How To Make Matte Floor Tile Glossy? [The 4-Step Process]

You’ve recently installed a great set of matte floors. However, over time you notice that it’s not going with the ambiance of your house. So now you’re looking for ways to make it shiny! Wondering how you can achieve that? Let’s find out!

How to make floor tile glossy?

Here’s a 4-step process you can use to make your tiles glossy. First, you’ll need to prepare and vacuum the area off of any dust. Then, using soap and water, clean each tile individually. After that, pour some gloss fluid on the tiles. Allow the tiles to soak in the mixture then wipe it off.

This was just a brief overview of the entire process. So before you dive in and start doing it yourself, check out the entire process down below!

Matte Tiles vs Gloss Tiles

Aspect	Matte Tiles	Gloss Tiles
Appearance	Understated and non-reflective surface	Shiny and reflective, bright and vibrant
Visual Appeal	Contemporary and minimalist vibe	Elegance and sophistication
Stain Concealment	Excellent at hiding stains and smudges	Shows dirt less visibly
Cleaning Effort	May require more frequent cleaning	Easier to clean and maintain
Maintenance	Generally needs more attention	Relatively low maintenance
Durability	Durable and resistant to scratches	Prone to scratches and visible wear
Slip Resistance	Higher slip resistance	May be slippery, especially when wet
Reflectivity	Low reflectivity	High reflectivity, impacting lighting
Lighting Enhancement	Does not enhance lighting in the room	Reflects light, making the room appear larger
Aesthetic Versatility	Versatile for various design styles	Suits elegant and luxurious settings
Room Suitability	Ideal for spaces with lower foot traffic	Great for well-lit and high-traffic areas
Best for Modern Spaces	Yes	Yes
Best for Classic Spaces	Yes	Yes

What Are The Perks Of Having Glossy Floor Tiles?

Now before we get into the process, let’s find out about some of the perks. 

Firstly, glossy tiles have the advantage of reflecting light about the room. Hence, this makes tiny spaces appear larger than it already is.

Moreover, the reflecting characteristic has the added benefit of making spaces feel brighter than it is.  As a result, glossy tile floors are excellent for dimly-lit spaces.

Furthermore, glossy floors will provide you with a smooth surface. Also, the shinier the floor is, the more visible the dust. This makes it easier to clean. All you need is a simple wipe down with a cloth or a mop. 

You’re now aware of some of the amazing perks. Now you want to know how to make matte floor tiles shiny. Hence let’s not keep you waiting any longer and dive right in!

A Simple Guide On How To Make Floor Tile Glossy

Who doesn’t adore a glossy floor? They look great in any area, be it the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. However, you’ve to put in a lot of effort to get the perfect sparkling tiles. 

So, to make this process easy for you, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide. To achieve the shiny look of your tile floor, you will require the following basic tools. So, let’s start by checking those out!

Things You’ll Need

Here are the list of things you’re going to need:

• Gloss Fluid.
• Soap and water.
• Vacuum.
• Rubber gloves.
• Measuring Cup.
• Brush.

Have all you need? Great. Let’s begin the process then.

Step 1: Preparing The Area

Before you begin the work, you’ve to first prepare the area. Remove any furniture, objects, or doormats that are covering the tiles first. Also, try to keep the space closed so that no footprints are left on the tile!

Then, dry mop the floor to remove any dust. A broom can also be used to clean dust from the surface layers.

After that, vacuum the floor to pick up any residual debris. This will guarantee that the gloss fluid has a more substantial effect.  This step is also crucial when it comes to cleaning Saltillo tile floors.

Step 2: Cleaning The Surface

Compared to other tiles, matte finish tiles don’t require frequent cleaning. But, for this process to work effectively, a thorough cleaning is needed.

To begin, measure ½ cup of water, and ½ cup of soap. Then, put them together in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to blend. Go ahead and apply the solution to your tiles. 

Now, you might be perplexed trying to figure out which soap to use for the best soap for cleaning tiles. Don’t worry, we’ve got the two best brands of soap you can buy right here:

Product 1	Product 2
Dove Soap.	Crate 61 Best Seller Soap.

These two soaps should serve you really well and get the job done.

Next, grab a brush and start scrubbing the surface in small sections at a time. Make sure you’re being cautious with the brush. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the finish.

After thoroughly washing the area, rinse it off with hot water. Then, for a clean finish, wipe it down with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Now your matte floor is primed for a glossy appearance. This step is similar to eliminating dried thinset from tiles. 

Step 3: Applying Gloss Fluid On Matte Floor

And now comes the main part of the guide. After preparing and cleaning the room, it’s time to apply gloss fluid to the tiles.

First, take a bucket and add a small bit of gloss fluid to it. Then, dab the fluid with a brush that has strong bristles. If you’re looking for an alternative, try using a mop, wax applicator, or sponge. 

On a side note, avoid using string mops. It holds too much water and can damage the flooring.

Next, start applying the fluid to the tiles and ensure you cover all the areas. And verify that you’re using the gloss in an even way. Otherwise, it won’t look pleasant. Moreover, wipe away any puddles that may form on the matte floor. 

Keeping all these in might cover the entire area with the gloss fluid. 

Step 4: Drying The Gloss Fluid

Now coming onto the final process, you’ve to dry it. It may take a little bit of time to take effect. However, there are a few ways to accelerate the procedure. 

The first one might be to ventilate the room. You can achieve this by turning on the fan at full speed. Another alternative is to use sunlight. That’ll also help speed things up.  

Once the gloss fluid has dried up, apply another coat if you want more shine. Repeat the process and you’ll get the results you desired!

And that’s it! Your matte floors should now absolutely sparkle. 

How Do I Retain The Glossy Look On Matte Floors?

Congratulations on transforming your dull surface into a glossy one. But now that the hard part is over, you’ll need to know how to maintain it that way. Here are some of the tips that’ll help you do just that-

Tip 1: Vacuum And Sweep Periodically

Get rid of the dirt with a vacuum before it becomes embedded in your floor. It’s a smart option to do this every day. This is because it’s the easiest and quickest approach to prevent stains on your flooring. 

However, if you do notice some, you’ll need to get rid of stains from tiles quickly. 

Along with vacuuming, you’ll need to sweep the floor regularly. You can also use a fluffy dust mop for this. A straw broom, on the other hand, may scratch your tiles if utilized for the purpose.

Tip 2: Clean Spills Instantly

Accidents are inevitable, especially if you live in a house with children or pets.

When liquid spills are left for an extended period, the matte floor will warp. This’ll lead to damage to the floor. Therefore, it’s imperative that you remove any spills with a spoon. And then wipe away any liquid present with a soft cloth. Make sure you cater to this immediately. 

Tip 3: Using A Mat

Adding a mat will not only make your house more welcoming, but also keep tiles shiny. You can lay mats on the tile in areas where water splashes. This includes areas around sinks or baths. All liquids will be kept at bay by the mat.

Matte floors are traditionally known to be a bit slippery. Hence, adding a mat will prevent this as well. Moreover, it’ll prevent dust and dirt from accumulating as well!

If you keep on implementing these, the glossy look on tiles will last a while. And this is basically how to make matte tiles glossy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the gloss conversion process is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid for optimal results.

Mistake 1: Rushing the Process

Take your time and follow each step carefully to achieve the desired glossy finish.

Mistake 2: Using Incorrect Cleaning Agents

Avoid using harsh or acidic cleaners that may damage the tiles during the cleaning stage.

Mistake 3: Skipping Essential Steps

Each step plays a vital role in achieving a beautiful glossy finish, so don’t skip any of them.

Maintenance Tips for Glossy Floor Tiles

To keep your glossy floor tiles looking pristine, follow these maintenance tips:

Advice on Keeping the Glossy Finish Intact:

• Regularly sweep and mop the floor to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for glossy tiles.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that may damage the gloss.

Recommended Cleaning Routine for Long-Lasting Results:

• Daily: Light sweeping or dust mopping.
• Weekly: Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Monthly: Use a gloss-enhancing maintenance solution to revive the shine.

Advantages of Glossy Floor Tiles

Now that your matte floor tiles have been transformed into glossy ones, let’s explore the benefits of the new finish.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Visual Appeal:

• The glossy finish adds sophistication and elegance to any space.
• The tiles reflect light, making the room appear brighter and more spacious.

Easier Maintenance Compared to Matte Tiles:

Glossy tiles are generally easier to clean and maintain, as they do not trap dirt as readily as matte tiles.

Disadvantages and Considerations

Despite their advantages, glossy floor tiles come with their share of considerations.

Potential Slipperiness of Glossy Tiles:

Glossy tiles may be slippery, especially when wet. Use caution, especially in areas prone to spills or high moisture.

Reflectivity and Impact on Lighting:

The reflective nature of glossy tiles may impact the lighting in the room, potentially causing glare in certain conditions.

Comparison Table: Gloss Fluid for Matte Tiles

Aspect	Gloss Fluid for Matte Tiles
Purpose	Specifically designed to convert matte tiles into glossy tiles
Appearance Enhancement	Transforms the non-reflective surface of matte tiles to glossy
Application Ease	Easy to apply, typically with a paint roller or applicator
Surface Preparation	Requires thorough cleaning and light sanding before application
Number of Coats	Multiple coats may be needed for a smoother and more glossy finish
Drying Time	Each coat needs sufficient drying time, as per the product’s guidelines
Compatibility	Suitable for most tile materials, but check compatibility with the tile type
Maintenance	Glossy finish may require regular maintenance to retain shine
Durability	Provides added protection and durability to the tiles
Slip Resistance	Potential increase in slipperiness due to the glossy surface
Reflectivity	Enhances the room’s brightness and may impact lighting
Cleaning Products	Requires specific pH-neutral cleaners for maintenance
Room Suitability	Ideal for spaces where a glossy and elegant look is desired
Advantages	Adds sophistication and elegance to matte tiles
Disadvantages	Glossy surface may show dirt and scratches more visibly
Recommendations	Follow the product instructions carefully for best results

Comparison Table: Matte vs. Polished Tiles

Aspect	Matte Tiles	Polished Tiles
Surface Finish	Non-reflective and flat surface	Highly reflective and shiny surface
Visual Appearance	Subtle and understated	Luxurious and elegant
Stain Concealment	Excellent at hiding stains and smudges	Shows stains and dirt more visibly
Cleaning Effort	Generally requires less effort to clean	May need more frequent cleaning
Maintenance	Low maintenance and easy to upkeep	Requires regular maintenance to retain shine
Durability	Durable and less prone to visible wear	More susceptible to scratches and wear
Slip Resistance	Higher slip resistance	May be more slippery, especially when wet
Reflectivity	Low reflectivity	Reflects light, enhancing brightness
Room Suitability	Versatile and suits various spaces	Ideal for formal and high-end settings
Aesthetic Versatility	Works well with modern and rustic designs	Complements luxurious and sophisticated styles
Best for High Traffic Areas	Yes	May show wear and tear in busy areas
Best for Modern Spaces	Yes	Yes
Best for Classic Spaces	Yes	Yes

FAQs

Question: Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean matte floors?

Answer: Yes. Hydrogen peroxide won’t damage matte floors. This is because it’s a non-abrasive cleaner. Unlike vinegar, it won’t erode the grout. Oxidized bleach forms when baking soda mixes with hydrogen peroxide. This cleans the surface without causing any damage.

Question: What are some alternatives to gloss fluid?

Answer: Ammonia can be a great alternative. In a bucket, add a few drops of ammonia followed by warm water. Then, mix them thoroughly.  After that, dip the mop into the solution and thoroughly wash the floor. This not only eliminates stains but makes the floor shine at the same time.

Question: Can you make matte tiles glossy?

Answer: Yes, you can make your matte tiles glossy. You can simply use a gloss solution to get the job done. And then to maintain it in the long run you can add thin layers of it periodically!

Can you mix matte and glossy tiles?

Answer: Yes, you can mix matte and glossy tiles to create unique and visually appealing designs in your space.

Conclusion

This brings out comprehensive guide on how to make matte floor tile glossy tp an end. We sincerely hope that we’ve helped you with the process. 

Now for the utmost appearance you can gloss the tiles once every 3-4 days. That way, you’ll never have to deal with the unsightly appearance of your matte floor again.

Until next time. Bye!