Want the luxurious look of decorative tile at a fraction of the cost? We’re spilling the secret on an under-the-radar DIY tile treatment, and teaching you how to recreate it in your home from start to finish.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Decorative tile floors can add an element of elegance to a hum-drum living space, but often for a pretty penny. To avoid the hassle of ripping out existing flooring—not to mention the high cost of commercial, patterned tiles— some crafty homeowners choose to achieve a similar look by painting tile floors.
This savvyDIY solution can create a variety of different finishes, from a matte monochrome to playful pattern. Are you ready to transform your existing tile floor on a dime? Put on your painter’s hat, roll up your sleeves, and get the scoop on all you need to know about painting tile floors.
WHICH TILES CAN YOU PAINT?
Although paint can be applied to ceramic tile in any room of the house, it doesn’t hold up equally well under all conditions. Prolonged exposure to moisture, for example, will cause paint to peel away from the tile over time. For long-lasting results, only paint tiles in the drier areas of your house. If you do opt to paint tile floors in high-moisture spaces, such as the bathroom, opt for a section of the floor far from the mildew-prone splash zone of the shower or bathtub and/or choose a paint labeled as specially made for bathrooms.
PREPARING TILE FOR PAINTING
The key to achieving a pristine paint finish is starting with a canvas of smooth, undamaged tile. Sand and vacuum the tile you want to paint, then get rid of dirt, grime, and mold by scrubbing the tile and grout lines with a homemade solution of equal parts bleach and warm water. Alternatively, you could clean the tile with a commercial cleaner that removes mold. Then, donning protective gear and maintaining proper ventilation in the room, repair any visible chips or cracks in the tile with caulk or a two-part epoxy.
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Once the floor is prepped, protect nearby baseboards from paint splatter by applying painter’s tape where the baseboards meet the tile floor. If you don’t want to paint the grout lines, cover them with acrylic masking tape.
Photo: istockphoto.com
CHOOSING A PAINT FOR TILE FLOORING
When painting a tile floor, the following three types of paint work best:
- Chalk paint can be applied without primer to lend a shabby-chic solid color to the tile, and it can also serve as a base coat for a patterned finish. If using chalk paint as a base coat, choose a shade that will visually contrast with the color of the pattern you intend to overlay.
- Latex paint works for both solid and patterned tile floors; select a semi- or high-gloss latex paint for solid tiles and a high-gloss latex paint for patterned tiles.
- Oil-based paint holds up better than latex paint since it’s less prone to chipping and damage. However, oil-based paint takes longer to dry, and it’s becoming increasingly harder to find because of environmental concerns. If using oil-based paint, choose a high-gloss or semi-gloss option.
Keep in mind that latex and oil-based paints adhere best to primed tile, so apply an epoxy or urethane bonding primer by brush or roller before painting tile with these options.
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APPLYING PAINT TO TILE FLOORING
If you’re planning to paint an entire floor, use a brush or roller to apply paint over the exposed tile and grout in a continuous motion. But if you’re painting alternating or random tiles instead of the entire floor, start by cutting in with a brush along the edge of one tile with an angled brush. Then, either brush or roll paint over the rest of the tile in unidirectional strokes, repeating this painting process for every tile you intend to paint. Mix a little paint thinner with the paint if you have trouble spreading it.
RELATED: The Best Painted Tile Floors on the Internet
If you want a solid-colored tile design, then you are completely finished painting. Give the paint at least two or three days to dry. Then seal the tile with two or three coats of a clear, water-based urethane sealer—not anoil-based sealer, which can yellow your colors—allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the next. Remove any masking tape and spruce up the grout lines by painting over them with grout paint, if needed.
But wait! If you plan on painting tile floors with a pattern, don’t seal the tile just yet. Simply let the tile dry for two or three days before moving on, and seal after the pattern has dried.
Photo: royaldesignstudio.com via Erica Brown
APPLYING A PATTERN
The easiest way to apply a pattern to painted tile is with a stencil. Whether you opt for a quilt-like pattern similar to what’s in theRemington Avenuepowder room, a sharper geometric pattern like the one found in the Brown Acres kitchen,or something altogether more whimsically Moroccan, be sure to start by buying or DIYing a stencil that fits the dimensions of your existing tile. The outer tips of the graphic inside the stencil should reach the outer edges of the tile.
Secure the stencil to the floor with painter’s tape, making sure not to cover any parts of the graphic with tape. Then, using a roller with a foam roller cover, apply latex or chalk paint directly over the stencil. Rolling over one section of the stencil at a time instead of painting across the entire stencil can help avoid the roller marks that often plague home painters. Move the stencil to another tile and repeat this process across the entire floor, taking care not to mar any freshly painted tiles with the stencil.
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If you run into partial tiles at the edge of the floor, you can paint over partial sections of the stencil. Use an artist’s paintbrush to make any necessary touch-ups to the pattern, and allow the paint to dry completely before finishing it with a clear water-based sealant.
Photo: istockphoto.com
PAINTED TILE FLOOR CARE AND LONGEVITY
A high-quality sealant can protect your painted tile floor from grime, moisture, and mold, as well as scuff marks and scratches from foot traffic. Even so, regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and damp-mopping debris from the floor will help retain the sheen of your painted tile floor and keep the pattern (if applied) looking sharp and distinct. You can also provide your tile floor with an extra barrier of protection from everyday wear-and-tear by setting mats in high-traffic areas and floor pads directly below furnishings on the tile.
When you need to thoroughly clean painted tile, use neutral pH solvents and lightly rub them into the floor with a non-abrasive chamois mop. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, or chemical cleaners, which can all discolor or erode the paint. Don’t let cleaners or plain water settle for too long on painted tile, as the excess moisture can make the paint more prone to peeling. A paste of baking soda and warm water makes for a gentle homemade cleaner that not only works wonders on grime-ridden tile, but can also render your grout lines pearly-white again. After using this homemade cleaner, wipe the clean tile dry with a lint-free cloth.
By mastering these tile maintenance dos and don’ts, you can maintain the unforgettable finish of your painted tile floor for many years.
Don't want to do it yourself?
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FAQs
Does painting floor tiles actually work? ›
' The answer is yes! If you're looking to freshen up your bathroom or kitchen tiles, but don't have the time or budget for a full re-tiling, then painting your floor tiles may be a great option. Offering full design flexibility, you can choose any paint colour, pattern and finish you like.
What kind of paint do you use to paint a tile floor? ›Latex, acrylic latex and enamel paints will all perform well on the ceramic tile if you have used a quality high-adhesion primer to prepare the surface. Apply two to three even coats, as needed, until you achieve full coverage.
How do you prepare a tile floor for painting? ›-Ensure your tiles are cleaned and dried thoroughly. -Use a water-based bonding primer and a paintbrush to prep the tiles. -Once dried, paint the entire floor with your tile paint using a foam roller. -Apply as many coats as necessary for full paint coverage.
Do I need to prime floor tiles before painting? ›To ensure that paint adheres well to tiles it is best to apply a primer first. This is not essential, but it will lead to a much more durable - and longer lasting finish.
How long does tile paint last? ›With paint, you can lighten, darken, or apply a pattern of your own design to your tile to fit any bathroom aesthetic, from a retro checkerboard pattern to a cool and contemporary geometric design. And, should your style change in three years, you can easily repaint.
How do painted tile floors hold up? ›Latex paint works for both solid and patterned tile floors; select a semi- or high-gloss latex paint for solid tiles and a high-gloss latex paint for patterned tiles. Oil-based paint holds up better than latex paint since it's less prone to chipping and damage.
What do you use to seal painted tile? ›Water-based polyurethane is the perfect sealant for painted tile. Polyurethane and urethane are the same thing, so you can look for products containing either one. Ensure the paint is thoroughly dry before applying the sealer.
Do you need special paint to paint tile? ›Painting tile requires the use of special epoxy paints or tile paints. This paint is made to stick to tile. It is extremely durable and washable. Use a roller to apply paint evenly to the tile.
How can I change the color of my floor tiles without replacing them? ›Start off by cleaning your tiles thoroughly and then take the time to sand them. Sanding the tile will help the pigment bond to it once you add it. You should also take a moment now to tape off your grout lines so that they aren't dyed as well. Before applying the paint, you'll want to use a primer.
How do you make old tiles look new? ›The Easy Way to Give Your Tiles a New Look - YouTube
Can you paint grout? ›
You can always apply a coat of colourant, also known as grout paint. Grout paint can restore the grout to like-new or change the tint to a different one completely if you fancy trying something new. The paint used for painting grout between tiles, is a special paint made specifically for grout.
How can I cover my tile floors cheaply? ›– Adhesive PVC tiles are composed of PVC panels that can be applied to the old tiles with a sticker. Waterproof and perfect for those who look for a DIY solution, they represent a cheap option. – A decorative sticker is another option for those who would like to cover the old, damaged tiles.
Do I need to sand tiles before painting? ›If it needs cleaning or even re-grouting, ensure you do this before painting for the best possible finish. Once the tiles are clean, you must then sand them down to create a 'key' for the paint to adhere. This creates a slightly rougher surface that makes it much easier to paint.
Does tile paint come off? ›The easiest way to remove dried-on paint from tile is to gently scrape it off using a razor blade. Use short strokes, holding the blade at a 45-degree angle. As you scrape the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth. This will remove the pieces of paint as you scrape them away.
What is the best primer for tiling over tiles? ›- KILZ Adhesion Interior/Exterior Primer. ...
- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer. ...
- KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer. ...
- INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer. ...
- KILZ Restoration Interior Primer. ...
- Zinsser Bondz Maximum Adhesion Primer. ...
- KILZ Premium Primer/Sealer/Stainblocker.
Painting over tiles may be a quick, affordable way to update a room, but it is not the most durable solution; if anything, it's more of a stop-gap. To avoid the paint peeling quickly, opt for areas that aren't subject to much drenching - avoid showers or areas directly behind the sink, for example.
Do painted tiles look good? ›The short answer is that yes painting floor tiles does last, even with excessive amounts of floor traffic! However, there are definitely some issues to consider! Overall, when standing and looking at the room as a whole, the painted floor tile looks good and you can't see any major problems.
Can you paint and seal tile? ›How to Paint Tile Floor | Painting Tile Floors Before and After - YouTube
Do painted floor tiles chip? ›Does Painting Floor Tiles Last? One Year Review - YouTube
How long does floor paint last? ›Ideally, your cement floor paint can last several decades. And while there's no way to guarantee long-lasting floors, the experts at Anderson Painting will put you in the best position by installing Penntek polyurea coatings, whose 15-year warranty will also give you peace of mind.
Can you clean tiles that have been painted? ›
Start by scraping the paint with a plastic scraper or a utility knife. Pour a small amount of nail polish remover onto a clean microfibre cloth afterwards and dab it on the tile. Leave it for a few minutes so the paint can soften. Scrub the tiles with the acetone-soaked cloth to remove the excess paint.
How do you keep paint from peeling off tiles? ›Some experts say that just paint and primer are enough to have a durable paint job on your tiles. However, the best way to seal your paint is with two or three coats of a clear, water-based, urethane sealer. This final step helps to ensure that your paint will last longer and stand up to more wear and tear.
Is tile paint waterproof? ›Don't retile, use One Coat Tile Paint to revive and rejuvenate your kitchen or bathroom tiles. Once dry, the paint is waterproof and mould resistant so you can update and protect your tiles at the same time.
Can you put a clear coat on ceramic tile? ›GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.
How do you paint old tile? ›To paint over ceramic tile walls:
Sand the surface of the tile with 100-grit sandpaper. Wipe the tile down to clean it and remove any sanding dust. Paint over the tile with a bonding primer. After the primer has dried, paint the walls with epoxy paint.
Most ceramic tiles can be painted, as long as it's not frequently subjected to water or heavy wear. For instance, you can paint tiles on a bathroom wall, but avoid painting tiles that line a bathtub, shower, or that is on the floor or a countertop.
What kind of paint do you use on porcelain tiles? ›It's quite durable and usually has a glazed finish. If you're refinishing the look of your home or bathroom, you can paint porcelain tiles with acrylic latex paint or two-part tile epoxy that mimics the look and feel of porcelain. With proper sanding and priming, both adhere well to a tile surface.
How can I update old tiles without replacing them? ›- Use Vinyl Flooring. Vinyl flooring is available in the form of luxury vinyl flooring and traditional vinyl flooring. ...
- Roll out Rugs and Carpets. ...
- Install Laminated Wooden Flooring. ...
- Opt for an Epoxy coating. ...
- Choose Artificial Grass. ...
- Just Clean the Tiles.
I found a few examples of homeowners using Annie Sloan chalk paint in graphite (on tile) + Annie Sloan chalk paint in french linen (on grout) + Annie Sloan lacquer in a matte finish (as a sealer) to achieve surprisingly realistic slate lookalike results.
How do you make tiles glossy? ›Baking Soda Solution
To make a paste, mix equal baking soda and hot water measures. Scrub the grouting and tiles with a soft brush dipped in baking soda. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes for the baking soda to soak before rinsing the tiles with hot water.
How long does floor paint last? ›
Ideally, your cement floor paint can last several decades. And while there's no way to guarantee long-lasting floors, the experts at Anderson Painting will put you in the best position by installing Penntek polyurea coatings, whose 15-year warranty will also give you peace of mind.
How can I change the color of my floor tiles without replacing them? ›Start off by cleaning your tiles thoroughly and then take the time to sand them. Sanding the tile will help the pigment bond to it once you add it. You should also take a moment now to tape off your grout lines so that they aren't dyed as well. Before applying the paint, you'll want to use a primer.
Does tile paint scratch off? ›If done incorrectly, your painted tile may chip or peel.
Which is the best floor paint? ›- Granotone Emulsion Floor Coating Paint. 800 mL. 4.2. (20) ₹701. ₹1,450. 51% off.
- PMW Functional Floor Coating Paint. 100 mL. ₹130. ₹400. 67% off.
- JKProtomaxpaints Floor oxide yellow Emulsion Floor Coat... 2 L. 3.3. ₹374. ₹450. 16% off.
- SUPERSEAL Emulsion Floor Coating Paint. 20 L. ₹6,120. ₹6,500. 5% off.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Polyurethane is another synthetic plastic with superior protective and adhesive properties that works well as a clear-coat for a painted floor. Because its use as a floor finish is so common, you should be able to find it at any hardware store.
Water-based polyurethane is the perfect sealant for painted tile. Polyurethane and urethane are the same thing, so you can look for products containing either one. Ensure the paint is thoroughly dry before applying the sealer.
How do you make old tile look modern? ›The Easy Way to Give Your Tiles a New Look - YouTube
How do you paint over tiles? ›How to paint tiles - YouTube
Can you paint ceramic tile floors to look like slate? ›I found a few examples of homeowners using Annie Sloan chalk paint in graphite (on tile) + Annie Sloan chalk paint in french linen (on grout) + Annie Sloan lacquer in a matte finish (as a sealer) to achieve surprisingly realistic slate lookalike results.
How can I cover my floor cheaply? ›- Sheet Vinyl. Getty. Sheet vinyl costs, on average, between $0.50 to $2 per square foot, making it a great affordable option. ...
- Linoleum. Getty. ...
- Laminate. Getty. ...
- Carpet. Getty. ...
- Polished Concrete. Getty.
Can you put peel and stick tiles over existing tiles? ›
As long as you prepare your existing surface well, you can place most peel-and-stick tiles over existing surfaces. Do keep in mind that some peel-and-stick tiles will only adhere well when the grout lines are filled in to be flush with the existing tile.
Can you paint over ceramic tile? ›Most ceramic tiles can be painted, as long as it's not frequently subjected to water or heavy wear. For instance, you can paint tiles on a bathroom wall, but avoid painting tiles that line a bathtub, shower, or that is on the floor or a countertop.
Should I use a brush or roller to paint tiles? ›For best results you'll need to 'cut-in' the corners and edges as you go with a small paint brush (whatever size you feel comfortable with) and paint the large areas with a roller. You'll get a much better result if you use a roller on the tiles.
How long does tile paint need to dry? ›Finish each tile with a vertical stroke. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry. If you are painting with a significantly different colour, you may need to apply a second coat to make sure that it's properly covered.
Why is my tile paint bubbling? ›Blisters or bubbles appear when a layer of paint does not adhere perfectly to its underlying surface, known as the substrate. As the new film of paint dries and pulls away, pockets of air or water form underneath.