What Would You Have Done Differently
I still would have painted the tile. In fact, I may be painting the tile in our basement bathroom!
But there are a few things I would have made sure to do now that I’m on this side of things.
Before the initial base coat application, it’s important to prep the ceramic tile.
I used Krud Kutter – which I love as a cleaner! It’s heavy duty for sure.
But, maybe I would have started with more of an abrasive cleaner or scuff the bathroom floor tiles first like I did with the wall tiles.
Then follow up with a cleaning using the Krud Kutter before I applied the first coat.
Another thing I would have done differently is to apply a second coat of the Rust-Oleum Home Top Coat.
What Type Of Paint Works On Tiles And Ceramics
Wondering what type of paint to use on tiles and/or ceramics? Well, most companies simply market the paints as tile or ceramic coating paints. While this means that you wont have to look very hard to find paint that works on tiled surfaces, it doesnt really explain what type of paint gets the job done. So, what kind of paint does work on ceramics and tile then?
The paint that tends to work the best on tiles and ceramic tends to be latex-based paints and acrylic-based paints most of the time. The latter works better as it is not water-soluble and bonds to the tile quite nicely. Acrylic paint also tends to be far more resilient to impact, abrasion, water, and direct heat, and even absorbs sound a bit better.
Even enamel paints work, and theyre pretty good too because they create a nice thick layer between the tile and surrounding environment. Just be sure to use a high-quality primer when applying any tile paint to ensure maximum adhesion.
How Long Does Paint Over Tiles Last
The longevity of painted tiles is largely dependent upon the quality of the painting, the quality of the paint, the foot-traffic of the area and the exposure to the elements.
However, the approximate median amount would be around 6-12 months. This can vary depending on the above factors, but if properly primed, painted and sealed, your painted tiles can last for 12+ months. If youre in doubt, why not ask your friends or family and see if they have images from painting their floor tiles before and after to see if you like the effect.
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Do I Use My Wood Stove Over The Painted Tile
Many of you have asked if I use my wood stove that sits on my painted tile and if the tile is still to code. I DO NOT use this stove as it’s in my work studio, so I didn’t worry about how the paint would affect fire code. If you do plan to paint the tile around a stove or fireplace that you’re using, you should consult a professional to ensure that your finish will be heat safe. If we ever sell our property , I may either have to remove the old wood stove in my studio or replace the tile.
Paint Doesnt Last Long On Tiled Floors
Paint doesnt last long on tile floors because the tiles are non-porous, and the tiled floors experience high foot traffic. On average, regular paints like latex and acrylic paint dont last up to a year on a tiled floor. On the other hand, floor paint lasts 3-5 years on tiles before you notice signs of chipping and peeling.
Regular paint wont last long because regular doesnt stick well to the tiled floors, so the paint washes off easily. Also, regular paint, such as latex paint, isnt moisture-resistant or durable enough. As a result, regular paint wont last longer than one year on tiles.
On the other hand, floor paint is formulated to bond well on tiles and withstand high foot traffic. As a result, the floor paint will last up to 5 years on a tiled floor.
However, the type of room determines how long the paint will last. For instance, the paint will last longer if you use tile paint on a boardroom tiles floor. However, if you use tile paint on a bathroom tiled floor, the paint will last 3 years or less.
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How Do You Cover Vct Tile
Make a Floor Cloth If youre looking for an easy, inexpensive way to cover your vinyl tile, a floor cloth is an ideal option. Made from durable canvas and painted with a decorative design, they work especially well in a kitchen because they can be mopped and vacuumed.
Can you epoxy over VCT tile?
One question that we thought we should address is whether or not you can apply an epoxy coating over VCT for your garage floor. The short answer is yes.
Do painted vinyl floors hold up?
Ordinarily, painting vinyl or linoleum flooring isnt recommended. The surfaces dont accept paint well and are likely to be dirty, stained, or waxed, which further inhibits paint bonding. And painting floors wont hide holes or dents.
Can you lay VCT tile over existing VCT tile?
Yes, VCT goes over a secure existing VCT quite well. Strip the wax/finish first AND THEN sand the existing well. Remove any loose tiles and either replace them or float it with patch.
How do you replace VCT?
In either case, removing VCT is a multiple-step process.
Where Wouldn’t You Use This Application
I can’t see painting the interior floors of an entire house with rustoleum floor paint. Especially if you have pets that may scratch the floor easily.
This is also not intended for walls, like shower tile. You should use the epoxy based Tub and Tile paint for that.
I would also avoid using this to paint counter top tile.
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Can I Paint Ceramic Floor Tiles
Absolutely, yes!
If youre not quite ready to commit to the costs of replacing tiles, you can paint them instead.
Floors tiles do take a lot of wear and tear for obvious reasons, so while it may not be a long-term solution, it is a low-cost and easy approach to covering up old floor tiles in the interim.
Our 2 Year Painted Floor Review
Here’s how the floor looks today.
As you can see in this pic, the floor tile paint still looks great.
For the most part.
Unfortunately we do have some necessary touch-ups that have to be addressed. Especially around the toilet.
I’m not sure if it was lack of preparation on my part, or shoes rubbing against the floor. Or maybe the moisture from the shower causing the area to wear down.
But it definitely is an eyesore.
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Pros Of Painting Tile
It’s cost-effective. It is more economical to paint tiles than to replace them. Painting provides a cost-effective way to renew the look and feel of old tiles. Painting materials are cheap compared to extensive replacement options.
Homeowners can complete the project themselves. Painting tiles can be a simple DIY task that can transform the color and pattern of a room. You can customize your tiles to suit your needs and style. Painted tiles also require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with a gentle detergent will do the trick.
Do You Need To Prime Tile Before Painting It
It depends. If you used a regular paint product, you are definitely going to have to prime first. You want to make sure that the paint really adheres to the floor tile, and proper preparation is key.
But, if you use the product I did, it does not require priming. Just clean the floor really well and youre ready to paint!
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Can You Paint Ceramic Floor Tile
Its all about the tile prep, so follow these tips to success floor painting.
Lets cut to the chase the answers yes you can paint ceramic tiles, but be aware that in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, its likely that the paint will wear away or bubble with time. Its just the nature of the material since paint will always sit atop the ceramic tile surface. That said, its possible to paint your ceramic floor tiles, but to do so properly requires diligent prep work and the use of the correct types of products. You wouldnt want your paint to wear prematurely or peel without reason, so follow these steps and work carefully for the best results if youre ready to refresh the look of your ceramic tile floors.
How To Paint Tile Floors:
First things first- paint the floors your base color. For me I did grey first, so my husband did 2 coats of the grey paint, referenced above, on the floors.
For the first coat, we used a paint brush on the grout as well as a foam roller over the whole thing. The brush allowed us to get into the grout lines a bit better.
For the second coat, we just used the foam roller. We then let coat two REALLY REALLY dry before we started in on stenciling!
SOME TIPS FOR THE WHOLE REST OF THE PROCESS: wearing clean socks any time you walk in the bathroom will help keep the floors clean while youre doing this. Keep in mind this is paint. IF you walked on your walls they would get really dirty, so before they are sealed, this is very helpful. You should also wash your hands well before you head in to paint each time.
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Sanded My Tile Floors
Sanding the tile helps helps scuff up the surface of it to help the primer adhere. And I was able to sand right off the disgusting unidentified crap on the surface of my tile. The purpose is not to remove the glaze on the tile its just to scuff it up. Note that ceramic tile can contain lead so consider testing for it or consulting with a professional if youre unsure about your tile. Always use protective eyewear and an appropriate mask or respirator to prevent you from breathing in the sanding dust. Contain the dust so it doesnt go into other areas of the house.
I used which makes the job so much quicker and easier than doing it by hand. If you do a lot of projects around the house and dont already have one of these electric sanders, Id highly recommend it its lightweight, fits in the palm of your hand, and has an angled head to get into corners easily:
I sanded the tiles that had a build-up of crud on them with 80 grit, did the whole floor with 120 grit, and then finished off with a quick once-over with a fine 240 grit.
Should You Start Painting Tile Floors
Do you have tile floors at home?
Its common to want to consider all of your options in a situation such as this. Some people will want to renovate the entire area by removing the tiles while others are going to want an easier solution. This includes painting tile floors.
Painting tile floors can work well as the process is faster, simpler, and more cost-efficient. When compared to a complete replacement, this can often be the better choice.
If you are worried about how the tile floors are going to look, its best to choose high-quality paint that will look good as soon as it dries.
This article will take a look at the top pros and cons of painting tile floors at home.
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Thoroughly Clean And Prep The Area
Time to clean again. Wipe away any sand grit youve created, and really take a second look at where any dirt could be hidinglike in the grout. If you dont clean it away now, itll get mixed in when you start painting and then it will be a part of your life forever .
If you want an extra barrier of protection, tape off the wall so that if your roller or brush taps the wall, you wont accidentally paint the wall with your floor color.
What Is The Best Paint For Floor Tiles
Some of the best floor paints are from Benjamin Moore and Rust-Oleum. Benjamin Moore has a Floor and Patio paint that is extremely durable and works for both interior and exterior floors.
Rust-Oleum has floor paint that works perfectly for tile floors and comes in many colors. It also comes with a topcoat that works for interior floors.
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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.
Sanding Your Floor Tiles
- After thoroughly cleaning the area, use your sanding block and sandpaper to thoroughly sand the area. As well as buffing the tiles and removing any residue, the textured finish allows the paint and primer to properly stick to the surface.
- Once you have thoroughly and evenly sanded the area, use your microfibre cloth to wipe away any residue or dust to provide a smooth finish.
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Is Painting Your Floor Tiles A Good Idea
When done properly, painting your floor tiles can be a great idea. Alongside the benefit of cost efficiency, painting your tiles is an easy way to experiment with your bathroom or kitchen design without breaking the bank or making a long-term investment. If done properly, your painted tile floor will still look great 6 months later!
When Should You Paint Your Floor
You should paint your tile floor if:
- Your previous flooring had cracks and visible flaws.
- Your floor linoleum has become hard to remove.
- You have flooring that can just be fixed anyhow, and you have to follow a specific procedure.
Take time to study your floor to be sure it doesnt fit the cons of painting. Each flooring comes with different materials and styles, so take note of every hinge of the floor before you start painting.
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Step : Painting The Ceramic Tile
Once the floor was dry, I used a 4 inch foam roller to apply the paint to the tiles. I went in small sections, like the directions suggested, and covered the tile with a thin but adequate coating.
I was impressed by how pigmented this paint is! It really covered a lot with one coat. Rustoleum recommends two coats for the white paint though, and it did need that second coat.
This is how it looked after the first coat of paint on the tile:
I let it dry for 6 hours, like the can recommends, and then painted a second coat.
If you are not painting a pattern on your tile, you can skip to Step 4.
Do Painted Tile Floors Last
If you paint your tile floors, you can expect that this might not be a extremely long term solution. Painted tile floors can last for a couple of years, but like all painted surfaces, eventually they will need redone or replaced.
This is especially true if you are painting a floor, because floors are constantly scruffed, scraped and walked on.
All that abrasion on the floor can cause the paint to chip and scratch.
Additionally, you may find that painted tile floors can peel if they are in a damp environment, such as a bathroom.
But, painting your tile floors is an awesome shorter term solution. Additionally, because it is so inexpensive, it is a great option to try out while youre saving for a new floor.
Using the right product is critical in ensuring that your painted tile floors last as long as possible.
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Is Tiling Over Tiles A Good Idea
Tiling over ceramic tile is definitely an option to cover up your tile. It is more expensive and more labor-intensive than painting over your tiles.
The floors also need to be level and not be warped from time. The floor also needs to be cleaned and not have any awkwardly placed tiles that would be hard to replicate.
If you are up for the task, it is possible! But it might not be a good idea if you are looking for an easier, cheaper solution.
Clean Your Floors Really Well
Every painting project starts the samewith some prep work! This project is no different. You want to get your floors super clean before you paint them. I first vacuumed the floors well and then used Krud Kutter to get the tile super clean.
I just followed the directions on the back of the bottle and used a scrub brush to really get into the grout lines and around the edges of the floor. Once it was clean, I went over it with a few rags to get it dry.
I then used painters tape to tape off the baseboards, vanity, and toiletbasically any edge that I didnt want to accidentally paint.
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