We all know that glass tile is one of the most easily damaged materials during installation. So, how to cut glass tiles with excellent cutting lines instead of damaging them?
In this guide, we would like to give you a solution.
How To Cut Glass Tile?
The following are the four most common methods using different tools. Now, let’s see how to cut glass tiles with each of them.
Method 1: Using a wet tile saw
We consider using a wet tile saw as a time-saving option for the question of how to cut glass tile. Plus, it is especially helpful when you plan to tile a large area requiring straight cuts.
Tools and materials required: a marker, gloves, wet tile saw, and cloth.
- Step 1 (Marking your desired cut): After measuring the tile, use a marker to mark the cutting line on the tile surface. The washable type of marker enables you to wipe away the line easily once the cutting process is done.
- Step 2 (Starting the wet tile saw): Do not forget to wear rubber gloves in advance. We do not recommend gloves made of materials such as leather and fabric since they tend to get wet easily. Next, let the wet tile saw start and keep the water flowing over the blade for around 15 seconds.
- Step 3 (Place the tile running through the wet tile saw): The more slowly and carefully you do it, the nicer the cut will turn out. Then, set the wet tile saw with a lower mode and remove all the maker traces with a cloth.
Method 2: Using a manual scoring wheel
The second method in this guide of how to cut glass tile involves a manual scoring wheel. Although it takes much more time than using a wet tile saw, this method should be the first choice for thick glass.
Tools and materials required: a marker, scoring wheel for glass/tile, straightedge, pliers, a tool for stone rubbing, and cloth.
Step 1 (Marking your desired cut and scoring the tile)
Just like in Method 1, draw the cutting lines on the tile surface first.
Then, align the straight edge over that cut line. The next step is to place the wheel at the end of the tile. Firmly pressing the wheel will help to mark a light cutting line on the surface.
Step 2 (Using pliers to cut the tile)
Using the pliers can help you to break the scored line. The pliers need to have their center standing on one of the cutting line’s end and their jaws lying perpendicular to that line. Once the position is right, press down for the glass to break in half nicely.
Step 3 (Smoothing cutting edges):
Use rubbing stones to smooth the cutting edges.
Method 3: Using a bar cutting machine
In comparison with using a scoring wheel, using a bar cutting machine is much more efficient. The steps of how to cut glass tile will become easier because this machine cannot only score the line but also cut the tile.
Tools and materials needed: a marker, bar cutting machine, pliers, tool for edge rubbing, and cloth.
- Step 1 (Marking your desired cut): Use a washable type of marker so that you can remove the marks later.
- Step 2 (Scoring the tile with a bar cutter): Pull the handle along with the glass tile and keep the tile running away from you.
- Step 3 (Snapping the glass tile): Based on the scored line, snap the glass tile along with it either by a pressure foot or by pliers. Then, smooth the cutting edges with any tool for rubbing and remove the marks with a cloth. Finally, it is time for installation.
Method 4: Using wheeled nippers
This fourth method is most suitable for cutting small glass tiles. However, it tends to give lower preciseness in comparison with using the wet tile saw.
Tools and materials needed: Marker wheeled nippers and safety goggles.
- Step 1 (Creating marks of desired cuts): The first step of how to cut glass tile must always be to mark the cutting line. And once again, you should use a washable type of marker for later removal.
- Step 2 (Wearing goggles for protection): One thing to note is to never start nipping the tiles when there are people standing near your working area. The cutting process can cause nipped glass to shoot across your working area.
- Step 3 (Cutting the tile): Press the handles of the nippers forcefully to cut the tile based on the mark lines.
Conclusion
Are you still confused about how to cut glass tile? We hope that you are not anymore after reading our instructions. Besides these four, there are other ways available to cut the glass tile as well. If you have any new ideas, feel free to share them with us.
