Are you looking for ways to replace damaged or outdated tiles? We have the perfect solution, whether you’re working with ceramic tiles, porcelain, or stone.

We’ve been supplying overlays to contractors for 25 years. An overlay is a surface material that can be applied straight on top of your existing wall or floor tiles, skipping the need for demolition.

Resurfacing tiles with an overlay is a cost-effective way to refresh your bathroom, kitchen, outdoor areas and other spaces without having to undertake to a full renovation.

There are multiple overlay systems you can choose for your new surfaces, and this guide covers our top choices: X-Bond Microcement and Quartz Carpet.

What makes our overlay products so popular is that they create seamless, grout-free finishes for walls, floors, ceilings, and joinery — so you can apply them almost anywhere.

Why Tile Resurfacing?

Tile resurfacing can be a game-changer for homeowners, architects, and contractors for numerous reasons. This is largely because resurfacing eliminates the need for demolishing, as you’re applying a new surface straight on top of the old one. You’ll also find that most overlays are more versatile and easier to maintain than tiles. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons to resurface your tiles with an overlay.

Cost-Effective
Undertaking a full renovation to replace tiles can be a significant investment of money. Resurfacing tiles provides a cost-effective alternative, allowing you to achieve a fresh, updated look without the price tag associated with tearing out and replacing existing tiles.
Time Efficient
No demolition means your project timeline is shorter. Overlays cut the time needed for installation work, which also means less disruption to your routine. You can enjoy your newly refreshed space sooner.
Versatile
If you’re sick of tiles and want a totally new option, resurfacing opens up a world of design possibilities. Completely transform the look and feel of a space. Whether you’re trying to modernise a dated bathroom, are sick of cleaning grout lines, or need to fix damaged outdoor paving — resurfacing offers endless options for customisation. From contemporary concrete-look finishes to a seamless coating of coloured stone pebbles surfaces, there’s an overlay system to suit every style preference.
Environmental Considerations
In today’s environmentally conscious world, minimising waste and reducing carbon footprint are top priorities for many individuals. Resurfacing tiles aligns with these values by offering a sustainable alternative to tile replacement, as the old materials don’t go to landfill. Avoiding the disposal of old materials contributes to eco-friendly practices while still achieving a new look.
Durability and Maintenance
Quality overlay systems are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, offering durable surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. While tiles are prone to cracking, and the grout lines can build up dirt or stains, our overlays are designed to stand the test of time with minimal upkeep — including resisting stains and mould, repelling water, and withstanding heavy foot traffic. This durability ensures that your investment pays off in the long run, providing lasting beauty and functionality for years to come.

The Best Materials To Resurface Tiles

Microcement

One of the most popular surface overlays among designers, builders and home owners is microcement.

Microcement is applied as a thin 3mm coating on top of the existing tiles — as well as a range of other substrates, too. Ultimately, it will achieve a similar look to concrete but with a wider range of applications. If you love the concrete texture look and want this to replace your tiles, microcement is the right choice.

The X-Bond range comes in 10 different colours. Some of our contractors have engaged us to create custom shades for them, like Troye Sivan’s famous pink bathroom. X-Bond can also be installed in four different finishes.

Microcement is incredibly durable and doesn’t require heavy cleaning — just wiping it with some water is all you need (goodbye grout lines!). When used with high-quality sealers and the correct waterproofing measures, it’s perfectly suitable for wet areas. X-Bond has been installed in bathrooms, showers, sinks, pools, and uncovered outdoor surfaces.

As it’s installed by hand at such a minimal thickness, microcement also has one of the widest ranges of applications out of any overlay. Why stop at replacing your tiles? Use the same surface material for your floors, walls, and joinery too!

Left: A bathroom transformation using X-Bond Microcement, installed by Bespoke Finishes @bespokefinishes over old tiles on the floor, walls, shower, and bath.

Quartz Carpet

Quartz Carpet™ comprises small, colourful stones mixed with an epoxy binder. The mixture is then hand-troweled over existing tiles to create a durable, textured, and seamless coating made up of tiny little stones all sealed together. This highly resilient surface is the go-to for high-traffic areas (yes, even exposure to vehicles).

Quartz Carpet™ is suitable for internal and external applications on tiled floors, walls and some joinery pieces — however, the most common tile resurfacing projects using Quartz Carpet are bathroom floors, showers, and outdoor areas.

Most clients have specified Quartz Carpet to remodel old stone tiles in their backyard, bring a new look to garden pathways, and balance modern aesthetics with functionality in their new bathrooms.