We are re-decorating our bathroom and want to replace an old shelf that the previous owners put up. The pilot holes aren't, as you would expect, in the same place and as such we have three small holes that need to be repaired. Normally this wouldn't be a problem as we would just fill with polyfilla and paint over, but as they are on tiles, this is not an ideal solution. We haven't got spare tiles.
Is there anything on the market that fills, dries to a gloss finish and can be coloured (grey marble) beforehand or later?

Tom Main, October 2007

I don't know of any product but you can probably disguise these as long as your prepared for a bit of a fiddle, I have just used polyfilla in the past but if the holes are at eye level you would be more aware of them. How I would probably tackle a noticeable area is still with polyfilla, obviously ensure rawlplugs are removed and any rough bits around edges of hole are smoothed.

To get the colour either paint the polyfilla after filling, while still soft (poster or acrylic paints probably best) so the colour soaks in or if you have an emulsion that is the colour wanted mix the polyfilla up with the paint only - don't add water. You could also try mixing it with humbrol or enamel paint to get it the right colour. When its dry if you want it to 'shine' more try a clear varnish. I think I would first try clear nail varnish as wood varnishes tend to be a bit yellow.

If you're fussy you may have to experiment. This would be better if you had an off cut, even of a different tile. The nail varnish may need periodic replacing depending on what you clean with. If you fill the hole directly and are very unhappy with result at least you should be able to remove with a fine drill if you have to. Easiest way is to make up your mind before its really set and then rake out with a fence nail. Good luck

Jane, January 2008

Have you considered using tile grout, or maybe a resin car body filler which you could overpaint and/or cover with decorative tile transfers.
could you cover with stick on plastic hooks for hanging flannel/scrub shower gel etc ?

Sean, October 2007