Painting tile can transform the look of your bathroom without incurring the costs and headache of retiling, but you must choose an appropriate type of paint so your tiles can withstand high heat and humidity levels.
This project requires time, as paint needs to dry before you can apply primer and paint. Furthermore, some prepping such as sanding or cleaning the tiles before priming and painting could be necessary.
Clean the Tiles
Tile floors are a classic flooring choice in kitchens and bathrooms alike, yet over time can become stained or scratched. Painting your tiles is a quick and cost-effective way to update your space without replacing all of them altogether.
Before painting your floors, ensure they are as spotless as possible. Use a degreasing cleaner and scrub the surfaces thoroughly to eliminate any dirt or grime that could impede paint adhering properly. Also be sure to tape off any trim or baseboards bordering your floor; although this step might take extra effort and precision, having clean painted lines will make a world of difference!
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are often preferred for bathroom floors due to their water resistance and variety of colors, while marble and terra cotta require more sensitive cleaning products for optimum care. To prevent damage to your tiles, it’s wise to sweep frequently while also using a soft bristled broom so as to prevent scratches on their surface.
Repair Damaged Tiles
Epoxy glue may help repair individual chipped tiles, though matching their color and sheen may prove challenging. For extensive damage, replacing tiles may be more suitable.
Before painting over cracked glazed tile, however, you must first prepare its surface. Sanding will provide something for the paint to adhere to and it is crucial that you use a water-resistant or urethane glaze that resists both heat and humidity.
Grout may also be used to repair tile. While not as durable as refinishing products, grout will fill moderately deep cracks effectively while matching your tile’s color fairly closely. Once filled and painted over, it should be sealed to protect it against future damage.
Prime the Tiles
If you don’t have time or energy for full repainting of tiles, consider using stencils for patterns or accents to give the tiled areas some visual interest. Or try adding texture by applying different hues of paint with stencils.
Cleaning and sanding tile surfaces properly to prepare them for paint application is of utmost importance in creating long-term finishes, since heat and humidity could damage it over time and chip the paint away.
Assuming you are following manufacturer guidelines regarding application and drying times for primer application, once it has dried you can proceed to layer two colors of your choosing using epoxy or two-process paint which are more resilient against stains, cleaning solutions and moisture than ordinary wall paint. They’re also more durable.
Apply the Paint
If you want to add an updated look to your floor but lack the time or budget for an extensive re-tiling project, painting tiles is an easy and flexible option that offers design freedom and cost efficiency.
Prior to painting on tile surfaces, it’s crucial to prepare them appropriately. Thorough cleaning to remove dirt, grease and soap scum is necessary; you may also wish to scrub mold or mildew out of grout lines using a toothbrush.
Once completed, it is important to sand the surface with 120-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better and achieve a seamless look.
Once your tile has been cleaned, sanded, and primed, you are ready to paint it. Use either a roller or brush and make sure you use epoxy or urethane paint which has more moisture resistance than latex or water-based options; such paints are available at most hardware stores. For optimal results wait until it dries completely before walking on it or moving furniture back.
