Assess the Damage First

  • Small surface chip (under 5mm): Nail polish or tile touch-up paint is sufficient
  • Larger chip (5–20mm): Epoxy putty or tile filler compound gives a more durable repair
  • Cracked through or very large chip: Full tile replacement is the better option

Method 1: Nail Polish (Small Chips)

  1. 1

    Clean and dry the chip completely

    Clean the chipped area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry fully. Any moisture or grease prevents adhesion.

  2. 2

    Apply matching nail polish in thin layers

    Find a nail polish that closely matches the tile colour. Apply in thin coats, letting each dry before the next. Build up to be flush with the tile surface. Finish with a clear top coat for protection. Best for small chips where an exact colour match is difficult — the gloss matches ceramic glaze well.

Method 2: Epoxy Putty (Larger Chips)

  1. 3

    Mix the epoxy putty

    Two-part epoxy putty (available from hardware stores, $8–15) comes in two components. Knead equal amounts together until a uniform colour. Work quickly — most epoxy putties have a working time of 5–10 minutes.

  2. 4

    Press into the chip and smooth flush

    Press the putty firmly into the chip, slightly overfilling. Smooth flush with the tile surface using a wet finger or a plastic scraper. Remove excess immediately before it sets.

  3. 5

    Let cure, then paint to match

    Allow to cure fully (typically 1 hour). Sand lightly with fine sandpaper to level. Apply tile touch-up paint (available from tile shops and hardware stores) in the matching colour. Seal with a clear waterproof sealant.

Matching the colourTake a photo of the tile to a tile shop — they often stock touch-up paints in common tile colours, or can mix a custom match. Hardware stores stock white, cream, grey and terracotta touch-up paints that cover most common tiles. A slight colour mismatch is far less noticeable than an unfilled chip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Replace when: the tile is cracked all the way through (structural integrity is compromised), the chip is very large (over 20mm), the chip is in a high-traffic area where a repair will not hold, or the aesthetic result matters greatly (e.g. a feature tile in a prominent location). For floor tiles in wet areas, a cracked tile should be replaced rather than repaired as water can penetrate cracks and damage the substrate.
Yes, but use a waterproof two-part epoxy specifically — not regular putty or nail polish which will not withstand constant water exposure. Clean and dry the area thoroughly before repair (the tile must be fully dry, which may require 24–48 hours after last use). Seal with a waterproof grout sealer after the repair has cured.