If The Tile Surfaces In Your Home Leave Much To Be Desired You Might Wonder If Painting Is An Option Heres What You Need To Know Before You Begin This Home Improvement Project
Nafeesah Allen, Ph.D. is a multi-lingual author, independent researcher, and content strategist who contributes to various national publications. She has over fifteen years of experience in government communications, editorial, crisis response, and team-building roles on four continents. She also works with funders, founders, and startups to offer thought leadership and brand marketing strategies. As a global real estate investor, she absolutely loves everything from scouting deals, underwriting, and interior design. In her stories, she shares perspectives from diverse investors, owners, renters, and designers who know the housing market from a variety of different angles.
Nafeesah has Ph.D. in Forced Migration from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, a postgraduate diploma in Folklore & Cultural Studies at Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India, a Masters of International Affairs at Columbia University in 2009 and a BA from Barnard College at Columbia University. She is a Visiting Researcher at Wits, and has a forthcoming book with Palgrave. She has released numerous book chapters, articles, and a self-published bilingual children’s book.
How Long Does Tile Paint Last
The longevity of the paint in my former rental unit notwithstanding, tile paint isnt meant for long-term repairs and generally starts to fade after about six years.
If youve done your prep work properly, however, it shouldnt crack or peel, so you can always freshen it up with a new coat. Repainting is easier, because all the old paint needs is a good cleaning and scuffing. You shouldnt need to prime it.
Begin Painting The Tiles
Once the primer is completely dry, use a similar sized brush to start painting on your color. If you’re using a stencil this is the time to position it on your first tile take your time to ensure it’s in the right position.
Apply several thin coats to avoid heavy brush marks showing through and to ensure the paint doesnt peel after just a few weeks.
Two coats will usually be required, but if you are painting over a dark colored or patterned tile you may require more. Be aware that if you are painting tiles with a raised pattern this will still show. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between each layer.
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Yes You Can Paint Bathroom Tile But You Need To Carefully Clean And Prepare The Tile And You Need The Right Kind Of Paint
One of the advantages of a tiled wall or backsplash is its permanency. Once properly installed, grouted and sealed, tile is there to stay.
The durability of tile, however, can also be a drawback when it loses its luster or youre just tired of it, because demolishing tile is a major project. Rather than go to all the trouble, many homeowners choose to leave the tile as is and cover it with another material.
An even easier option is to paint the tile, which I did years ago to the bathroom in my rental unit. The paint gave the bathroom a fresh, new look and has stood the test of time.
I no longer own the unit, but when I was invited to walk through the property some 10 years after completing the project, the tile still looked great. Gone were the moldy grout lines that had been painted over, and the paint was free of chips and blemishes!
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How To Paint Tile:
Extra Points: If youd like, you can take this project one step further and seal with a coat of polyurethane sealer. This might be a good idea if youre working with a high moisture area, but we havent felt that weve needed it thus far!
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Repair Chips And Cracks
Tile is very durable and looks great for years, however, it can show signs of wear and tear. Before painting tiles, make sure to inspect them carefully. Use a putty knife to fill cracks and chips with caulk. Make sure to scrape away any excess with your knife and wait until the repairs dry before you go to the next step.
Pros Of Painting Bathroom Tile
Before you undertake any multistep home improvement project, know what benefits youll realize. With painting tile, heres what to expect:
- Cheap and easy upgrade: Painting tile provides a fast upgrade for your bathroom walls or kitchen backsplash at a fraction of the cost to replace them or cover them with something else.
- Color control: You have hundreds of colors to choose from. If you make the wrong choice, you can always repaint.
- Design flexibility: You dont have to go for a solid color, although thats the easiest approach. If you want, use a stencil to create painted patterns on the tile.
- Easier cleaning: When you paint the grout as well as the tile, which is recommended, youll avoid cleaning moldy grout lines in the future.
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How To Change Bathroom Tile Color Without Replacing
If youre looking to change the color of your bathroom tile without replacing it, there are a few options available to you. First, you can paint over the existing tile with a waterproof paint designed for use in bathrooms. This is a fairly simple process and can be done DIY-style with just a few supplies from your local hardware store. However, keep in mind that this method will likely require some touch-ups over time as the paint may not completely cover the original tile color or pattern.Another option is to install new tiles over the old ones. This will give your bathroom an updated look without having to fully replace all of the existing tile. Youll need to consult with a professional contractor to ensure that this option is feasible in your space and choose new tiles that are compatible with the size and shape of your current ones.Finally, if youre simply tired of looking at your old bathroom tile but dont want to deal with any hassle or expense of changing it, consider using removable adhesive decals. These come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can easily find something that suits your taste. They stick right onto the surface of your tile and can be removed whenever you like without damaging the underlying material perfect for renters or anyone who likes to switch things up frequently!
Why Paint Your Bathroom Tiles
There are many reasons as to why you would want to repaint your bathroom tiles. These include the following:
- You may not like the current color and look of the tiles.
- You may want to add a personal touch to the tiles to match with the rest of the house/bathroom.
- The tiles may have some growths such as molds that makes them look ugly.
If you have any of these reasons , continue reading on how to do a painting or repainting job for your bathroom tiles.
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What Ceramic Tile Paint Should I Use
The type of paint you select is very important. Youll want to choose a high quality product specifically meant for ceramic tile. We love Benjamin Moore Satin Imperial Low Lustre Enamel.
An enamel is very durable and stain resistant so it can handle a lot of wear in high traffic areas. Latex paint is not a good fit for this project as it wont stand up to the wear and tear.
Primer used for this painted tile project.Paint used for this painted tile project.
How Do You Paint Over Tiles
You can paint over tiles yourself, whether they are porcelain, ceramic or glass. You just need to equip yourself with the right tile paint, tools and equipment which we have listed below in our everything you need section.
Then, follow the sections from our suggested methods, choosing the steps that most apply to your existing tiles, their current condition, and of course, consider the type of painted tile effect you are trying to achieve in your kitchen, bathroom or other area of your home.
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Painting Tile Backsplash: Updating Ugly Kitchen Tiles 3 Easy
With cabinets and counters dominating the layout of your kitchen, the backsplash is an excellent place to add some metal into the blend. The majority of the time it is the kitchen backsplash that will get the 1st attention. The kitchen backsplash is the upright portion designed against the wall in the back of the sink as well as stove. It is constructed to protect the wall at negative effects of water splashes as well as heat.
Amount Of Money Available For The Project
Using the services of a professional to paint your bathroom will obviously increase the total costs of the task at hand. Besides buying the paint and any other items for the task, youll part with a significant amount of money paying the professional.
If you can do the task with a high level of professionalism, you wont need to hire someone else to do it for you.
If youre convinced that you can do the painting yourself, head over to the sections below for a step-by-step guide on carrying out the task.
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Can You Use Tile Paint On Marble
You can use tile paints on marble tiles. You just need to make sure that your prime the surface properly so that the paint sticks to the surface.
Since marble tile is an expensive type of material that is used in household floors to make the surface look more attractive, sometimes the color, texture, or the outlook of the tiles make it more outdated.
So, you might think of changing the color of it. That is why it is highly recommended to use chalk-based paint or latex paints to achieve the best results.
However, using chalk-based paints or latex-based paint is less expensive than other paints, so it will be a cost-effective solution and will provide you with an excellent finish.
Paint Types To Use With Bathroom Tile
To paint ceramic, porcelain, or unglazed quarry tile, you can use either latex or epoxy paint in one-part or two-part varieties. Note that latex paint is usually less smelly and toxic, but unless you choose a type thats mildew-proof, it will easily weather under heavy moisture exposure.
For areas heavily affected by water , youll want to consider epoxy paint. This dries into a surface thats harder than latex paint, more durable, and more resistant to moisture, heat, and everyday wear-and-tear. Bobvila.com also recommends you look for an affordable two-part epoxy like this one thats specifically designed for tubs and tiles.
Natural stone tiles are different. They require an acrylic latex paint intended for interior masonry or stucco. Just note that the glossier the finish, the slipperier the tile will be.
As you can see, picking the right paint is crucial when it comes to bathroom tiling. But the options are there you just need to find the right one!
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Can You Paint Bathroom Tile
According to Bob Vila, most tiles, except for glazed quarry tiles, can be painted over. Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone are fair game, but they need to be sanded, primed, and painted with epoxy paint. Bathroom walls and backsplashes are better suited for painting.
What about the shower, though? While shower surfaces can be painted, it’s not practical or cost-effective. Due to constant exposure to water and moisture, bathroom tiles are more susceptible to premature fading, peeling, or blistering.
Painting Travertine Tile Before And After
Travertine tile is a popular choice for floors and walls, but it can be difficult to keep clean. Painting travertine tile before and after can help protect the surface and make it easier to clean. Here are some tips to get the best results:Before painting, thoroughly clean the surface of the tile with a mild soap or detergent. Be sure to remove all dirt, dust, and grease. If the tile is very dirty or stained, you may need to use a stronger cleaner or even sandpaper to prepare the surface.Once the surface is clean, allow it to dry completely before painting. If necessary, apply a primer designed for use on ceramic or porcelain surfaces.When choosing paint for travertine tile, look for a product that is specifically designed for use on ceramic or porcelain surfaces. These products will usually provide better coverage and adhesion than regular paint. Apply the paint in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
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Narajo Coloured Roof Coating Sealant Paint
Narjo is a spray-type colored roof coating paint that decorates and protects your roof. It is a sealant paint that is ready to use for your roofs waterproofing. This product is ideal for use on all types of roofs, including tiles, asphalt roof shingles, corrugated iron, and more.
Narjo paint prevents moisture, mold, and dirt from building up on your roof. It is also resistant to fading, chalking, and cracking.
Using the paint is pretty easy. Use an airless sprayer to apply the paint on a clean surface. Remember to protect areas you dont want to paint with old clothes or newspapers.
Painting Your Ceiling Tiles
The paints developed for ceilings are generally thicker than wall paints. This allows sufficient coverage of uneven surfaces on the ceiling. A flat-latex paint is an excellent option for ceiling tiles. Acrylic paints are a good option due to their permanence and ability to adhere to any surface.
The process of painting ceiling tiles can be somewhat laborious but remember it will be far less labor-intensive than removing the tiles and replacing them with new ones.
If you can remove your ceiling tiles relatively easily before painting them, this would be preferable. This will allow you to paint the ceiling tiles on ground level, avoiding the need to look upwards while painting. It will ensure each tile is completely coated.
Once you have removed the tiles, spread them across the floor on a plastic drop cloth. Clean the surface of each tile thoroughly, and paint a coat of oil-based primer onto each tile. Allow this primer to dry before attempting to paint them.
Once the primer has dried, you can begin painting your tiles. Spraying your paint onto the ceiling is generally a far better option than using a brush and roller when it comes to application. This will allow even coverage while simultaneously ensuring a far easier application process.
Remember to allow sufficient drying time between coats. This will prevent previous coats from lifting and causing damage to the tiles.
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Can You Paint Ceramic Tiles
Tiles are a popular feature in homes up and down the UK not to mention those further afield. They provide a durable, water-resistant surface for bathrooms and kitchens as well as other spaces like porches.
But there comes a time when you want a change. In other areas of the home, a lick of paint can make a world of difference. But is the same true for tiles? Read on as we discuss whether you can paint tiles on your walls and floors, and the best approach for both areas.
Painting Over Tiling Thats Already Painted
Most popular types of bathroom tile can be painted and repainted. It will give you great flexibility to update your bathroom every few years.
As discussed above, high-moisture areas can require maintenance as time goes on. You may need to reprep and repaint the tiles every couple years, depending on how the paint holds up. It will help to scope this ahead of time
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Let Your Floor Dry & Then Put It To Use
After your last coat of paint or polyurethane, give your floor at least a couple of days to fully dry before walking on it its best to be gentle with it for the first week or two until everything is fully cured. Weve been back to using our bathroom normally for a few months now and the painted tile has held up beautifully! The only issue Ive had is a small but deep scratch on one of the tiles that was obviously made by something sharp Im guessing a small stone that got stuck in someones shoe tread. I was able to sand it and repaint just that one tile and now youd never know anything was once there. So overall, Im incredibly happy with how it looks and how its worn! Especially for a project that cost me under $50!
The one other small change I made in this space is replacing the large jute rug that used to be in here with a large 30 x 50 white bath mat. Have I been living under a rock not knowing that they made bathmats that are long and narrow like this so that they span almost the whole width of the tub? I sooo needed one of these when my kids were little! Ive already ordered another one for my daughters bathroom in addition to being a great length its so super cozy on your feet and I love the subtle border design!
So I can finally write our bathroom off as one more room thats done for now at least Just to see how far its come, this is what our bathroom looked like when we moved in :
and here it is today:
Thanks for stopping by!