PreparingCeramicTile

Categories:AdhesiveManufacturing, Manufacturing

Lapping a New Plate

Take a ballpoint pen and lightly mark over one face of the plate. Place a 12x12" glass plate in the sink, and the 80 grit sanding sheet on top. Turn on the water to a moderate flow, and adjust the temperature to be comfortable. Using back-and-forth motions, sand the marked face of the tile until all ballpoint marks are gone. Turn the tile periodically to avoid asymmetric sanding. Using very light pressure and a figure-eight lapping pattern, continue until large scratches are removed, and the entire surface is defined by the sanding. For the 220, 400, and 1000 grits, repeat this light-pressure, figure-eight lapping process, staying at each grit long enough that scratches from the previous grit have been removed. Rinse thoroughly and inspect. The lapped face should have a satin finish and appear completely flat. Dry the tile, either at room temperature overnight, or in the oven for about an hour at 65°C.

Refinishing a Used Tile

Perform steps 4-7 above, starting at the grit suitable for removing the defects. For refinishing small residues or discoloration, performing the final polish at 1000 grit is often sufficient.

Materials and Vendors