Mosaic Tile Countertop Has Sharp Edges

Question

I made an outdoor countertop with some spare ceramic tiles, part of it is a mosaic from busted up tiles. After grouting and cleaning, the grout sunk or was 'over wiped' and now there is many sharp edges that can cut someone. I can't add more grout, but would like to 'fill' the low areas somehow to cover the edges. Or what?

Z · Answer

Oh that must have been disappointing after all that work! The only thing I can think of to look into would be a thick epoxy coating. Hopefully someone else will come along that knows if this is possible. When I Googled I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310363364700?lpid=82

Pat Dollar · Answer

Perhaps you could sand down the excess grout with an electric sander.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Yes Becky is correct that the tiles will not have color all the way through, but based on the color of the grout the tile edges should blend in fine. A belt sander will work as will any other. Take your time so you do not overheat the edges as you round them off. Nice Job! Do not forget to seal it well.

Jeanette S · Answer

This project is just too pretty to give up on and throw out so I think I would try the sanding and then if needed, put an epoxy coating on it!

DR HANDY · Answer

Try a poured acrylic clear coat which will protect it and even it out.

C & S Creations · Answer

I agree with Dr Handy on this one and would try a poured acrylic coat

SK on Elderberry · Answer

I have done the very same thing in the past and found if I used my Roto-Zip with the grinder blade I can grind just enough to take that edge off. I did go through and hit the undercoat which is usually a red clay. I just took some off white flat paint and glazed it and then put a Matt poly coat for durability.

Teri · Answer

There is a white block stone that you can get just for this purpose.You can ask at lowes or a tile place. I have one but not sure what it is called. The guy that layed our heated tile floor told me about it since I also do allot of mosaic work. It also is used to sharpen a wet saw. You just run this rock block over the top and it files down all the sharp edges.

Loretta · Answer

I have a table that I put tiles on and it did the same thing but it was due to weather it is on my porch. I added more grout and it did fine. Or should I say my husband did it for me. Good luck with yours.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

After reading the post again, I am going to amend my answer. I was thinking around the outside edges and not the center areas where the tiles were set. A small dermal tool with a stone grinder edge. Much like a dentist would use can soften the sharp edges and should be able to blend into the existing grout really well. Will take a while, but what great project does not.

Spheramid Enterprises · Answer

Epoxy is a no no, it isn't UV stable and won't last. I'd be getting a diamond burr for a Dremel type tool ( rotary tool) and carefully breaking the sharp edges. To avoid this in the future all pcs. ought to be done the same way before laying it up for final setting.

Charleen · Answer

I found a table a long the side of the road & fixed it up painted & tiled the top & put crushed glass in
 the grout

Pat · Answer

If you are talking about around the edge of the table....how about wood quarter round nailed/glued on and paint it to match your table. If you are talking about the grout on the tile, I would think you could regrout it and then level it off, though epoxy (marine varnish) would do also.

Teri · Answer

This is what I came up with. First found out using un- sanded grout was wrong. It should be used for joints no more than 1/8' wide, if larger the grout can shrink and that's what happened. So, what I did was round off the sharp tile edges with a dremel tool. This took awhile. Then I heard about Mod Podge Outdoors. I applied it and it filled up the gaps pretty well, let it dry then  I will have to do another layer. It is a thick paste, it goes on white but dries clear. Then I will spray it with a clear acrylic sealer.

Teri · Answer

Also...want to thank everyone for their comments!

Linda · Answer

Make a paste of baking soda and peroxide then apply it to your grout with a toothbrush. Let it sit a little and then remove with a clean cloth.

Agnes Chrzanowska · Answer

sand it off

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