Best results: unglazed homogeneous tiles
Homogeneous (full-body porcelain) tiles are dense and have the same colour all the way through. Because grinding and polishing only remove a fine layer, the tile looks the same — just glossier. Most HDB, BTO and condo floors in Singapore use homogeneous tiles in living areas.
Quick checks you can do
- Look at a chipped edge or a cut tile (often near doors, skirting or under the kitchen cabinet). If the colour inside matches the surface, it's homogeneous. A different coloured body (often red-brown or white) under a thin top layer means glazed.
- Look at the surface pattern. Speckled, salt-and-pepper or soft stone patterns that look the same across many tiles are typical of homogeneous tiles. Very detailed printed patterns usually mean glazed tiles.
- Check for texture. Strongly textured or anti-slip tiles are not suitable for a mirror polish.
- Check for leftover tile boxes. If you still have spare tiles, the box usually says "full body", "homogeneous", "porcelain" or "glazed".
What if my tiles are glazed?
Glazed tiles cannot be ground, because the glaze would be removed and the different coloured body would show. They can be deep-cleaned, but marble gum grinding and diamond polishing aren't suitable.
Easiest way: send us a photo
Send a close-up photo of your tiles and, if possible, a cut edge, on WhatsApp. We'll confirm whether marble gum grouting and polishing will work on your floor before you book.
Related service: Marble Gum Grouting — $4 per sq ft including polishing. Smaller areas quoted from photos on WhatsApp.