Rejuvinate roof terrace tiles lost color in Hong Kong

The floor of my roof terrace is covered with Canton tiles but they have lost much of their colour and gloss. How, and with what, can I put some life back into them and simultaneously make sure they are waterproof?

If the tiles have faded badly, try restoring colour by painting the entire area with an Oil-based paint specially for outdoor surfaces, followed by a coat of oil-based exterior varnish. such as Bondex, which costs $280 for 2.5 litres.

Alternatively, concentrate only on the faded patches. Coloured powder (HK$30 for 50 grams) can help. Mix with water and blend into the tiles using a brush.

If you cannot get the correct colour match or cannot find a ready mixed colour, try making your own. Buy small pots of enamel paint and mix each by experiment until you get it right. Failing that take a broken piece of tile or a spare one, to a paint shop, where they should be able to match the colour for you.

There are many waterproofing products on the market, such as Shalex, a waterproof clear glaze (HK$350 for 4.5 litres), and Dip, for tiles, exterior walls, and masonry. It can be applied with a brush, spray, or roller. All products can be purchased from Yuen Fat Ho, 77 Hollywood Road, Central; tel: 2546 8020.

Why Do Terrace Tiles Fade in Hong Kong?

Roof terraces are one of the most prized features in Hong Kong apartments, but they take an absolute battering from the elements. I have worked on terraces across Hong Kong Island, from Mid-Levels to The Peak, and the story is always the same -- tiles that looked vibrant when first laid gradually fade to a washed-out shadow of their former selves.

There are several Hong Kong-specific factors that cause this:

• Intense UV exposure -- Roof terraces have zero shade protection from above. Hong Kong's strong subtropical sun bleaches the colour pigments out of tiles, particularly red and terracotta Canton tiles, which are pigmented with iron oxide. South-facing and west-facing terraces suffer the worst.
• Acid rain -- Hong Kong's air pollution means that rainwater is mildly acidic. Over months and years, this acid attacks the glaze on tiles, dulling the surface and making it porous. Once the glaze is compromised, moisture penetrates the tile body and accelerates fading from within.
• Salt air -- Coastal properties get an additional dose of airborne salt, which crystallises on tile surfaces and causes micro-pitting. This roughened surface scatters light rather than reflecting it, making tiles appear dull even if the colour is still present.
• Algae and mould growth -- During the wet season, green and black algae can colonise porous tile surfaces. This biological growth discolours tiles and, if left unchecked, can permanently stain them.
• Thermal cycling -- Hong Kong roof terraces can reach surface temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius in direct summer sun, then cool rapidly during evening thunderstorms. This constant expansion and contraction gradually degrades tile surfaces and grout.

Understanding what is causing the fading helps you choose the right restoration approach. If your terrace also features timber decking sections, those will need separate attention -- see my guide on that topic.

Can You Re-Colour Faded Outdoor Tiles?

Yes, absolutely -- but the method depends on how severe the fading is. Here is my recommended approach, starting with the least invasive option:

For mild fading (tiles still have some colour but look dull):

• Start with a thorough pressure wash. You can hire a pressure washer for around HK$300-500 per day, or buy a basic unit for HK$800-1,500 from hardware shops. You would be amazed how much colour comes back just from removing years of grime, algae, and salt deposits.
• Once clean and dry, apply a tile sealer such as Shalex clear glaze (HK$350 for 4.5 litres). This fills the micro-pores in the tile surface, restoring some of the original gloss and providing a protective barrier against further UV and moisture damage.

For moderate fading (colour is noticeably lighter than original):

• After pressure washing, apply a colour-enhancing stone and tile sealer. These products darken the tile slightly and bring out the original colour intensity. Expect to pay around HK$200-300 per litre, and one litre covers approximately 5-8 square metres.
• The coloured powder method mentioned above (HK$30 for 50 grams) works well for patching individual tiles that have faded more than their neighbours.

For severe fading (tiles are pale, chalky, or almost white):

• At this stage, painting is usually the most practical option. Use a specialist outdoor tile paint -- oil-based is best for adhesion. Apply with a roller for even coverage. Budget around HK$400-600 for enough paint to cover a typical terrace of 200 square feet, plus HK$280 for the Bondex exterior varnish topcoat.
• If the tiles are also cracked or lifting, it may be more cost-effective to retile the area entirely. Retiling a roof terrace in Hong Kong typically costs HK$80-150 per square foot including labour and materials, depending on the tile you choose.

Whatever restoration method you use, always finish with a waterproofing sealer. This is non-negotiable on a Hong Kong roof terrace. Water penetration through porous tiles can cause leaks into the flat below, and that is a far more expensive problem to fix. Browse our full range of garden and outdoor maintenance guides for more tips on keeping your terrace in top condition.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Pressure washing and applying sealers or paint is manageable DIY work, provided you are comfortable working on an exposed roof terrace. However, I recommend calling in a professional if:

• The terrace has waterproofing issues or you suspect water is leaking through to the flat below -- this needs proper diagnosis before any cosmetic work
• Tiles are cracked, loose, or lifting -- these need to be re-bedded or replaced before sealing, or you will trap moisture underneath
• The terrace is large (over 300 square feet) -- professional-grade pressure washing equipment and spray application of sealers will give a much better, more even result
• You are in a managed building and need the work to meet building management specifications

A professional terrace restoration, including pressure washing, repairs, colour restoration, and sealing, typically costs HK$3,000-8,000 depending on the terrace size and condition. That is a fraction of the cost of retiling, and a good restoration can extend the life of your existing tiles by five to ten years.

Last updated: March 2026