How to Cut Tile That is Already Installed?

Knowing how to cut wall tile that is already installed is essential as it prevents the tiles from cracking. The whole process takes preparation and the right tools to achieve, as there are different types of tiles available.

In this review are the steps that show you how to cut tile that is already installed.

Steps in cutting through already installed tiles

In this section are steps on how to cut through a tile that is already installed. With full adherence to the measures, the tiles can be cut through without spoiling or cracking the whole thing. Check them out below:

Step one: Clear out the area.

The first thing is to take out all the items in the area that may cause an obstruction. Also, restrict the room from others. This is done with a tape or mask. Ensure that the place is well ventilated; getting a fan would be a great idea. This is to keep the dust from crystalline silica from saturating your airways.

Step two: Carve out the area.

Try using a straight edge and a grease pencil to mark the area that needs to be cut through. Ensure it is clear and bold, as the dust from cutting the tile may get in your line of sight. Marking around the line can also assist in distinguishing your work area. This would give direction and make your drilling precise.

Step three: Get the protective gear.

The protective gear keeps you safe while working on the area, so get one to serve such functions. The fan should be in a position where it blows all the dust towards the window. Too much dust in the air could blur out the place and affect the drilling process.

Step four: Get help

At this step, helpers would come in handy as the job itself is tasking. One member would be in charge of cutting, another deal all the silicate that have gone airborne by vacuuming and squirting water around. Water helps in controlling the dust and keeps the air breathable.

Step five: Introduce an angle grinder.

With an angle grinder, the cutting process can begin and if it’s a curved area, make small and straight cuts. If there is a need to clean up the curve, a Dremel tool or a tile file could help smoothen it out.

Step six: Use the Dremel tile cutting bit.

When the area being cut is closer to the wall, the grinder would no longer be the right equipment choice. With a Dremel tile –cutting bit, you can cut those narrow areas much more effortless. At this point, it is only your vacuum that should work as the Dremel isn’t for moisture. Also, keep electrical cables away from water to avoid hazards.

Step seven: Clean up the place.

Once the cutting is done, vacuuming the entire area with a shop vac comes next just before taking off your respirator. Leave the fan still in its position even if the place looks clear because the dust may always be in the air. Also, wipe through the room with a wet rag t and then take off the respirator. Try not to take remains of the silicate dust to other places, so striping should be immediate.

How to drill holes in already installed tiles?

Drilling holes in your already installed tiles may seem easy when you know how to cut, but it still takes a process. So, before breaking through, you check out all that has been explained in this section. This would prevent you from ruining the whole area.

Step one: Understand the tiles

Every tile is peculiar and should be treated differently when being worked on to get optimum results. Get to know how dense the material is, and then fuse the information to make your preparations.

For example, porcelain and stone tiles have more rigid cores and are more challenging to drill through. This kind of situation would require a different and more intense drill bit.

Step two: Purchase the right drill bit.

No matter what type of tile you intend to cut, old and worn-out bits should be avoided. They are less effective and could also ruin the whole surface by making the role excessive. Also, regular bits are not useful for the task as tiles are stronger and more intense.

Either carbide-tipped masonry drill bits or diamond-tipped drill bits would be advisable as they are more formidable. The carbide-tipped masonry drill bits already know how to cut ceramic tiles installed or even stoneware. On the other hand, the diamond-tipped drill bits know how to cut marble tile that is already installed and porcelain.

Step three: Map out the area.

With one unintentional move, it is highly possible to ruin the hole that is being drilled. It is better to create some tension around the desired spot by placing a masking tape there. If there is more than one hole to be cut, then make a template. This is achieved by carving out a hole in a plank of wood and then place it at the various spots.

Step four: Begin the drilling.

At this stage is where you make the actual hole mapped out. Note, tiles are resistant to pressure so that they can withstand the pressure of a drill.  So, take it gently and work through the tiles to achieve your goal, as going too fast could damage all the hard work you’ve put in.

Step five: Allow the drill to cool off.

After drilling for so long, the drill bit starts to overheat. Apply a small wet cloth to the drill to make the cooling process faster. Too much heat could cause the tile to crack and damage your hole. A trick that could work in this situation is to hold the wet cloth while the primary process takes place. With this, it is easier to keep the temperature under control and even capture the dust.

Step six: Replace the tool.

Once the drill has hit has gone past the tile and gotten to the wall, change the tool. The new bit should be able to make a hole in the same dimension into the walls. Make sure the process is slow as well to keep the tiles still intact.

Step seven: Clean out the place.

The hole should be ready by now, so the next thing is to clean out the place. Use a wet cloth to clean through the surface and remove all the dust. If possible, use a shop vac to instantly clean out the floor and take out the drilled fragments.

Tips on cutting through installed tiles

When working on installed tiles, there are certain things to avoid. They are:

• Keep the temperature of the drill under control.
• Always put on a respirator.
• Ensure there is sufficient ventilation.
• Make sure children can’t get in.
• Take the process slow to keep the tiles from breaking.

When you know how to cut tile backsplash that is already installed and the others, it is easier to have a smooth surface.

Conclusion

How to cut splash tile that is already installed or how to cut ceramic floor tile that is already installed can be achieved with the right information. This post contains all the information needed for cutting the tiles and even drilling holes into the tiles.