Painting ceramic wall and floor tile is an effective way to update a space, but isn’t for novice painters alone. But with preparation done correctly and dedication towards getting it done right, a great result should be achievable.
To achieve optimal results, it’s best to choose a high-grade urethane-fortified paint and lightly sand the primer before applying your chosen colour.
Preparation
Painting over tile can be an inexpensive and efficient way to bring color or change the aesthetic of a room without spending too much money. But prior to beginning, you must prepare the surface by sweeping or vacuuming away dirt or debris; additionally, using an antibacterial cleaner/degreaser such as CLR to tackle grease, soap scum or residue buildup can help.
Lightly sand the tile surface to roughen it and help the primer adhere better, and use only high-adhesion primer designed for ceramic tile as per manufacturer instructions for application.
Hardware stores also carry stencils with patterns for adding eye-catching designs to painted tiles, providing another means of adding character and flair to their floors. When it comes to using textured stencils, multiple coats may be necessary in order to fully cover them.
Primer
There are various bonding primers on the market designed to prime ceramic floor tile surfaces for painting, depending on their condition and existing tiles’ condition. One or two coats may be necessary in order to get a smooth surface.
Mapei Eco Prime, a high-adhesion primer suitable for newer, clean and lightly glazed tiles that do not contain cracks or chips, should be applied directly over them to ensure maximum adhesion and flow time when applying tile adhesives or self levelling underlayments. It adheres to both porous surfaces such as vinyl flooring or existing tiles as well as more smooth ones like vinyl. Furthermore, its thick boi design helps it adhere to porous and fibrous areas like vinyl as well as existing ones more readily, helping speed application of adhesives/underlays etc once applied.
When prepping older, glazed tiles for paint, it is imperative that the appropriate type of sanding agent is utilized. This will scuff their surfaces to prepare a suitable environment for painting. After being sanded, tiles should be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate sanding dust while being allowed to dry for the specified amount of time.
Paint
Tile paints provide an inexpensive and simple way to rejuvenate ceramic tile flooring without incurring costly replacement costs or demoulding. Stencils add visual interest by creating patterns on painted surfaces; however, for optimal results it requires careful application using craft brushes in order to keep all lines unbroken.
When painting a bathroom, select an area away from mildew-prone splash zones and use an interior floor paint labeled for bathrooms. This type of paint dries quickly with low odor, contains biocides to combat fungal growth on primed surfaces and stands up better against moisture than regular interior emulsion paints. Spray paints may work on ceramic objects and coating tile floors but tend not to adhere as tightly with grout and may scratch or peel over time; epoxy paint sticks better but may chip or crack over time.
Finish
Painting ceramic tiles is an easy and cost-effective way to transform the look of their space, whether that means changing its hue or adding some design elements. But it does come with some challenges: proper surface preparation must take place, as well as applying and drying out of paint evenly before proceeding with this endeavor.
As stated earlier, prolonged exposure to moisture can wreak havoc on painted tiles’ surfaces, potentially leading to their paint chipping off over time. Therefore, it’s wise to choose high-quality sealant instead for best longevity when installing painted tile in areas frequently exposed to water, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
If you’re ready to take on your first painting project, it is crucial to understand the process and gather all your supplies before beginning. Be patient as you follow all instructions, giving each coat of paint time to dry in between coats.
