where to start laying the material. If there is a symmetrical pattern, laying starts from the middle of the wall.

Please note that it is advisable to set the first risk to indicate the height of the tile from the floor. Further from it, it is necessary to very accurately and carefully draw a line around the perimeter of the bathroom. If everything is done correctly, then the lines will close after passing along the perimeter. In order to glue the tiles with high quality, it is necessary to use high-quality glue, mastic or Portland cement mortar. To facilitate the process of applying the adhesive, it is recommended to use a notched trowel.

It is mandatory to fix a plastic cross between the tiles.

It will not be superfluous to note that it must be chosen correctly. This can only be done taking into account the height of the existing tile.

It is important to know that crosses having a thickness of 3 mm are suitable for tiles 30x20 in size. If the dimensions of the selected tile are 25x3, then the thickness of the cross is 2.5 mm.

During installation, you must be very careful. By the way, the first tile should be located on the vertical and horizontal marking lines. Only after that you can glue the next one next to it. Make sure that the third is slightly higher than the first. Thus, we get a kind of steps from the tiles, which are successively laid out up and to the side.

After 30 days, it is necessary to wipe the seams with a special sealant.