How to Remove Scratches from Porcelain Tiles at Home
How to remove light scratches from polished porcelain tiles at home, step by step, with the Faber Scratch-Off Kit.
Polished porcelain tiles look great until the first scratches show up. Furniture legs, grit carried in on shoes and dragged appliances leave fine lines that catch the light. The good news is that light surface scratches on polished porcelain can usually be repaired at home, without replacing the tile.
This guide explains how to check what kind of damage you have, what you need, and the step-by-step method using the Faber Scratch-Off Kit, a porcelain tile scratch remover made for polished porcelain.
First, check what kind of scratch it is
Run a fingernail across the mark. If your nail glides over it and the line mostly shows in reflected light, it is a surface scratch or abrasion in the polished layer. That is the kind of damage a scratch-repair treatment is made for.
If your nail catches in a groove, or the tile is chipped or cracked, the damage goes deeper. A home kit will not fill a chip. For deep damage, see our professional scratch removal service.
Also check the finish. The Scratch-Off Kit is made for polished porcelain tiles. Matt and textured tiles have a different surface, so do not use a polishing treatment on them without testing first.
What you need
The Faber Scratch-Off Kit contains:
- 1 x Scratch Off Cleaner, 500 ml: a concentrated cleaner to prepare the surface
- 1 x Scratch Off Light, 250 ml: restoration treatment for light-coloured tiles
- 1 x Scratch Off Dark, 250 ml: restoration treatment for dark-coloured tiles
- 2 x FAB K pads: for applying the Light or Dark treatment
- 1 x white pad: for cleaning before and after
You will also need an adjustable-speed hand polisher that can run at 700 to 1500 rpm, masking tape, plastic film, water and a clean dry cloth.
How to remove scratches from porcelain tiles, step by step
- Clean the area. Dilute Scratch Off Cleaner 1 part in 9 parts water for normal cleaning, or 1 part in 2 to 4 parts water for stubborn dirt. Scrub with the white pad, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.
- Let it dry completely. Never treat a wet surface.
- Mask and test. Tape off the scratch with masking tape and plastic film to protect the tiles around it. Try the treatment on a small area that is out of sight first.
- Apply the treatment. Put a few drops of Scratch Off Light (light tiles) or Scratch Off Dark (dark tiles) on the scratch. Spread it with the FAB K pad on the polisher, with the polisher switched off.
- Buff along the scratch. Switch on at 700 to 1500 rpm. Keep the pad flat, use light pressure and move slowly in straight strokes along the line of the scratch until the product is fully dry.
- Repeat. Most scratches need 3 to 5 applications. Deeper or wider scratches need more.
- Finish. Rinse with water and the white pad, then wipe dry.
Light tiles or dark tiles: pick the right treatment
The kit has two separate treatments so the repaired spot matches the tile around it. Use Scratch Off Light on light-coloured tiles and Scratch Off Dark on dark-coloured tiles. Do not use Scratch Off Dark on a light-coloured surface.
Mistakes to avoid
- Working on a wet tile. Let it dry fully after cleaning.
- Letting the tile overheat. If the surface gets too hot to keep your hand on, stop and let it cool.
- Treating several scratches at once. Work on one scratch at a time.
- Pressing hard or holding the polisher at an angle. Keep it flat with light pressure.
- Skipping the test patch.
Watch the process
How to stop new scratches
- Put felt pads under chair and table legs.
- Use doormats at entrances so grit stays outside. Sand and grit under shoes act like sandpaper.
- Sweep or dust-mop often, before grit gets ground in.
- Lift furniture and appliances when moving them instead of dragging.
When to call a professional
A home kit is right for light scratches and abrasions on a few tiles. If the scratches cover a large floor, the tile is chipped, or your nail catches in the groove, a professional repair is the better choice. Our team handles scratch removal on porcelain, vitrified tiles and natural stone.
For glossy vitrified tiles, read our guide on repairing scratched vitrified tiles. For marble, see marble scratch repair.
FAQ
Can scratches on porcelain tiles be removed?
Light surface scratches and abrasions on polished porcelain can usually be repaired with a scratch-repair treatment and a polisher. Chips and deep gouges cannot be polished out.
How many applications does it take?
Typically 3 to 5 applications per scratch. Deep or wide scratches need more.
Do I need a machine?
Yes. The treatment is buffed in with an adjustable-speed hand polisher at 700 to 1500 rpm, using the FAB K pads in the kit.
Will the repaired spot match the rest of the tile?
The kit has separate Light and Dark treatments so the repair matches the colour of the surrounding tile. Test on a hidden area first.
Where can I buy a porcelain tile scratch remover in India?
The Faber Scratch-Off Kit is available from Flagstone Fix. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 87792 40420 with a photo of the scratch if you are unsure it suits your tile.
