Can you paint bathroom tile: Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

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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 you’re 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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Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

As someone who’s done it, absolutely. There are, however, some important considerations, because the process isn’t the same as painting a wall.

You must meticulously clean and scuff the tiles before you paint. Glazed tile, the kind you find most often on bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes, is non-porous, so adhesion is the main concern. Any stray grease or soap scum left on the tile will result in lifting paint.
You can paint most tile, but tile with a clear urethane finish should not be painted. Use a razor scraper in an inconspicuous area to check for a clear finish.
You need to prime. Primer acts like an adhesive.
You need the right kind of paint. The best choice is a waterborne epoxy formulation such as Behr Pro. But some super hard acrylic resin formulations like Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa or Majic Paints Diamond Hard Repurpose will also work.
Think twice before painting tile with lifting or cracks or crumbling grout, or tile subjected to unusual amounts of water. You’re probably better off covering that with a vinyl liner or wall panel.

Pros of Painting Bathroom Tile

Before you undertake any multistep home improvement project, know what benefits you’ll realize. With painting tile, here’s 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 don’t have to go for a solid color, although that’s 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, you’ll avoid cleaning moldy grout lines in the future.

How To Paint Bathroom Tile

As with any painting job, the quality and longevity of a tile paint job depends on the prep work. It’s even more important when painting tile, because without it, the paint will lift.

Here’s a quick overview of the prep and painting procedure:

Do an initial cleaning: Wash the tile thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner. A household cleaner containing ammonia is good, but a solution of 1/2-cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute per gallon of warm water is better. This strong detergent really cuts through the grease, and it helps to dull the shiny surface of glazed tiles. Wear gloves and goggles.
Make repairs: Fill chips and cracks with a durable repair putty like Bondo All-Purpose Putty. Use a putty knife to force it into cracks in the tile and voids in the grout. Then scrape off the excess and, when the putty hardens, sand down the repairs with 120-grit sandpaper.
Sand the tile: Get out your handheld orbital sander, put on a sheet of 120-grit sandpaper and sand the entire area you plan to paint. The sandpaper dulls the shine and makes micro etches that provide traction for the paint.
Clean again: Wipe down the entire area you sanded thoroughly with a damp rag to remove sanding dust.
Lay drop cloths and mask with tape: Put drop cloths (preferably canvas) on the floor to catch drips. Lay painter’s tape around the perimeter of the wall or backsplash and cover anything you don’t want to paint, like faucet handles or soap dishes.
Apply a coat of primer: Use a high-quality bonding primer like Insl-X Stix or Behr Bonding Primer. Apply it with a four-inch roller fitted with a long-nap (1/2-inch or longer) roller. Keep an angled trim brush handy for cutting in, painting around obstructions and filling in voids left by the roller.
Paint the first coat: Wait two or three hours for the primer to dry. Then scuff with 220-grit sandpaper, wipe off the dust and apply the first coat of paint.
Paint the second coat: Scuff the first coat with 220-grit sandpaper when it’s dry, which may take eight hours or more depending on the temperature and humidity. Apply a second coat, which should be the last one you need.

How Long Does Tile Paint Last?

The longevity of the paint in my former rental unit notwithstanding, tile paint isn’t meant for long-term repairs and generally starts to fade after about six years.

If you’ve done your prep work properly, however, it shouldn’t 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 shouldn’t need to prime it.

Painting Bathroom Tile? 6 Things to Know First

Photo: amazon.com

Gone are the days when your only option for refreshing dingy, dated, or plain-Jane bathroom tile was to rip it out and replace it. Today, commercial paints formulated for use on tile make it possible to restore the look of your tile floors, walls, and other bathroom surfaces—or lend them a new one altogether—with little more than a can! Simple as it sounds, painting bathroom tile shouldn’t start without first evaluating key project considerations and constraints. Below, we’ve outlined the six things to know before you even pick out a paint color.

Painting bathroom tile is much cheaper than retiling.

You’ve heard it before: Paint is an economical material. Unsurprisingly, then, it’s the most budget-friendly way to refresh bathroom tile that isn’t cracked, crumbling, or otherwise structurally compromised. Frugal do-it-yourselfers can spend as little as $100 to paint 100 square feet. Meanwhile, depending on the tile material, a DIY retiling can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 for a typical bathroom floor measuring 35 to 100 square feet. Retiling a tub surround or walls of a shower stall between 9 and 13 square feet, too? That’d be another $400 to $1,300, according to the online planning tool, CostHelper.com. Solid-colored tile in bargain materials like ceramic falls at the lower end of these price ranges, while patterned tile in premium materials like marble falls at the higher end—as much as 15 times the cost! Patterns in painted tile floors, on the other hand, would only cost you double or triple the expenses for materials (depending on how many colors) and time.

Photo: istockphoto.com

It affords endless looks.

Popular bathroom tile materials—ceramic, porcelain (a subset of ceramic tile), natural stone (marble, travertine, slate, granite, or limestone), and quarry tile—are sold in a number of solid colors or patterns. Still, those preset styles might not suit the design of your bathroom, go out of fashion after you’ve installed them, or, be simply too cost-prohibitive to install. 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.

Keep in mind that brighter paint colors are a better option for space-limited bathrooms; darker paint absorbs light and can have the effect of making a small bath look more constricted.

RELATED: The Best Painted Floors on the Internet

It’s not practical to paint tile on all bathroom surfaces.

With the exception of glazed quarry tile (which doesn’t bond well with paint), you can apply paint to most popular types of tile: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or even un-glazed quarry tile. But your paint job will last the longest on tiled bathroom surfaces that receive low to moderate exposure to moisture—think bathroom floors (outside the immediate vicinity of the tub), walls, and backsplashes. Tiled countertops, tub surrounds, or shower surfaces, while paintable, aren’t as practical surfaces for this treatment in the long-term because the paint is more likely to prematurely fade, peel, or blister with regular exposure to water. That said, if you are on board for frequent touch-ups or re-application until your budget allows for a full bathroom remodel, this fix might be just the ticket!

Don’t want to do it yourself?

Get free, no-commitment estimates from pro painters near you.

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It’s crucial to pick a paint that’s right for the tile material and bathroom surface.

Ceramic, porcelain, and unglazed quarry tile can take either latex or epoxy paint in one-part (pre-mixed) or two-part (ready-to-mix) varieties formulated for interior use. Latex paint ($10 to $30 per gallon) is generally less smelly and toxic. Unless you choose a pricier mildew-proof variety, though, it readily weathers with heavy moisture exposure and therefore should be saved for bathroom floors or walls. For the “splash zones” of backsplashes, countertops, tub surrounds, and shower surfaces, epoxy paint ($20 to $35 per gallon) does the trick. This type of paint cures into a harder, more durable coat that boasts more resistance to moisture, heat, and everyday wear-and-tear than its latex counterpart. You might look for a well-reviewed two-part epoxy specifically designed for specifically for tubs and tiles, like this Rust-Oleum refinishing kit—available on Amazon and elsewhere—that’s been reviewed nearly 2,000 times.

Natural stone tiles, on the other hand, need an acrylic latex paint formulated for interior masonry or stucco ($20 to $35 per gallon). All of these paints come in a full spectrum of sheens ranging from flat to high-gloss. The glossier the finish, the more slippery the painted tile will be. Flat and matte sheens afford the most traction underfoot, while semi-gloss and high-gloss sheens offer the least, a disadvantage on already slip-prone surfaces like shower floors.

RELATED: Solved! How to Choose the Best Paint for Bathrooms

It can put your bathroom out of commission for a weekend or longer.

The task of painting bathroom tile can be divided into five stages: surface preparation, priming, painting, pattern application, and sealing. Total time spent on the project will depend on the dry time of the primers, paints, and sealers you’re using; the complexity of the pattern you’re applying; and the extent of the project, be it a few accent tiles on the backsplash or the whole wall. Here’s what you can expect:

Surface preparation entails sanding, vacuuming, and then scrubbing the tile and grout lines to remove dirt and grime.
Priming the tile is essential to making the tile more receptive to paint. Use epoxy or urethane primer for ceramic or porcelain tile (view example on Amazon), masonry primer for natural stone or unglazed quarry tile (view example on The Home Depot). Read and adhere to the primer’s instructions for dry time—you won’t want to cover something that’s sticky.
Painting the bathroom tile can involve either rolling color onto large swaths of tile at a time or brushing individual tiles by first “cutting in” around the edges. The latter method would rely on an angled brush and a steady, precise hand in order to avoid sullying grout lines or neighboring tiles, and that can drag out the process. If you’re doing more than a few accent tiles this way, plan accordingly. Then, while the paint dries over the next two or more days, you’ll need to avoid touching or walking on it.
Applying pattern to the fully-cured tiles typically entails taping a store-bought or homemade stencil to the tiles you want to pattern, then rolling over the stencil with a roller cover saturated in the same paint you used for the tile. Again, wait out the full dry time.
Finally, sealing the painted bathroom tile protects your project from grime, scuff marks, and scratches. Your clear sealer (urethane sealer for ceramic or porcelain, or masonry sealer for natural stone or quarry tile) also has a dry time you’ll want to factor into your planning. Only after you’ve waited the full time should you begin to use the bathroom.
All in all, you could be looking at a project that puts the bathroom out of order anywhere from two days to several days. And, when you’re thinking about putting fresh paint on floors, you can’t even get away with walking into the bathroom to grab whatever facewash you unintentionally left behind, so be sure to take all the essentials out with you before you start!

It needs minimal maintenance.

It doesn’t take much but regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the sealed painted tile with a store-bought or homemade tile cleaner that’s tailored to your tile in order to retain its color and fend off abrasive dirt. However, laying mats in high-traffic areas and floor pads below furnishings on the tile can prevent scuff marks or impressions from marring the paint job. If blemishes do appear in the paint job, simply use an artist’s paintbrush and your leftover paint to make touch-ups, then allow it to dry completely before re-sealing that portion.

Don’t want to do it yourself?

Get free, no-commitment estimates from pro painters near you.

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How we Changed our Bathroom Tile for $150 bucks

Before you rip out your ugly bathroom tile, you should read how to paint floor tiles! We changed our bathroom tile for $150 bucks and it is the best deal for a cheaper alternative to replacing tile! A huge thank you to Rust-Oleum for sponsoring this post and helping us create a bathroom we love!

Our dated bathroom needed a major overhaul and needed to be brought into the current century.

But the previous year, we had just gutted and replaced the tile in our master bathroom. So I wasn’t ready for another home improvement project that involved new tile.

After getting a cost estimate, we decided to DIY that bathroom makeover with the exception of a few plumber charges.

Needless to say, my heart wasn’t in that big of a home project.

Plus, we didn’t have money in the budget to rip out the ugly tile and install new.

But we also didn’t want to live with this:

With older homes, you will find the tile on most walls which makes for additional work to remove and replace.

And since the ceramic tiles were in good condition, we opted for an option that would help out the total cost of this bathroom reno.

By painting this tile ourselves, we were able to save hundreds on the total budget and focus on the little things that can make this feel like a new bathroom.

Just look at our tile now!

So what can you do to update your tile in a cost-effective way?

We recently revealed this bathroom makeover and the most asked question is about our tile renovation.

Our goal was to transform this bathroom for less than $1000 – including lighting fixtures, an updated bathroom vanity, new toilet, a new glass door for the shower, and a fresh coat of paint not to mention the tile!

Friends, we changed our bathroom tile for $150 bucks in just a few days and gave it a fresh new look.

Here’s how we did it!

Let’s start with the supplies you will need.

Table of Contents

HOW WE CHANGED OUR

BATHROOM TILE FOR $150 BUCKS

(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)

SUPPLIES

Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Paint – available at Home Depot
Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating we chose the color Aged Gray
And Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating Top Coat we opted for Matte
Heavy Duty Cleaner – we used Krud Kutter
Wet Sand Paper – 400 grit
Tack Cloth
Paint Stick
High Quality Paint Brush
Foam Roller
Painter’s Tape
Breathing Mask and Goggles
Latex Gloves
Fan

Step One: Surface Prep

First things first, make any needed repairs to the tile. For this bathroom, the grout needed to be handled and I share all the details of that project in this post.

Prepping your area is so important when it comes to painting tile. Remove or tape off all metal drains, shower head, knobs, bathroom faucets (especially if it’s a new faucet like ours), etc. as well as any caulk. We also taped off any areas we didn’t want the paint to hit, like our walls.

Be sure there isn’t any mildew present and repair any cracks or peeling paint.

For the Tub and Tile Paint, you will need to prepare the tile with an abrasive pad or wet/dry medium grit sandpaper. Make sure to hit each tile. It can be daunting scrubbing the entire space, especially if you have as much tile as we do, but it’s so worth changing our bathroom tile for $150 bucks! Just make sure to remove all the sanding dust once you are done.

TIP: I opted for 2 directions to ensure I hit each spot.

Thoroughly rinse the area and clean with the Krud Kutter and a scrub brush. It’s hard working without being an abrasive cleaner. You want to make sure the surface is very clean before applying the paint.

For the floor, the wet sanding isn’t necessary, but the clean surface is a great idea. Especially if your floors were like ours.

What a difference, right?

And the sad thing is, these floors are clean. The grout just wouldn’t come clean. This Krud Kutter cleaner is no joke!

I used paper towels to wipe up the cleaner.

Once you are sure your surfaces are thoroughly prepped, you are ready to paint.

Step Two: Painting the Wall Tile

Before you open the paint cans, make sure you are properly ventilated. We opened windows and had 2 fans blowing the air out the window. Especially if you have a small bathroom.

This is an epoxy paint and does have a strong odor.

I made sure to wear a breathing mask while I was applying this along with protective gear like my goggles and gloves.

There are two cans inside the package that you mix together. Take your time and make sure they are thoroughly blended.

Make sure to mask off any areas you don’t want painted using painter’s tape.

We started brushing any areas that needed cutting in. Then we immediately starting rolling after.

Work in small areas. We found the paint got tacky quickly.

Here’s a side by side of our tile painted vs unpainted.

This stuff goes on super smooth. We had the first coat of all the wall tile finished in about 2 hours. That included the tub around the tile and all the tile on the walls of our bathroom – which was a lot.

FYI: We didn’t paint our cast iron tub. It was already white and in great condition. But it would be an excellent option to make an old tub look new.

Allow to dry at least 1 hour before you start a second coat.

In one day, we had both coats finished.

We started on the floor a few days later, but probably could have started painting the floor the next day.

It looks so smooth!

One package covers 110 square foot, which should work for 2 coats on an average bathroom.

We needed 2 packages since the tile extended into the double vanity area. And we had lots left over.

I suggest measuring the square footage of tile you have before purchasing. It’s a good idea to have enough product to finish the project.

Step Three: Painting the Floor Tile

The Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating is a two step process that was so very easy!

I think this floor tile paint was what made the huge difference in this bathroom makeover.

The first coat of paint is the base coat followed by top coat to protect the surface. What I love most about this system is the variety of awesome colors that are available!

Before we began painting floor tiles, we made sure to sweep any debris from the floor. You want to have a clean surface.

If you are painting the walls as well as the floors, make sure to allow the walls to completely dry before moving painting floor tiles.

Again, take a moment to make sure everything is in good shape before starting.

Next, we taped off the edges. We didn’t want to get any gray paint on our new white wall tiles!

Once prep is done, you are ready to paint the floor.

Stir your floor paint before applying, especially if you have a darker tint. Make sure all color is incorporated together. Settling and separation can occur which may show up.

Pour a small amount into a paint tray.

First we cut in along the edges of our ceramic tile floor.

Then we used a foam roller to fill in the tiles. You could also use a small nap roller as well.

Since our floor was this hexagon shaped tile, we found that our roller didn’t easily get into each grout line.

As we worked our way out, we would brush the grout lines and follow up with the roller.

TIP: A great place to start would be in a far corner and work your way out toward the door! We also removed the tape as we went along checking for bleed through and cleaning if necessary.

The entire first coat process took just under an hour. I couldn’t believe how quickly it transformed the room.

In just 6 hours for dry time, you apply the top coat.

While we went with a solid color over the entire surface, we have seen some gorgeous applications using tile stencils.

We allowed the floors to dry fully overnight and applied the top coat the next day.

The Matte top coat is a very milky texture and goes a long way.

So we used the same technique as we did with painting the floor, combining the brush and roller to ensure it got into the grout lines.

You can see here how the roller wasn’t going to work for the grout lines.

Allow the floors to dry for 24 for a full cure before any foot traffic is on them.

The can does state that it takes up to 7 days for the floor to fully cure, so we kept the boys at bay until then.

But just look at this huge difference in our bathroom floor!

Doesn’t that look like new tiles? Like I said, I think painting the floor tiles made the biggest difference in this space.

We saved so much money on the cost of installation of new tile as well as the labor costs from a general contractor. And with a just a few simple steps and a little bit of hard work.

UPDATE: Do Painted Floor Tiles Last? Read our full review 2 years later!

It was very DIY friendly and is one of the easiest and best ways to update an existing space.

So before you get your sledgehammer out and start tearing out your old tile, consider this diy job as an economical approach.

We changed the overall look of our bathroom tile for $150 bucks and just a few days and it looks amazing!

Floor Register from Home Depot

But we couldn’t have done this room makeover without these two amazing products from Rust-Oleum.

It took this room from drab and dated to fab and and new!

We are certainly glad we did!

Don’t miss the other posts

in this Bathroom Makeover!

THE BEFORE
RAISE THE ROOF: HOW WE MADE THE BATHROOM CEILING TALLER
DIY SHOWER DOOR UPDATE
HOW TO MAKE A BATHROOM VANITY TALLER
REGROUTING BATHROOM TILE
INSTALLING AND LIMEWASHING BRICK VENEER
DIY CEILING PLANKS FROM LAMINATE FLOORING
HOW WE CHANGED OUR BATHROOM TILE FOR $150
HOW TO MAKE CEDAR FRAMED MIRRORS
THE BIG REVEAL!

Originally Published November 7, 2019 / Updated July 10, 2021

floor, shower, backsplash – House Mix

I’ve worked slowly for eight months, painting every surface imaginable, to update this bathroom with only paint! I painted the tile floors, grout, shower, stenciled the walls, even painted the side of the tub and backsplash! I’ve never had a more dramatic paint makeover than this room. And it cost about $261! You’ll have to see the transformation to believe it.

In this post

Painting the shower tile
Stenciling the shower tile
Painting the side of the bathtub and backsplash
Stenciling the walls
Painting the tile bathroom floor and grout

VIDEOS: There is a 1-minute video after each section to show you how I did each type of tile!

Post coming up next

How to frame builder grade mirrors

Please read this first

Nothing is sponsored and I will be entirely honest with you on this post. I did my best to photograph it as accurately as possible.
I will do an update in 6 months and then again in a year to let you know how it holds up — or sooner if something really tanks!
Painted tile is not the same as factory-made tile. Painting tile is a risk.
I am not a professional. I know you know that, but here it is in black and white.

Can you paint tile?

Sure you can! I keep painting all kinds of tile. We just can’t afford to remodel. SO! I figure if I truly don’t like the tile and plan to replace it one day anyway it’s worth the risk. There are different ways to paint tile, but I have been using Stix bonding primer + oil based enamel with pretty great results.

If you’re nervous to try, my recommendation is to try an inconspicuous spot first! My first attempt at painting a floor tile with floor and porch paint chipped easily. I’m glad I started with just one and didn’t and attempt to do every tile right off the bat.

There are many ways to paint tile! I’m just sharing what I have tried. Feel free to share in the comments any ways you have painted tile and how it worked out!

Let’s get started!

I made mistakes along the way and did somethings out of order, so to make this simple, I’m going to share these tutorials in the order that I should have done them, not necessarily did them. (For example, painting the floor first was not my brightest idea, but I didn’t know I was going to paint the shower too. Or wallpaper the water closet.)

Here’s a look at the completed bathroom! I can’t believe it’s finally done!

It wasn’t that I was so against an all-white bathroom, it was that the baseboard was beat up, the grout was stained and some of the tile was scuffed. It just needed some love — and some personality!

Bathroom makeover cost: $261

Caulk $4
Stix bonding primer $15
Oil paint (2 quarts) $30
Latex paint $25
Polycrylic $19
Brushes/painting supplies $45
Leaves stencil $40
Circular stencil $40
Adhesive spray $5
Wood for mirrors $35
Liquid nails $3

Furniture source list

Chandelier ($150)
Ceiling medialian ($15)
Artificial banana tree ($129)
Faux fix leaves ($5/stem)
Beveled hanging mirror ($40) – World Market
Fairfield planter ($30) with snake plant- Home Depot
Wood table ($40) – Ross Dress for Less
Chair – roadside find refinished

How to paint shower tile

I was so focused on the floor and walls that the shower was kind of an afterthought. But a very happy afterthought! It turned out so unique.

If there’s one spot I’m worried about not holding up, it’s this shower floor. Two people taking daily showers is a lot. And I’m not sure I cleaned it beforehand as well as I should have. Told you I’d be honest! I’ll let you know how it goes.

WARNING: Also, you should know that the floor will be slicker when wet than regular tile. It is probably not ideal for small kids or elderly.

Materials

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Krud Kutter
Wooster angled brush
Foam roller and tray
Extra foam rollers
Foam brushes (good for touching up)
Painter’s tape
1 quart Stix bonding primer
1 quart oil-base enamel for walls (Sheen: satin)
1 quart oil-base enamel for floor (Sheen: satin)

Paint sheen: My link here for the oil paint has a semi-gloss sheen. They only have semi-gloss listed online, but ask for SATIN at the store.

Paint colors: I used Kendall charcoal for the floor and white out of the can for the walls.

IMPORTANT:

Oil-based paint is sticky, messy to clean up and takes much longer to cure than water-based paint. Handle it with care and if you’re new to painting, be sure to cover surrounding areas with plastic.

The oil paint’s odor is very strong. Open windows, turn on the exhaust fan. You can wear a mask. Keep the door shut when you are done.

Oil enamel is more difficult to work with, BUT because it dries slowly, you have time to correct mistakes. Also, after it has time to cure it becomes very hard and is more chip-resistant. I did not make any attempt to save my brushes as they’re nearly impossible to clean.

Instructions

Clean and scrub the shower.
Krud Kutter cuts through grease and preps tile.
Apply painter’s tape where necessary. I put it around the shower head and handle, but skipped the the ceiling to save time.
Open up the windows, turn on the fans! These paints are strong.
Apply Stix bonding primer to the walls with the foam roller and edges with the Wooster brush.
Wait a few hours and do a second coat if you really want it to stick. I only did one coat.
Now start with the floor. Apply the bonding primer in the same way to the floor. Two coats are preferable on the floor.
Directions say wait 3 to 4 hours to apply on top of the primer.
Next, apply the oil based enamel with the foam roller and Wooster brush. I went one wall at a time because oil paint starts to become tacky. You cannot go over oil paint once it starts to dry. Take extra care not to drip or spill this stuff! It’s much different than latex paint.
I used one generous coat because I was tired of painting! But you can do more if you wait for it cure for 7 days.
Next, paint the floor! I did TWO COATS on the floor because it will take the most foot traffic and water.
Cure time is at least 7 days!
If something gets nicked or a spot was missed, use a foam brush to carefully repair it.

Watch this one-minute video to see me do it:

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A post shared by Kate | Home Decor & DIY Blog (@housemixblog) on Feb 28, 2020 at 12:25pm PST

How to stencil shower wall tile

When I saw the shower plain, bright white I liked it much better than the brown! BUT I also saw it as a blank canvas and thought I might as well add some detail.

I chose a beautiful chinoiserie wallpaper for our bedroom (post coming soon, though you can see it at the end) and thought I would echo the leaves in the wallpaper in the shower. So I bought this stencil of dripping leaves on Etsy.

I did the stencil, but as a child of the ’80s, it looked a little too stenciled for my taste. So I decided to go over it with an artist’s brush to make it look hand painted.

I could not have done this freehand! I needed the stencil, but the brush took it to the next level. And it didn’t even take that long! You can see at the top how the stencil looks one-dimensional on it’s own. Adding a few colors and closing up the vine gaps makes all the difference.

Materials

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Stencil
Adhesive spray
Foam roller and tray
Several paint colors
An artist’s brush
Polycrylic protective finish

NOTE: I used paint I already had to do this project. You could also buy samples. Oil-base paint would be ideal in the shower, but because it is higher on the wall and less likely to be touched, I went with the latex and coated it with protective finish.

Here are the colors I used:

White
Courtyard Green (from this door)
Sage Wisdom (from the playroom)
Kendal Charcoal

Instructions

Loosely think about where you want the stencil to go. Don’t forget you can flip the stencil around so the leaves go the other way!
Go outside and LIGHTLY spray back of stencil with adhesive. Not too much because you don’t want to pull the paint off the tile!
Carefully press the stencil in the desired place.
Roll the foam roller in the tray and then on an extra piece of cardboard or paper bag to get off excess paint.
Apply the paint to the stencil.
Pull stencil off immediately and wipe down.
Allow stencil to dry for a minute and then reapply in the next position. Only spray the adhesive again if you need to.
After you’ve have the pattern as you wish, start going over the leaves with the artist’s brush in various colors and darkness.
After the leaves are completely dry, finish with a few coats of polycrylic. Allow 2 hours dry time between coats.

HAND PAINTING TIP: It doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t do each leaf the same. Do a section of them a little lighter and then others a little darker. The more contrast, the more realistic and interesting it is. Look a picture of actual leaves if it helps.

Watch this one-minute video to see me do it:

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A post shared by Kate | Home Decor & DIY Blog (@housemixblog) on Mar 3, 2020 at 7:54am PST

Painting plastic side of bathtub and backsplash

And now it’s time for the drama! This is my favorite part of the bathroom — the dramatic alcove with painted backsplash and tub panel.

COLOR: I first thought I would paint this pretty alcove in the bathroom a robin’s egg blue, like the inside of a shell. And it was underwhelming. So I decided to go bold and paint it Kendall Charcoal! I used this color in our last kitchen on the walls and backsplash and it went viral. I love this rich color.

PLASTIC TUB PANEL: Then there was the side of the bathtub. It was plastic. And yellowing. And ugly. I thought about hiring someone to build around it. And then I thought, I paint everything, I should paint this too!

(Check out the condition of that baseboard caulking on the before pic! Yikes.)

BACKSPLASH: There was nothing wrong with this backsplash per se, but nothing special either. I decided to paint over that too! Let’s get crazy.

And it worked! Painting this whole alcove dark gray added drama and contrast. It made it so much more visually interesting.

This project was a quick fix compared to the shower! The shower was by far the most difficult task, so this was a breeze compared to that.

Materials

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Krud Kutter
Painter’s tape
Wooster angled brush
1 quart oil-base enamel for plastic and backsplash (Sheen: satin)
1 quart semi-gloss latex paint (for walls)

Semi-gloss paint is my new favorite for walls and trim! I love the sheen it gives, especially on smooth walls. Looks more expensive.

Instructions

Clean the tub and backsplash.
Tape as necessary.
Paint walls with latex paint.
Stix bonding primer would create a more durable finish, but I did not use it. One can only paint so much!
Paint the backsplash and plastic with the oil-base enamel using the Wooster.

That’s it! I’m the only one who really uses this tub (and I was tired of painting) so I just left it at that. And it’s held up great! If kids were going to use it, I would probably use primer first.

Watch this one-minute video to see me do it:

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A post shared by Kate | Home Decor & DIY Blog (@housemixblog) on Mar 3, 2020 at 4:31pm PST

See how I painted my daughter’s shower ombré coral in this post!

Stenciling the walls

This post is mostly about painting tile, so I will direct you to this post on how I stenciled my entire living room for $40. I have all my stenciling tips and how-tos there — including whether you should use a brush, sponge or roller!

STENCIL: I bought this pretty circular stencil on Etsy in a size large. I used Kendall Charcoal paint.

I will say this stencil has a delicate design. That combined with using a roller produced a different result with each placement. Some areas are darker, some lighter and none of them are “perfect.” But I happen to like it that way!

Watch this one-minute video to see me do it:

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A post shared by Kate | Home Decor & DIY Blog (@housemixblog) on Mar 2, 2020 at 10:35am PST

How to paint floor tile

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Almost! Now all is left is the floor. I actually started with my floor and it was such a headache to have so much foot traffic as I completed all the other projects! But at least now I know these will hold up ok. Anyway, that’s why I’m recommending doing floors LAST if you have several projects going on your bathroom.

The tile was in pretty good shape, but had a few tiles that were scuffed up. I made sure to make my checkered pattern around the ones that were the worst.

And check out the baseboard and grout in the before picture! Yuck! I had to cut out all the caulking, reapply it and paint the baseboard too.

PAINT COLOR: I love a checkered floor. It’s timeless and elegant. I chose Light French Gray for a more subtle look. I have it all over my house. You can see my house color palette in this post.

Materials

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Krud Kutter
Wooster angled brush
Foam brushes (good for touching up)
An artist’s brush (good for small spaces)
Painter’s tape
1 quart Stix bonding primer
1 quart oil-base enamel (Sheen: satin)
Polycrylic protective finish

Instructions

Clean floor well. Make sure all hair and particles are gone.
Use Krud Kutter to make sure nothing is left on the tile.
Use painter’s tape where necessary on the walls. Don’t bother with trying to tape the tiles. That would be too difficult and time consuming.
Use the Wooster to neatly paint each tile with bonding primer. See the video below for a visual. I did a checkered pattern so I painted every other one.
Use an artist’s brush to small crevices.
Let dry according to directions.
Apply the oil-base enamel with the Wooster brush, careful to not get it on the grout.
Touch up any scuffs or problem areas afterward with a foam brush so you don’t have to ruin a painter’s brush.
Optional: After a few days add 1-2 coats of polycrylic finish with a sponge brush. I did this to make sure they are easy to clean and to add an extra layer of durability.
Let this cure for as many days possible to ensure the best result.

Watch this one-minute video to see me do it! I’m also painting grout in the end. That tutorial is next!

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A post shared by Kate | Home Decor & DIY Blog (@housemixblog) on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:09pm PST

How to paint grout

The grout was originally white, but was yellowed and dirty in some spots. It was pretty ugly, but still in tact. I decided to clean it and then paint it darker.

If I ever have the opportunity to pick my own tile and grout I will definitely go with darker grout! Even when white tile is clean it can stain. And who wants to seal grout lines every year?!

I read so many articles and was confused about the best way to paint grout. Some of the products are expensive too! I decided I would take the simplest route possible and just see what happens. And it worked!

Materials

Light French Gray porch and patio floor paint
Water
Plastic cup
An artist’s brush

NOTE: If you can’t find porch and patio floor paint in a quart size you could try a $3 latex sample size in the flattest sheen possible (flat/matte). I just happened to have the floor paint and so I used that.

Instructions

Mix ratio of 1:1 water and paint
Use a small brush to paint the grout!
Keep a paper towel nearby to clean up any paint outside the grout lines.

Pretty simple, right?! My grout was porous so it seeped right in and looks brand new!

I also removed all the baseboard caulking and painted the trim white. I’m not fancy, I just used plain old white right out of the can! I do that so that so I never have to remember a color and can easily patch up moulding. I also like the bright pop of the white!

The only thing I would like to change (but probably won’t) are the yellowing countertops. It doesn’t bother me too much, but when everything is stark white, it makes them stand out too much.

I’ve read you can use appliance epoxy spray ($4) to update countertops. I would definitely try it except I would have to remove the faucet and tape EVERYTHING off and I’m not down for another project in here right now!

And look what else! My mom and I wallpapered the water closet with this super cheap bookshelf wall mural. It’s such a fun touch. I keep thinking I might write titles on the spines with a Sharpie!

Next up!

How to frame builder grade mirrors

And just in case you thought I was going to go jump in that inviting bath when I finished this post — this is what was going on behind me when I was taking photos! Haha! Chaos:

Curious to see how all that painted tile is holding up? Here’s the nitpicky update in this post!

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How I transformed my kitchen with paintDIY painted coral ombré shower tileBoy’s bathroom paint makeover

Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

Can you paint tile? I so, what’s the best way to do it? If you’re asking either of these questions, you’re in the right place. We’ll answer these two questions in our complete step-by-step guide. Read on to learn more.

Disclaimer: The information included in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or DIY advice. We highly suggest consulting a professional before attempting any DIY home improvements or repairs.

Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

It’s possible to paint bathroom tiles. Yet, some types of paint don’t work well on ceramic. To paint bathroom tile, you need to prepare the tiles and choose the right type of paint.

How to Paint Bathroom Tile in 6 Steps

Painting bathroom tile is not as easy as painting the walls of your bathroom. Tile is typically made of ceramic and other non-porous material, making it difficult for paint to adhere to the surface. Bathroom tile also often has a glaze to protect against water, mold, bacteria, and scratches.

Use the following steps to paint bathroom tile for better results:

Choose the right type of paint
Prepare your work area
Clean and sand the tile
Apply a primer to the tile
Apply multiple coats of paint

The most important steps are preparing the tile and selecting the right paint. Without these steps, the paint may wear off quickly, especially in areas that collect a lot of water, such as near the tub.

1. Choose the Right Type of Paint for Bathroom Tile

In most cases, you should use paint that is specially formulated for tile to keep the paint from peeling off. You may also use different types of paint based on the type of material. Some of the most common types of bathroom tile include:

Ceramic
Glass
Vinyl
Laminate
Stone

Paint that’s formulated for use on tile is typically water-based. Water-based paints hold up better in the humid conditions of the typical bathroom. If you plan on painting bathroom floor tiles, consider using water-based paints intended for high traffic areas.

For example, you could use paint intended for exterior use, such as on decks and porches. Water-based paint includes acrylic and latex paints. Acrylic paint is more flexible, decreasing the risk of peeling and cracking.

Latex paint dries quickly and doesn’t produce volatile chemicals, making it easier and safer to use in small spaces. Yet, acrylic paint works better on certain types of materials. Epoxy paint is an alternative to latex and acrylic paints. Epoxy paints come in two parts.

You mix the two parts several minutes before painting. The mixture dries to provide a solid finish that is less likely to scratch, crack, or peel. However, it’s also more difficult to apply to walls.

Read Next: Can You Paint a Bathtub?

Ceramic Tile

Latex paint is typically used to paint ceramic tile. It adheres to the ceramic surface better and offers fuller coverage. You can achieve a smooth finish with fewer coats.

Glass Tile

Acrylic is typically the best choice for painting glass tile. However, standard acrylic paint may easily scratch when painted on glass. Instead of standard acrylic paint, look for acrylic enamel paint. The enamel increases the elasticity of the paint. Unlike standard acrylic paint, acrylic enamel paint is entirely water-based and doesn’t contain chemicals.

Vinyl or Laminate Tile

Acrylic paint is too thin to cover vinyl or laminate tile without many coats, which can also result in a tacky surface. Latex paint works better but may wear easily if used on flooring.

As vinyl and laminate tiles are typically used for flooring, consider using latex floor paint instead of standard wall paint. Floor paint is made to hold up to foot traffic.

Stone Bathroom Tile

Due to the porous texture of stone, latex paint tends to work best on stone tiles. Latex is also more durable and less likely to fade when used on stone bathroom tiles. The latex paint should be formulated for use on interior masonry or stucco.

You can find latex paint in a variety of sheens, from high gloss to flat. A glossy finish is shiny and slippery while flat finishes tend to provide a little bit of traction.

2. Prepare Your Work Area

Prepare the area that you want to paint by clearing everything out of the way. Pack up the bathroom supplies and remove any rugs or shower curtains that may get in the way. Open windows and doors.

Cleaning, sanding, and painting may stir up debris or release chemicals that could pose a health risk. Wearing a dust mask and turning on a fan facing out of the bathroom may also help keep you from inhaling dust and debris.

3. Clean and Sand the Tile Before Painting

Thoroughly clean the tile that you plan on painting. You may need to use abrasive bathroom cleaners to get rid of stubborn grease. Get rid of all dirt, hair, and soap scum. After removing debris, wipe the tile and grout with a damp sponge.

The sponge helps collect any remaining residue. Wipe the surface dry with a clean rag before sanding the tile. Sanding is necessary for most types of bathroom tiles, including ceramic, laminate, and vinyl. You don’t need to sand glass or stone tiles.

Use a fine grit (180 to 220 grit) sandpaper to remove the glaze from ceramic tiles. Sanding laminate and vinyl tile scuffs the surface to help the paint adhere better. If you want to get the job done faster, use a handheld orbital sander or palm sander.

A floor sander is also helpful when painting tile flooring. Whether you use sandpaper or a sander, sand lightly. Sanding lightly keeps you from removing too much material or damaging the tile. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after sanding to remove dust. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4. Apply a Primer to the Bathroom Tile

No matter the type of bathroom tile, you should always apply a primer before painting. However, before applying primer to stone tile, you need to seal the stone with a sealant. Using a sealant on stone tile gives the primer and paint a less porous surface for a smoother finish. The paint also clings to the surface, keeping it from peeling off.

The type of primer that you use should match the paint. For example, if you plan on using latex paint, look for a latex primer. If you want to use acrylic paint, use an acrylic primer. The primer should also be made specifically for use on tiles.

Apply the primer to the tile and allow it to dry. The primer container should list the recommended drying time, which is typically between one and four hours.

5. Apply Multiple Coats of Paint to the Tile

After allowing the primer to dry, apply your first coat of paint. If you’re using epoxy paint, you may only need a single coat. Latex and acrylic paints are likely to require at least two coats. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

6. Can You Paint the Grout Between Bathroom Tiles?

Yes, you can paint the grout. When painting bathroom tiles, don’t tape off the grout. Paint the entire surface to create an even look. Make sure that the grout is as clean as possible before painting. You may trap dirt or mildew under the paint, allowing mold to spread.

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Ekopel 2K Bathtub and Tile Refinishing Kit

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So, Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

To paint bathroom tile, you first need to clean, sand, and wipe the surface. Apply a primer before painting the tile. If you’re painting stone, you may want to add a sealant to create a smoother finish. As a final tip, use a brush to paint the grout followed by a roller across the tile to eliminate brushstrokes.

How to Paint Bathroom Shower Tile

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission- at no extra cost to you.

Do you have a bathroom with outdated tile? Maybe it’s a less than desirable color? 70’s green, pink or blue? Or maybe a dark brown?

Did you know that the tile in your bathroom CAN be painted?

To hire it out can cost thousands, and I don’t know about you… but that is NOT in my budget. BUT, did you know that you can paint it yourself?

Yes… YOU can paint your tile in your bathroom and give it a fresh, updated look and do it on a budget. It cost me less than $50 in paint to update my shower tub and tile.

Want to know how?

I’m going to tell you what I did. What didn’t work and what did, and some tips along the way.

BEFORE

First, I always like to share the BEFORE. Now, while my tile wasn’t bad (I’ve seen and had worse in prior homes) it wasn’t the bright, fresh look I wanted for my bathroom. So while I was starting my bathroom refresh, I knew that giving the tub and tile a fresh look was on the list.

Tub & Tile Paint kit, roll on version (I would get 2-3 kits)
painters tape, I prefer this brand
drop cloth
paint spray project respirator mask
6 inch foam roller, get at least 2-3 extra replacement rollers (you will need to use a new one with each coat)
brush to cut in as needed (don’t spend a lot on one… you will have to throw it away when your done)

With any project, I always tell y’all that the most important thing is the prep work. So I’ll say it again. PREP IS KEY. Follow ALL the instructions on how to prep your area you plan to paint. I set aside one day for prep and painted the next day. You will need to remove the old caulk. Clean, sand, and clean again. Then you will need to tape off all the areas you don’t want the paint to get on- including faucets, drains, and water spouts.

Now, I am the type that likes a quick and easy fix, but of course want it to be long lasting. So spray paint is always my first choice. It dries quick, and gives that “instant gratification” of a new look quick. So I bought 2 cans of the tub and tile spray paint. It WAS NOT enough. I went and bought 3 more. Surely, I felt like 5 cans total would have covered my shower walls and tub. Well it did….sort of.

Now, I need to stop and tell you a few things about this Tub & Tile Paint. BOTH the spray version and roll on version smell. I don’t mean just a little. I mean A LOT. It’s like spray paint on crack kind of smell. So you need to properly ventilate the space you will working in… use the exhaust fan, open windows and you will definitely need to use a respirator mask.

The spray version also requires more prep work… the overspray goes EVERYWHERE … I mean EVERYWHERE… and leaves behind a film on everything in its path. Check out how I taped and tarped off my bathroom in preparation for the spray.

The spray also runs and leaves drips if you get a little heavy handed in any one spot. Another problem I found while using the spray, I found it was hard to see what you had covered and what needed mort because of the overspray … think a cloud of spray paint that lingers a longer than normal. So after five cans and a very smelly bathroom, the coverage was still very splotchy and left a slightly rough surface. So rather than get more spray with possibly little improvement in coverage, I ordered the roll on kit.

I found the coverage with the spray version to be very splotchy.

I had to wait one week for the kit to arrive. During that time, we did not use the shower area. So before I used the roll on kit, I didn’t have as much prep work. I lightly sanded the surface to smooth out the rough grainy texture left from the spray and then cleaned again with my TSP substitute. I taped off the edges of the shower, floor, side walls and also around any faucets, etc that I did not want to get paint on.

I followed the instructions on the back of the can for mixing. It is a two part paint… the paint color and the epoxy, which makes it durable and perfect for use in a wet area. I opened both cans, poured the small can of epoxy into the larger can of color and stirred well.

This is where I learned another tip I can pass on to you. Once you stir the product, let it set for about 3 minutes. I did not wait and the paint was VERY runny and didn’t give good coverage initially. But I found that after a few minutes the paint began to thicken up and the coverage was great! I worked my way from left to right, working top to bottom on on side, then moved to the center area, then finished on the right hand wall and then painted the tub last.

TIP: I used a regular nap roller, so my final product had a slightly textured finish. If I do it again, I will use a foam roller for a smoother final product.

After the first coat was applied, I waited one hour, per instructions, and then applied a second coat. I used a new roller for each coat. The paint gets thick as it sets longer, so the roller cover really wasn’t reusable. Good thing the roller covers aren’t very pricey.

I applied the second coat the same way I applied the first one. Since I had previously used the spray on version, two coats was all I needed to get full coverage. I was able to get two full coats out of the one kit. However, if you are doing this project… I recommend NOT even bothering with the spray version. I would get at least two or three kits. It always better to have more and just return what you don’t use. No one likes to stop mid-project and have to go to the store for more supplies.

Now the can says to let it cure for 3 full days before full use. I waited 4 days. A little extra time just means more time to cure, right?

Let’s check out a little before and after.

Before
After

Once the paint has cured per the instructions, you will need to go back and re-caulk all the edges, cracks and crevices where you had previously removed the old caulk. (I hadn’t caulked mine yet when I took these pictures.)

One last tip. If you paint your tub, the surface will be VERY slippery (I learned the hard way). You may need to apply non-slip shower treads or use a tub mat.

I hope you found this helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

Be sure to come back soon for more projects, DIY’s, home decor and all the in between.

Tags : bathroom update, budget diy, budget friendly diy’s, budget project, budget updates, diy, diy home, diy home decor, diy mom, master bathroom update, painted shower, painted tile, painted tub, shower update, tub update, white tile

Is it possible to paint bathroom tiles and how to do it

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06/13/2019

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We find out if it makes sense to paint the tiles, how to do it, and give step-by-step instructions.

Instagram @kvartal_krasivih_domov

Replacing bathroom tiles is not cheap. The owner needs to be prepared to shell out a tidy sum for materials and for the work of a master tiler. In addition, you will have to endure all the delights of repairs for more than one day: dirt, noise, lack of water, etc. If you don’t want to deal with this, and the appearance of the bathroom needs updating, it makes sense to get by with cosmetic procedures. Therefore, we will figure out whether it is possible to paint the tiles in the bathroom, with what and how to do it.

No time to read? Watch the video!

All about painting tiles

Painting: pros and cons
Choosing a coloring agent
Painting instructions
— Preparation
— We paint with different tools
— Protective layer

Tile is a strong and durable decorative coating. It can be glossy or matte. It depends on the texture of the top layer: smooth or slightly rough. Theoretically, anyone can be painted with their own hands. But the strength of staining can be different. So, worst of all, coloring preparations are kept on a glossy basis. It requires special pre-treatment.

It is important to choose the right composition. Some paints are categorically not suitable for these purposes. In general, staining is possible for any type of tile.

Advantages of painting

Quick interior update.
Removal of visible defects of the old coating.
Variety of color options.
Minimum cash investment.
Ease of implementation. An inexperienced master will cope with the work.

Cons

The disadvantages of the solution include the fragility of the new coating for some types of paints. However, nothing prevents from updating it from time to time. Then the result will be better. It is better to paint tiles on the floor only with epoxy or latex compounds. Otherwise, intensive use will quickly render the new finish unusable. But the painted ceramic wall cladding lasts longer.

Painting can be solid or selective. In the first case, the paint is applied to the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe walls. In the second, only fragments are painted, patterns, panels, etc. are drawn. It is especially good in this case to use a stencil. So you can zone a room, draw attention to a certain part of it. For decoration, choose only one tone or play with color. Close combinations or contrasts – there are no rules here. Any design the owner likes is applied.

Look at the photo: before and after coloring. How the old bathroom has been transformed.

Instagram @stalinka_siberia

Real example. Photo after painting

Instagram @stalinka_siberia

Photo before painting

Bathroom, bathroom

How to paint a bathroom: choosing the right material and application technique

The quality and durability of a new coating depends entirely on the correct choice of compound. You need to understand that it must withstand temperature changes, high humidity, frequent cleaning. Not every tool is able to cope with this. So, you need to immediately abandon all water-soluble drugs. Alkyd enamels are not suitable, they are uncomfortable in a humid environment. It is best to choose the following types for the bathroom.

Oil paints

Tight, durable and long lasting coating. Produced in a wide range of colors. You can mix if necessary to get the desired shade. Easy to apply, dries in a few days. It has a strong odor that disappears after drying. It may turn yellow over time, this is especially noticeable on light and white planes. The price of oil preparations is lower than that of others.

Oil paint Lacra MA-15, 1.9kg

271

Buy

Epoxy enamels

Forms a plastic, durable, fade-resistant film. It is waterproof, does not react to temperature changes, fireproof. It is uncomfortable for microorganisms to multiply on its surface, which is good for the constantly humid and warm environment of the bathroom. The disadvantages of epoxy include high price and difficulty in application. Masters recommend that novice painters practice in inconspicuous areas before proceeding to staining.

Enamel Tikkurila color white, 0.9 l

1092

Buy

Latex formulations

Emulsions containing pure latex. This gives the coating increased moisture resistance – it does not let water through to the base, it can be washed and cleaned. Another advantage of the material is plasticity. Due to this, the resulting layer not only does not crack, but is also able to tighten small cracks up to 1 mm wide. Cons of latex preparations: low light fastness and higher price than oil mixtures.

Paint for tinting latex Dulux Classic Color transparent base BC, 9l

4 190

Buy

Oil, latex and epoxy paints of choice for painting large areas. Other compositions are used for painting or applying a pattern. Special stained glass preparations are best suited for these purposes. They fit well on the base without special preparation, hold for a long time, do not fade.

Floor

Quick Redesign Idea: How to Paint Floors with

Paint

It cannot be argued that painting bathroom tiles is a very difficult task. But, nevertheless, there are important points that are worth paying attention to. Let’s analyze the whole process in detail.

Pixabay

Preparatory work

After all, the tile was not originally intended for painting, so it will have to be prepared.

Sequence of work

Thoroughly clean the lining. First, remove all dirt with any detergent. If necessary, use an abrasive. The plane must be clean. We clean the mold, fungus, additionally treat the base with a disinfectant solution.
Matting the base. The coloring agent will not fit well on a glossy smooth surface, it must be made rough. We take a fine sandpaper and sand the plane. This step can be skipped if the finish is matte. For partial painting or painting, matting is not required.
Inspecting tiles and tile joints. The latter can even be slightly tapped. We remove all chipping crumbs, carefully clean it. We knead the grout, fill it with damaged seams. Cracks and chips on the lining are sealed with putty. Let’s dry.
Degrease the surface. To do this, wipe it with a solvent. You can take solvent, turpentine or white spirit.
We cover the free surfaces with a film so as not to splatter them during the work. We seal the edge of the bath with masking tape.
Priming the base. Choose a primer that increases the level of adhesion. It should be a special solution for tiles. Apply it with a roller or brush on the entire surface in a thin layer. We wait until the primer is completely dry.

Painting with different tools

Painting bathroom tiles can be done with different tools. The result will be equally good, but the technology is somewhat different.

Pixabay

Natural Bristle Brush

You will need two different brushes to work with. Flat blades are suitable for processing large surfaces. To paint over joints, small stripes or apply a pattern, panel brushes are chosen. Before work, it is advisable to rinse any tool and soak for an hour in clean water. During this time, the bristles will swell a little, become elastic. After such preparation, they will fall out less during the staining process.

Natural bristle brush 70 mm

Buy

If the paint container is large, pour the agent into a smaller container. Start painting from the corner. The brush is lowered into the jar by a third, gently squeezed on the edge of the container. Otherwise, excess mortar will sag on the base. The agent is rubbed on the lining with smooth movements. They move either from right to left or from top to bottom. The direction of movement should not be changed. Unsightly stripes may appear.

You need to know that the brush applies a fairly thick layer of coloring composition. If it is not evenly distributed, ugly sagging or streaks will remain. In hard-to-reach places and at joints, a thin tool is used. During operation, the product in the container may dry out a little, it is periodically mixed with a stick.

Pixabay

Roller

The best choice if large volumes need to be painted. It is a roller with a handle, the latter can be long – it is convenient to paint walls with such a tool, or short, the device is suitable for the surface of the ceiling. A so-called fur coat is put on the rink. It can be with or without pile. The lining for the roller is selected depending on the type of coloring agent.

Matrix paint kit, 250 mm roller and flask

258

Buy

So, pile materials are better suited for oil preparations, foam rubber is better for water-based emulsions. The design allows you to distribute the coloring composition as evenly as possible over the surface, apply it with a thinner layer than a brush. Therefore, the consumption of material when painting with a roller is significantly reduced. However, it will not work to paint over the tile seams in this way, you will have to work with a brush.

To use the roller, you need to buy a special paint tray. The liquid preparation is half poured into the tray, the roller is dipped into it. Then it is pressed on the ribbed plane of the tray, after which it can be painted. The roller is pressed against the base, then goes down, rises again. The movements are performed smoothly, with the same effort over the entire surface. This guarantees uniform coloring of the tiled cladding.

Applying a protective layer

In order for the paintwork to last as long as possible, it is protected with varnish. After the coloring agent dries, one or two varnish layers are applied on top. It is good that the chemical basis of the materials is the same. So, if acrylic dye was used, the varnish should also be on acrylate.

Unsplash

The number of layers is determined from the manufacturer’s recommendations. They are applied with a brush, less often with a roller. For rooms where there is a threat of mold, additional treatment of the painted surface with an antiseptic is desirable. It can be bought at any hardware store. And you need to do this regularly.

We found out how to paint the tiles in the bathroom with your own hands. This is a simple procedure that will help at no extra cost and very quickly update a boring interior. You can act drastically: repaint the floor and walls of the bathroom, or you can only slightly change the design, supplementing it with a medium-sized ornament or panel.

Finishing materials

4 important parameters for choosing the perfect bathroom tile

Prepared by

Inna Yasinovskaya

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How to paint the tiles in the bathroom with your own hands

Ceramic tiles are traditionally used for wall and floor cladding in a damp room – this is the most suitable material: strong, durable, moisture resistant and easy to clean. But if the old design is boring and you want changes, and the new renovation will cost a lot of money and effort, then it is possible to update the room without resorting to large expenses. Today we’ll talk about how to save money and give new life to ceramic tiles.

Pros and cons of staining

First, about the benefits of staining:

you can easily eliminate tile defects: chips, scratches, cracks, wear;
update an outdated interior with minimal financial investment;
rich color range of paints and varnishes will not limit the flight of fantasy for the realization of design ideas;
you can do the work yourself without involving expensive labor;
there is no need to buy expensive tools.

Of course, this method has not only advantages, but also a number of disadvantages:

you will have to carefully select the paintwork material so that it lasts longer in moisture conditions;
paint is not as resistant to mechanical and chemical influences as ceramic tile glaze, which retains an attractive appearance for decades and does not lose its original properties;
is more difficult to maintain surface hygiene.

Bathroom paints

A room with high humidity requires a special approach when choosing a paint, the resistance to wear of the surface during further operation depends on this. In addition to the effect of moisture on the paintwork material itself, the settled dust forms a dense layer of pollution together with moisture, especially in hard-to-reach places, which we often forget about when cleaning, it becomes more difficult to get rid of them over time. From wet cleaning with detergents or a steam generator, the painted surface wears out faster than tiles.

When painting tiles in the bathroom, the main task is to select a paint material that is resistant to the negative effects of water, that is, it has an increased moisture resistance. The composition of such paints includes special compounds that form a thin film on the surface and protect it, preventing water molecules from penetrating into the structure. Some types of paints, for example, water-based, cannot be used at all in a damp room. But we will discuss acceptable options, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Oil paints

The main advantage of such compositions is a rich palette and an attractive price. The main component of the paint is drying oil, which up to 97% consists of natural oils: linseed, hemp, sunflower or soy. When drying, the oils evaporate slowly, so the paint takes a long time to dry. To ensure that the layers lie evenly, they are applied sequentially 2-3 times. Thus, painting tiles takes a long time.

Epoxy enamel

Epoxy paint is made from resin and hardener. The coating is strong and durable, resistant to household chemicals, which is important for a room such as a bathroom. When dried, it forms a film on the surface and does not allow moisture to penetrate inside. A high level of adhesion allows the paint to firmly fix on the surface of the tile. Using such enamel, you can not be afraid of the appearance of fungi or mold in a humid room, since microorganisms do not like such an environment. With so many advantages, epoxy enamel still has disadvantages. Working with her is not easy. Enamel has a plastic structure, but the surface is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and grease and dried before painting so that the paint lays evenly. Prepare the composition immediately before application and use within an hour.

Latex enamel

The main advantage of latex enamel is a component of a natural product of plant origin, which is produced from the juice of rubber plants. If we talk about the environmental friendliness of paints and varnishes, then latex enamel occupies one of the first places. Without a strong smell, dry quickly, so safe that they are often used for painting surfaces in children’s rooms. At the same time, the absence of harmful chemical compounds does not reduce operational characteristics. Due to its plasticity, latex emulsion is able to penetrate into small cracks and tighten them. It is easy to work with such paint, it is quickly distributed over the surface, and it is washed off with water until it dries, so that in the process of work it is possible to correct the shortcomings of the work. After drying, a strong film with high adhesion and protection properties is formed on the surface. But with all these advantages, there are also disadvantages here. Latex paints do not have high levels of moisture resistance and durability, even with the label “Extremely durable”, which means that the surface will have to be updated more often.

Alkyd enamel

In demand because of its versatility: it is used for both exterior and interior work. Suitable for various surfaces: concrete, brick, tile, wood, metal. The paint is produced on the basis of pentaphthalic varnishes, marked PF or glyptal varnishes, marked GF. For painting the bathroom, it is better to opt for pentaphthalic enamel for interior work. Compared to glyphthalic, it dries longer, but has a less pungent odor. Moisture-resistant paint calmly tolerates frequent washing with detergents. Due to the increased wear resistance, it is able to maintain its protective properties in a damp room for up to 6 years.

What tools are needed for the job

Painting surfaces does not require a large number of tools and fixtures. Any paint is applied with a brush, roller or spray gun.

Flat brush.

It has a wide flexible surface and a short handle, so it is convenient to paint large surfaces. It evenly distributes the paint over the surface and does not tire the hand.

Radiator brush.

It has a long handle that allows you to reach hard-to-reach places. The bristles are located at a slight angle to the handle and allow you to work in tight spaces: under radiators, pipes, plumbing fixtures. Also, a thin elongated bristle will cope with the coloring of the edge.

Fur rollers.

Working with them is more convenient and faster than with a brush, especially if you need to paint over a large area. When painting with a roller, you will need a paint tray with a squeezing mesh. Choose a medium-sized roller and a short handle tube. You have to work in the bathroom in cramped circumstances, and the work is complicated by the presence of plumbing fixtures, a roller with a long handle will interfere with manipulations inside the room.

Airbrush or spray gun.

They consist of a container and atomizer. Suitable for painting free surfaces, saves paint and time, while covering any texture with high quality.

The surface to be painted must be carefully prepared, therefore, in addition to the main ones, you will need auxiliary tools, materials and detergents: a spatula, masking tape, covering film, household chemicals.

Painting bathroom tiles

We will need:

a spatula to clean the tile surface from old dirt;
brush with stiff bristles to remove dust;
molar tape to protect remaining elements from paint, such as rosettes;
film to cover plumbing fixtures: faucets, bathtub, toilet bowl, etc.;
fur roller;
paint tray;
flat brush and radiator brush;
fine-grained sandpaper.

Work sequence:

Prepare the room. To begin with, we take out unnecessary items, dismantling. The remaining items must be carefully covered so as not to stain with paint. To do this, we use molar tape and film.
Use a spatula and a brush to clean the tiles from dirt.
Clean the tiles with detergent to remove dirt deposits and grease.

The surface to be painted must be well cleaned, washed and dried. This is an important part of the job, otherwise the paint will go unevenly. Grease stains and moisture will interfere with the adhesion of the paint to the surface of the tile.

If the tiles have joint defects, chips or cracks, they must be repaired with a special moisture-resistant grout for tile joints. After complete drying of the grout, sand the surface with sandpaper and wipe with a damp cloth.

If mold or fungus has appeared on the tiles, then these places must be treated with a special disinfection compound. Such processing will stop the further spread of spores. Use a chlorine-based mold remover.

Prime the surface before painting. It is advisable to use a primer from the same manufacturer as the paint. The primer is cheaper than paint, but its application saves the consumption of the latter. In addition, the primer increases adhesion, that is, it helps the adhesion of the paint to the tile. Apply the primer with a brush and roller.
After the primer has completely dried, sand the surface of the tile with fine-grained sandpaper. This will get rid of irregularities and increase the adhesion of the paintwork material to the surface of the tile. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
First, paint over hard-to-reach places with a brush.
Paint the walls with a roller. We put strokes from top to bottom, then from bottom to top. After the first painting, we wait for the paint to dry completely and apply the second layer. The exact intervals between staining are indicated in the instructions on the package, following the rules will allow you to get an even coating without defects.

How to care for a painted tile surface to prolong its life.

First of all, we take into account that the surface of the painted tile in its characteristics cannot compete with the surface of the new tile. Initially, the tile glaze is not intended for further painting work. But following some rules will help extend the life of the paintwork material on the surface:

Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions. This will help increase wear resistance.
Some types of paints are used in combination with varnishes. Varnishes are an additional protective layer that will extend the life of the paint.
Before painting, observe the rules for surface preparation and cleaning from contamination. This time-consuming step improves the adhesion properties of two materials that are dissimilar in structure.
When using detergents, study the composition and manufacturer’s instructions. Some components included in the composition contain solvents for a specific type of paintwork material.

Examples of painted bathroom tiles before and after

How to paint tiles? | Domfront

Can ceramic tiles be painted? Of course yes. Will the paint stick? If it is correctly selected and applied with high quality, then, of course, it will be. In the old days, such a cosmetic renewal of wet areas was very common. Old tiles were painted with ordinary oil paint, achieving a resistant and durable coating. In some places, this decoration of 30-50 years ago is still holding.

Why paint tiles at all? To quickly and as cheaply as possible update the interior or simply change the color of the lined surface. Many are faced with a situation where there is neither time nor financial opportunities for a full repair. For example: people bought an apartment on the secondary market, investing all available funds in the purchase. There is nothing to do with repairs in the next year or two, but it is planned to move into an apartment right now. In this case, you have to resort to any budget solutions to make your newly acquired nest cleaner and more comfortable. Painting a tile is one such opportunity to improve the appearance of a room by spending a minimum of money.

What color to paint the tiles?

Various options will work. Can be painted with water-dispersion latex paint intended for wet areas. If the painted surface will be exposed to serious contamination, it does not hurt to coat it with varnish over the paint.

Alkyd enamels and oil paints are also used for painting tiles. Surfaces painted with these coatings do not require an additional protective layer.

Sometimes the paints directly indicate that they are suitable for such problematic surfaces as glass, tiles, etc. It is worth asking around for such products in stores.

If you plan to paint tiles on the walls, you don’t have to worry too much. Another thing is the tiles on the floor. To paint it, you should choose the most durable and reliable product – for example, alkyd enamel, declared by the manufacturer as a floor covering.

What color should the tiles be painted?

It’s not a fact that painted tiles will look perfect. Making it the focal point of the room is quite dangerous. That is, it is better to refuse a bright accent color by choosing something neutral. If the painted tiled surface merges with unlined walls or furniture facades, its flaws will become less noticeable.

But if creativity prevails over perfectionism, you can get creative by painting tiles in several colors. In this case, stencils and templates can be used. The paint will allow you to turn the old boring lining into a bright panel.

Tile painting: progress

Step 1. Cleaning. Tiles should be thoroughly washed with abrasives. The surface must be smooth and completely free of grease. It also does not hurt to treat it with a disinfectant. Then rinse the tiles thoroughly to remove all traces of detergents.

Step 2. Checking the seams. Carefully inspect them. If the grout is cracked in some places, you need to remove it in these areas by filling the seams with cement fugue. It is necessary to wait until the grout dries, and then wash the tile again.

Step 3. Matting. If the tile is glossy and very smooth, it is advisable to sand it, making the surface matte and rough.

Of course, when it comes to cladding a large area, machining is hardly worthwhile. In this case, it is better to leave the tile as is, relying on a highly adhesive primer.

Step 4. Priming. It is worth choosing a primer with a high level of adhesion. Ideally, it should be applied as a primer for problematic surfaces (tiles, glass, fiberglass, plastic, etc.). These include, for example, the Otex primer from Tikkurila.

If the tile has been properly matted beforehand, priming can be omitted.

Step 5. Painting. Paint only after the primer is completely dry. The application tool depends on the type of paint and the characteristics of the surface. If the area is small, you can use a brush with soft bristles. For large surfaces you will need a roller. If the paint is water-dispersion, any roller will do. However, the best choice is short pile velor.

The same roller is ideal for applying enamels. If you want the surface to be perfectly smooth, you can buy alkyd enamel in a can and apply it by spraying. However, to begin with, it is worth practicing in an inconspicuous area.

The paint is applied very thinly. Usually at least two coats are required.

Evenly painted over the entire surface, including the seams. If there is a desire to highlight the grout, after the base has completely dried, you need to walk along the seams with a thin brush with contrasting paint.

Step 6. Lacquering. This item is optional. It is worth resorting to it only if the painted area will be subjected to aggressive action. You need to make sure that the varnish does not corrode the painted surface. It does not hurt to test their compatibility in advance – for example, on a piece of plywood or glass.

Author: Sergey Rogov

Painting bathroom tiles: how to choose the right paint, prepare the surface and apply paint correctly

Why paint tiles

Why do you want to paint kitchen tiles? Usually it appears in the absence of time and tight financial circumstances, when it is not possible to buy a new finishing material.

A refurbished home interior done quickly and inexpensively is the perfect way to improve your living conditions at minimal cost. Painting tiles has undoubted advantages, but it also has disadvantages

It is important, after evaluating them, to decide on changing the design of the kitchen.

Advantages of painting

The new tile has advantages over other finishing materials:

it can significantly decorate the style of the kitchen interior;
has high quality, various sizes and shapes, wide range of colors, great design.

All this can be easily recreated by painting and decorating the old finishing material according to the technology. The undoubted advantages of changing the appearance of painted tiles include:

The possibility of creating a modern design in the interior of the kitchen.
Staining and decor will mask the chips and cracks on the finishing material, extend its service life.
The color of the tiles can be chosen according to your own taste.
Do-it-yourself work will save you money.

Disadvantages of painting

Disadvantages of painting kitchen tiles can be overcome and do not interfere with the progress of work on updating the interior of the kitchen. These include the following factors:

Painting that is carried out for the purpose of subsequent sale of housing may not be to the liking of buyers.
The painted surface of ceramic tiles will sooner or later peel off. To prevent early wear of the finishing material, it is better to paint it with the addition of a sealant.
The painting process is preceded by a thorough preparation that requires time and effort.

Paint for ceramic tiles

The main question is how to paint tiles in the bathroom, in the kitchen. Ceramics refers to smooth and non-absorbent substrates and there are a lot of paints for such surfaces. They do not belong to the category of budget, but not all are very expensive. Available in the middle price range. Look at the characteristics so that there is a high hiding power, strength, the ability to wash, and with brushes. The surface can be glossy or matte. The degree of gloss and matte is different. This alone gives a sufficient number of options even in one color. You can also use templates, stickers, and other methods.

Paint for ceramic tiles can be:

When you decide to paint tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, look for a couple – primer and paint. They must match one another. Typically, paint manufacturers recommend certain primers. Look through the recommendations, you may find what you need and you won’t have to think about the compatibility of the compositions.

What color should the tiles be painted?

The key to comfort in an apartment is a harmonious combination of all interior elements and impeccable finishes. But there is never a guarantee that one or another design option will look the way it was planned. It is recommended to refrain from the desire to paint the tile in a bright color, because if it does not look very neat after the work is completed, then the emphasis on it will certainly not be needed.

The best option is a delicate neutral color that blends with the walls. If any flaws are made during the painting of the tile, then they will be less conspicuous in this case.

The process of painting floor tiles

Sometimes creative people and people who love bright accents paint tiles in several colors at once. In this case, it is easiest to apply the paint according to patterns or stencils in order to avoid mistakes and not stain the already applied layer.

For painting large areas, it is recommended to use regular white paint, adding colors to it. This will save money.

Design Variations

There are different surface designs for ceramic tiles. The most popular are the following:

The surface is completely painted:

any color is chosen;
Opposite color options are acceptable.

Partial staining involves changing the color of individual areas:

staggered;
in the form of cells;
in the form of stripes.

Repainted in the same but more intense color to bring back the original brightness.

Drawing:

based on base color;
a drawing or pattern is applied.

A variety of designs are created, such as panels or paintings on the wall. Such work requires special artistic knowledge and skills. The implementation of these options involves certain difficulties, so they are not so popular and are performed more often by specialists or artistically gifted apartment owners.

The simplest form of decoration is painting tiles in any color. Creative people can turn this process into a field for the realization of the best ideas. To create an original decor, you need to show artistic abilities.

Stencils are indispensable for creating patterns, drawings and ornaments. There are other methods of artistic painting:

use of stamps and scrapers;
creating a pattern using paint extrusion;
painting with brushes.

As a result of this staining, a cozy and comfortable kitchen interior is obtained. The creative process is never tedious, and the reward for the work is a magnificent kitchen interior design created by one’s own hands.

For partial or full coloring, as well as hand drawing, use:

epoxy and oil based paints;
acrylic paints;
polyurethane (latex) paints;
alkyd enamels.

The paint will give a new look to the cladding, while the varnish will give shine to the unglazed, matt finish.

What color to paint the tiles?

Different paints can be used for painting tiles. And in order to better understand which one to choose, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of paints and varnishes used for decoration during modern repairs.

Choosing a paint for tiles

Table. Types of paints used for painting.

Paint type	Brief description
Water dispersion	These paints are among the cheapest and most resistant to external influences. They are also called “water-soluble”, “water-based”. The thing is that the best solvent for them is plain water. In bathrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, such paints are not used, as the coating will quickly wear out and lose its appearance under the influence of high humidity and temperature changes. The advantage of such paints can only be called that they do not exude an unpleasant odor during application and dry quickly. There are paints based on PVA, acrylic and latex.
Silicone	The paint is based on silicone resins. She entered the market relatively recently, but has already managed to win the love of many masters. Such paints have a high level of vapor permeability and are successfully used for decorating building facades.
Oil	The paint is based on artificial or natural oils. The service life of the coatings created by this material is maximum, and the paint is picky in work. The disadvantages of the material include low vapor permeability and a long drying time, due to which such paint often peels off or the lower layer underlying it peels off. Paint is rarely used to decorate apartments and private houses.
Alkyd	Manufactured from alkyd resins. It dries far from the usual one – not due to the rapid evaporation of the solvent in it, but due to the oxidation reaction of the material in air. Thanks to this, the surface layer of the paint is very durable and able to protect the processed materials from corrosion.
Decorative	This is a separate category of paints designed to give surfaces a special look. Such paint is able to imitate various other materials – wood, fabrics, stone, etc. Decorative paints can be made on the basis of water with the addition of various polymers and minerals.
Epoxy	Based on conventional epoxy resin, it is highly resistant to external influences. This is truly one of the most durable paints currently on the construction market. It is not afraid of water, does not wear out for a long time, and is often used specifically for painting floors in the house. It can be used even on the territory of parking lots, in workshops in production, on stairwells.

Different types of paints can be used for painting tiles. For example, water-dispersion paint based on latex showed itself well in this work. Such material is intended for use just in damp rooms. Oil and alkyd paints are also often used.

Paint in cans

Even acrylic paints can be used for painting walls that do not come into contact with water, although they are water soluble. But for decorating and decorating the floor, it is recommended to purchase compositions that are resistant to water and temperatures, otherwise the work will soon have to be redone. Still, there is nothing better for a floor than a well-applied layer of oil paint. The main thing is to let it dry well before use.

The simplest tile that can be given any color

Epoxy-based paints have also shown themselves well in the process of painting and maintaining painted tiles. Or you can use latex paints for decorating tiles

In any case, it is important to carefully read the instructions for use on the packaging and make sure that this composition is suitable for applying to the floor, and especially to the tiles.

The tile will need regular cleaning

If you have any doubts about which paint to buy, it is better to opt for special compositions designed for painting tiles or glass. Such paints are available in hardware stores. You can also opt for acrylate-latex paint from Samtex or Tikkurila. Good paint, suitable for painting tile floor surfaces, must be resistant to abrasion, not be afraid of moisture, because no one has canceled wet cleaning.

Painting bathroom tiles

In some apartments, the tiles in the bathroom have remained since ancient times, but if the tile itself is of high quality, then the painting option will save you from many repairs.

In this master class you will learn how this bathroom – BEFORE:

Can be transformed into this – PHOTO AFTER:

Namely, how brick-colored tiles turned white.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Clean the entire surface to be painted with the cleaner. It must be perfectly clean so that the paint lays evenly and efficiently.

Place painter’s tape where the painting area ends to protect it from accidental paint splashes.
Cover the bath (shower) with a film, and if there are lamps (shelves or mirrors) on the wall next to the one being painted, they too.

Step 2: Paint the tiles

Put on a protective mask and mix the paint according to the instructions.
Because the bathroom is poorly ventilated, be prepared for the smell of paint.

For convenience, one person can paint the corners with a synthetic brush, and the other flat surfaces with a roller (you can do everything yourself, but make sure that the paint lays down evenly and does not dry out in pieces).

Step 3: Quality Check and Clean Up

When done, inspect the surface for imperfections, check for texture evenness.

ATTENTION: When working, it is very important to have good lighting, otherwise you can miss these irregularities:

If you have a part of the tile with a three-dimensional pattern, then this method still works. Of course, the pattern will be slightly visible, but this will only complement the overall picture. Like here:

WARNING: Materials must be discarded after use. In no case should they be washed, just ruin the sink, since the paint that has fallen on it will no longer be washed off, you can see a vivid example of this in the photo:

Wait for the paint to dry, peel off the protective films, and evaluate the result. In this case, you can compare the result before and after painting:

Preparing for painting

Painting tiles begins with the preparation of the surface itself and the room. To begin with, it is recommended to free the room from furniture and interior items that may interfere with work. What cannot be removed is recommended to be covered with plastic wrap to prevent paint drops from falling onto the surface. If the paint can still be wiped off smooth objects, then the upholstery of upholstered furniture cannot be saved without dry cleaning.

It is desirable to cover the furniture with foil

The tile surface itself also needs to be prepared. If you neglect this stage, then the layer of paint and varnish material will quickly begin to flake off and crumble. The tile surface is first washed with a cleaning agent

If the tile is painted in the kitchen, then it is important to remove all grease stains – the paint will not fall on them. You can degrease the surface with a special liquid or use vinegar or an alcohol solution.

Ceramic tile cleaning

Then, as soon as the tile is dry, it is carefully sanded with sandpaper – it is necessary to make the surface slightly rough. Only in this case the paint will hold well. If the tile on the floor is rough in itself, then you can do without the grinding step.

It is also important to inspect all tiles before painting to make sure they are intact. Damaged items must either be removed and replaced with new ones, or repaired.

Painting procedure

Step 1. The floor is thoroughly washed and sanded if necessary. The base is being prepared for painting. Skirting boards are covered with masking tape so that paint does not stain them.

First you need to wash the floor

The skirting boards are covered with masking tape

Step 2. The surface of the tile is cleaned of grease stains. This is especially true for kitchens. The liquid can be applied with a long-handled brush. Sometimes you have to do the procedure repeatedly

It is very important to handle all corners well. Next, the floors are washed with clean water and dried well.

It is also recommended to apply a coat of primer to the tiles before painting.

Degreasing the tile surface

Step 3. It’s time to paint. It should be distributed evenly over the entire surface. For convenience, it is recommended to use a roller with a long handle. The paint is poured into the paint tray – it is more convenient to wet the roller in it. It is recommended to stir the paint well before use. The material is applied in several layers, and the smoother the surface of the tile, the more layers will be required (up to 3-4). Layers are applied in stages, each – after the previous one has dried. Coloring starts from the corner farthest from the exit.

Applying paint with a long-handled roller

Painting the floor tiles

Step 4. Corners in the room are well processed.

Particular attention should be paid to the corners of the room.

Step 5. After the paint has been applied to the surface, it should dry well. For the first layer about a day is enough, then the second layer can be applied. Further, the waiting time until the application of a new layer of paint is about 6-12 hours, depending on the composition used.

Applying paint to tiles

Step 6. After applying the last coat of paint, wait at least 72 hours before the floor is walkable. This period is necessary for all layers of paint to dry well.

In this example the tiles are also painted on the walls

Can the tiles be painted?

Possible. This unique, durable, moisture-resistant coating may well be updated in this way. At the same time, the ceramic surface is painted very well – the main thing is to choose the right paint and choose the place where it will be applied.

Is it possible to paint tiles on the floor

On walls, floors and even ceilings, tiles can be safely updated with a fresh layer of paint – there its contact with water will be minimal, and the paint is unlikely to be quickly erased. But the tiles located inside the showers right under your feet or directly above the bathtub are not recommended to be painted. The fact is that the durability of a paintwork, even of the highest quality, directly depends on the intensity of exposure to water. And in the shower and above the bath, an environment that is too humid is formed even for the highest quality and most reliable paint. In such places, the coating will quickly begin to peel off and all the work will have to be done again. Conclusion – you can safely paint absolutely any tile if it has moderate contact with water.

Painting tiles on the bathroom wall

With paint, the interior of the kitchen or bathroom can be changed constantly, as soon as the owner of the room so desires. Previously, this is how apartment owners got out of the situation, this method of repairing premises was quite common.

How to change the appearance of ceramic tiles without painting

What materials do not buy, but in the “wet zone”, where water is often or constantly, the paint will peel off quickly. This is usually the wall near the bathroom. Here, painting ceramic tiles is not the best idea. If you want to update the tiles, you can use a self-adhesive film. Not the cheapest, but the one that is more expensive – carbon. It is used for car tuning. It is denser, better glued and held.

Here is the result of gluing self-adhesive tiles on tiles In this case, before updating the old tiles in the bathroom or on the kitchen backsplash, we wash them. We cut the film into squares or rectangles – according to the size of your tile. It looks better if the edge of the tile is visible, but this is a matter of taste.

Degrease and dry the tiles before sticking the film. Then you can glue. The gluing technique is simple:

Actually, that’s it. Let’s move on to the next piece. Nothing complicated, Surfaces are small. If the tiles are embossed, you will need another hair dryer. If there is a construction site, great. No, a regular one will do. We set the building one to the minimum temperature, the hairdresser’s to the maximum. We start gluing from a flat part. Then we heat the film, stretch it a little and glue it on the relief. Don’t pull hard. It becomes elastic. You can start practicing.

Selecting the composition of the paint

The paint has special properties. These dyes are solutions of synthetic or natural resins. The ceramic surface is coated with polyurethane or acrylic varnishes.

Technical specifications are colorless liquids that protect tiles and grouts from damage.

Lacquer finishes enhance color, pattern contrast and gloss.

The main feature of paints is increased adhesion – they hold well not only on rough, but also on smooth surfaces. The most convenient option for work are aerosol spray paints. The following types of dyes are used:

special paints;
epoxy, latex, oil paints.

When using these dyes, there is no need to purchase brushes and other equipment, because there are no smudges during dyeing. Aerosols have other advantages:

the painted surface will look perfectly even;
is more economical than the canned version;
paint, especially epoxy, will last 5-7 years;
dries within 24 hours.

Just shake the can and spray at a distance of 25 cm.

Applying paint on kitchen tiles

For successful tile painting, it is best to follow the step-by-step instructions.

Step 1. Deep cleaning of the surface

In order for the tile to serve for a long time, while maintaining its attractiveness, a thorough cleaning of its surface is necessary:

Removes dirt and dust.
Use a damp cloth to remove stains that have formed as a result of dyes spilled onto the surface.
A 50/50 solution of ammonia and water is used as a cleaner. Cleaning is carried out according to the instructions.
After cleaning, the working area is washed, the soap solution is removed and allowed to dry.
When cleaning the joints, carefully remove dirt that may harbor microorganisms and mold.

Step 2: Preparing the work surface for painting

After cleaning the tile, prepare it for painting:

To increase the adhesive ability, they try to make the surface of the tile rough, so that the paint lays down better and holds better. To do this, sand is poured onto its surface and, pressing it against the tile, they drive it over the surface.
In addition to sand, a sander with an emery attachment will do. They remove the old layer of paint.
Lightly scratch the surface to remove harmful micro-organisms, fungus and mold.

Step 3: Recleaning

To remove the results of the previous step, the surface is thoroughly washed:

Dirt with sanding residues and dust are removed with a damp cloth and a mop.
The floor is dried for the next stage of work.

Step 4: Primer

Use sheets of paper or duct tape to protect areas not being painted.
An oil-based primer is applied to the surface to be painted (it has good adhesion and the ability to create a rich color).
The primer is carried out in two layers.
After it has been carried out, the surface is ground.
Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Step 5. Painting tiles

Coloring is carried out with different types of paints:

The first type of paint is based on latex, which dries quickly, but peels off after a while. Coloring with this paint gives a shiny, spectacular appearance and texture.
Oil paint creates a glossy surface with good adhesion to tiles. The paint is applied on the basis of the instructions, slowly and carefully.

How to paint bathroom tiles. Features of painting tiles

Of course, you can buy a new tile, but if the old one is well preserved, why not just paint it at home in a different color and save money on attracting specialists? Also, perhaps you have a desire to put some kind of pattern or pattern on the tile? Painting ceramic tiles with your own hands is an opportunity to partially update the interior, and give free rein to your imagination, learn how to do something new and enjoy the creative process. We will talk about how and with what to paint ceramic tiles in today’s article.

When preparing to work, keep in mind that not every paint is suitable for ceramics. The choice of paint is really a very important point. Yes, color plays no small role, but still the most important thing is to choose the paint in accordance with the type of material on the surface of which this or that paintwork will be applied.

1
Easy to apply. Thanks to the aerosol package, the paint easily and quickly lays on the surface: just shake the paint can well for 20-30 seconds and spray its contents from a distance of 20 – 25 cm from the surface with smooth, even movements. This simple rule will help to avoid unwanted streaks and, as a result, get a smooth, beautiful surface.

2
Dries quickly. Having painted ceramic tiles at home today, in a day you will be able to operate the renovated facility.

3
Reliable. A durable coating will last for at least 5 to 7 years, especially if you used epoxy paint.

4
Economical. Thanks to aerosol packaging, spray paint is more economical to use than the canned version.

Optional: If you are tiling with patterns or designs, you will need stencils

Step_1
Cleaning ceramic tiles. Thoroughly wash the entire surface to be painted using a metal sponge and detergent. So you can easily get rid of dirt and even lightly sand the tile. Be sure to thoroughly scrub all seams with a brush to ensure you get rid of dirt, mold and fungus.

Step_4
Preparation for staining. Using paper tape and a covering film (newspapers), cover all surfaces and objects that should not get paint. If you are applying a drawing or pattern, secure the stencil carefully.

Step_5
Primer. You can prime at home either with a brush or using an aerosol primer from a can. The latter method will help to avoid streaks and use the material more economically.

Step_6
Painting. To qualitatively paint ceramic tiles with your own hands, it is better to use spray paint for ceramic coatings. Shake the can thoroughly for 20-30 seconds to mix the paint well. Slowly, with sweeping movements, spray the paint on the surface from a distance of 20 – 30 cm.
If you choose regular paint, use a foam roller. With it, you apply the paint in a thinner layer and do not leave streaks.
In both cases, we recommend that you apply 2-3 coats of paint, observing the rule: the next coat is applied no earlier than the previous one has dried. Drying time is indicated in the instructions for the paint.

Step_7
Varnish coating. After painting and final drying of the tiles, we recommend that you apply a varnish coating. It is best to use acrylic varnish, glossy or matte. It will give depth to the color and create a protective coating that protects the painted ceramic surface from damage.

4
Pieces of masking tape are used only once. Trying to re-glue them again will only stain the new area of tile with paint.

As you can see, painting ceramic tiles is not only a repair, but also creativity. You can safely proceed to the task and make sure from your own experience that it is not at all difficult, and the result is worth the time and effort spent!

If this article was useful to you, please rate it (at the top of the page). Thank you!

If you found this article helpful, please rate it (at the top of the page). Thank you!

Painting tiles is a very simple, but rather unusual way to update the interior of the bathroom or utility rooms, if the family budget does not allow for the replacement of tiles at the moment.

Contemporary interior designers have long used paint-on-tile as an additional way to enrich and decorate utility room walls with old cladding. With the help of hand-painted ceramics, you can achieve visual effects that are in no way inferior to the factory mosaic texture or finished tile panels.

For modern technologies of building materials and polymer compositions, with their decorative effect and resistance to external influences, it has long been no problem to answer the question of how to paint tiles.

In a hardware supermarket or market, entire shelves are occupied with decorative products, from which it will not be difficult to choose what to paint the tiles with. This is both a fairly inexpensive and quite labor-intensive process, if we compare the ability to simply paint a tile or remove an existing layer, import building materials, and stick a new one.

Since the answer to the question of whether it is possible to paint the tile is unequivocally yes, it is necessary to decide on the preliminary stage. If, in addition to ennobling the tiled layer, additional work is to be done, you should finish as much as possible with their implementation.

For example, painting the ceiling in the kitchen and wallpapering, or updating the plumbing in the toilet and bathroom, must be done before the renovation of the wall covering, and especially if it is planned to paint the tiles on the floor. Floor ceramics require particularly strong compositions, as this is the first zone where any paint will quickly be erased.

In order to start the main stage of the transformation of utility rooms, you should decide on a color scheme or certain complex compositions that will require several colors. At the same time, think about how to paint and tile on the floor.

It should be remembered that before you start painting ceramics, you must first put it in order – remove dust, dirt or grease, if any.

If the tile has fallen off or chipped off in some places due to a long service life, then it is necessary to carefully glue patches on the bald spots from the remnants or improvised materials.
The preliminary stage is completed when the paint for the tile is purchased and brought in, and the tile itself is brought into the required condition.

Painting of tiles, which is prepared for this process, begins with checking the readiness of improvised materials and tools.
This, of course, is not pasting with new ceramics, but you won’t start it empty-handed either. In order to get a perfect and beautiful surface, which you would not even guess that this is an old painted tile wall, the repairman will need:

The list of purchases in the construction market or in the supermarket should be: purchase of coloring agent, primer, putty, varnish and thinner. If there is no suitable tool at home, then a spatula, roller or brushes, sprayer will do if the work needs to be done quickly.

If the question of how to paint the old tiles is still not clear, you can consult where the purchases will be made.

It is not possible to paint bathroom tiles without prior surface preparation. That is, you can’t just take it, and you can’t apply paint to the tile. This is monkey labor, which will become unusable after several water procedures. A tile simply painted with any paint will not differ in appearance or durability.

To paint ceramic tiles, it is necessary to apply a coat of primer, then putty, and only after both layers have dried and the top one has been sanded with sandpaper, you can proceed to the direct painting process.

Can tiles be painted without primer and filler? Even if this is someone else’s apartment, urgently prepared for sale, it is still impossible. Joints, chips, irregularities and defects, the tiled surface will inevitably demonstrate through all layers of applied paint.

Even putty must be purchased in gray or white if you plan a light tone for the walls, and as dark as possible if you suddenly have a fantasy to make dark walls in the bathroom or in the toilet. But the funds to paint the tile on the leveling layer will be as much as there are varieties of putty on sale: , and to alkyd – alkyd. He will also tell you how to paint ceramic tiles of different materials so that the layer lasts as long as possible.

A primer must be applied before painting the tiles.
On sale, the primer is usually available in different types, and is a liquid composition for restoring an old one, or creating a new homogeneous surface.

In case you need to paint a smooth, dense surface (laminate, tile, glass, plastic), primers are used on surfaces that do not absorb water (increased adhesion).
They adhere perfectly to very dense and smooth surfaces. This is the best solution to the problem of how to paint tiles. But it is also impossible to paint over the primer with paint. First, the primer is allowed to dry, then a putty layer is applied, and also allowed to dry.

There are tips to paint bathroom tiles without a second coat, but even special paints and primers that do not contain quartz sand will not give the wall such an ennobled look as applied putty. Special compositions with all biological additives, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, water-based and waterproof, adhere much better to the puttied surface, which was sanded with sandpaper to a perfectly smooth state.

The kitchen interior may not require such a specialized coating as the walls in the bathroom, where it is permanently humid, but, perhaps, you should still take care of acquiring a high-quality and durable product in order not to deal with new repairs in the near future.

Over time, the tile in the toilet or bathroom loses its original luster, becomes covered with a network of small cracks or acquires other external defects. Renovating a bathroom with a complete replacement of tiles is a costly business. But there are other ways to update the appearance, including paint coating.

Only wall tiles can be painted. Facing on the floor and ceiling should not be painted, because due to the constant exposure to moisture and hot steam on these surfaces, the paint will begin to peel off quickly. The question posed, is it possible to paint tiles, sounds a little incorrect, since the success of painting such a cladding will depend on what kind of paint is used.

Bathroom Tile Paint

Not all bathroom tile paints are suitable for a fresh look. Water-based materials should be avoided because they will not adhere to the surface when exposed to hot, humid air and water. It is worth using special resistant paints for ceramics and enamel only if you need to apply a pattern to the tile or partially update its appearance. The use of such enamels for large-scale application to walls is impractical due to their high cost.

For a complete tile renovation, the following tile paint is used:

Acrylic enamel.
Alkyd
Oily
Latex

In this case, the paint must be undiluted, in consistency resembling thick sour cream.

DIY bathroom tiles

Before painting bathroom tiles, the surface must be prepared. This is important because the paint will not adhere well to glossy, dirty tiles. To clean dirt from the tile, using a metal sponge and any abrasive agent, stubborn dirt is removed. To degrease the surface, it is wiped with alcohol.

Tile coloration is as follows:

The right tool is selected: a foam roller is used to create a velvety coating, and a brush is used for a textured layer.
All adjacent parts of plumbing and furniture are pasted over with masking tape.
If you plan to apply an ornament, you should first prepare stencils and stick them on the wall.
The application of enamel is carried out with sweeping, smooth movements in several layers.

The grouting during painting also needs to be replaced. When fully stained, the tile joints are painted together with the tiles. With partial staining, the seams are updated with a thin brush or a special marker. Do not forget that the seams must first be cleaned, degreased and treated with special impregnations. In the photo you can see examples of updating the interior of the bathroom after painting the old tiles.

The bathroom is used several times a day. Due to the high humidity in this room, tiles lose their beauty over time. Replacing the cladding is not the only way out. You can restore the tiles with your own hands using paint, the main thing is to follow the rules of work, and then the tile will regain its attractiveness, and the whole room will freshen up.

When does it make sense to paint ceramic tiles in the bathroom?

Painting wall ceramic tiles in the bathroom is advisable in the following cases:

Masking defects that have appeared during operation.
If the tile has small chips and cracks, old dirt or fungus that is not amenable to cleaning agents, it is not necessary to change it. Properly selected paint will help mask such flaws.
Repair.
Renovation of plumbing and bathroom furnishings is also no reason to change tiles. Painting will save money, effort and time.
Style change.
Painting tiles is a great way to redesign your bathroom. The tile can be painted in a solid color, or you can decorate it with patterns and drawings that will look original and breathe new life into the familiar space.

When planning to paint ceramic tiles in the bathroom, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The restoration of tiles in this way has both advantages and disadvantages. The first are:

the possibility of masking minor defects;
low cost;
ease of execution;
the opportunity to experiment with shades, patterns and patterns;
no need to remove old tiles and install new ones.

A significant disadvantage of staining is the fragility of the new coating. However, if you prepare the surface well and apply the paint correctly, the result will please more than one year.

Which color to choose?

Bathroom work requires a special paint for two reasons:

The specificity of the work surface.
Ceramic is a dense and smooth material, so the coloring solution does not penetrate into its structure and cannot firmly adhere to the surface. For good adhesion, you need to pre-treat the tile.
Difficult conditions.
Work is hindered by lime or rust deposits on the work surface. Very humid and hot air during operation makes special demands on the quality of the coating.

Paint for painting tiles in the bathroom must have a high level of moisture resistance, not be afraid of significant mechanical impact and contact with cleaning agents. For painting wall tiles in the bathroom, different types of paints and varnishes are suitable. A latex-based water-dispersion paint designed for use in high humidity conditions has proven itself well.

Also suitable are oil, alkyd and epoxy paints. The former form a durable coating that does not require additional protection. Even acrylic paints are suitable for painting walls on which water does not pour, despite the fact that they are water-soluble. For decoration, it is recommended to give preference to compositions that are resistant to water and temperatures.

When deciding which paint to choose, you should pay attention to materials specially designed for painting tiles or glass. You can stop at acrylate-latex paint from brands such as Samtex or Tikkurila.

How to paint a whole wall tile?

Degreasing, cleaning and grouting

Even a person without painting experience can paint the wall tiles in the bathroom on their own. Before painting the tile, it is necessary to prepare it: clean, degrease and wipe the tile joints. Most of the dirt accumulates in these hard-to-reach places, neglecting to clean them is fraught with the appearance of mold and fungus soon. The same goes for joints and corners.

There are many ways to clean tile joints: using household chemicals, folk remedies and mechanically. It is better to use ready-made cleaning products: BOZO, KiiltoClean, Ultra-Stripper. With mold and fungus, the usual “Whiteness”, “Domestos” or “Sanfor”, which include chlorine, can cope.

Rinse the remaining cleaning composition from the work surface, degrease it by treating it with a cloth moistened with alcohol. On this, you can complete the preparation of tile joints for subsequent painting, or you can update the old grout. To do this, you will need a rubber spatula, a molding tube and a sponge. After diluting the powder with water according to the instructions, you need to let the mass stand for 20 minutes.

After mixing the mortar, it is necessary to carefully apply it between the tiles, tamping well with a tube and removing excess. The contour of the joints is formed with a rag. So that the dried grout does not crack, you need to slightly moisten it with water. At the end of the work, the surface is rubbed with a sponge or a foam spatula-trowel.

Cleaning and grinding tiles, degreasing the surface

Before painting, remove old dirt, lime and greasy deposits from the working surface, otherwise the coloring composition will not adhere well to the tile and it will not be possible to achieve the desired adhesion. A metal or any other hard sponge and an abrasive cleaner (Pemolux, Sanfor) will help clean the tile. It is necessary to remove heavily ingrained dirt, so you will have to make a lot of effort.

Rinse the remaining cleaning agent from the work surface, treat it with a cloth moistened with alcohol. This measure will degrease and improve the quality of subsequent grinding. Before painting, the tile must be well sanded with sandpaper. It is convenient to perform the work with an electric drill with a special attachment in the form of Velcro, which allows you to quickly change worn-out circles of the skin.

Do not choose too coarse sanding, otherwise deep scratches may remain on the work surface. After sanding, the tile should become matte and rough. If she has such qualities initially, this procedure is not required.

After sanding, wash the tile, degrease it again and dry thoroughly. This can complete the preparation for painting, but it is better to prime the work surface with a composition that matches the type of paint. This measure will increase the adhesion of the tile with the coloring composition, which will extend the life of the new coating.

The primer must be suitable for smooth glass, ceramic and plastic surfaces. It will enhance the adhesion of the coloring composition to the surface and mask small flaws. Primer manufacturers indicate that it takes about 60 minutes to dry, however, it is better to wait at least a day after priming before painting.

Protection of adjacent surfaces

In order not to damage furniture and plumbing while working with paint, it is best to cover them with thick polyethylene. The floor should also be covered with some kind of film. Do not use slippery material for this, as during work you can slip and get injured.

Masking tape must be applied where the painting area ends. This will protect the surfaces adjacent to it from accidental paint ingress. Before painting, remove all chrome and nickel-plated parts, shelves, mirrors, lamps.

The master’s hands, eyes and airways also require protection. All work is carried out with gloves, a respirator and goggles to protect against dust and splashes of paint.

Paint job

Once the preparatory work is done, you can start painting. When choosing tools, you need to take into account that with the help of a foam roller you can achieve the effect of a velvet coating, a brush – a texture characteristic of bristles. Prepare the paint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. During operation, it is not recommended to point the tool into the wall. Movements should be smooth, but not sweeping.

Do not attempt to cover the surface in one thick coat. Gradually applied layers of paint on top of each other will create a shade of the required saturation. You can apply a new layer only after the previous one has completely dried, with a brush or roller you need to drive in a perpendicular direction.

If you want to give the work surface a perfect smoothness, it is better to use alkyd paint in an aerosol can. This technology requires skill, it is worth practicing in an inconspicuous area. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. The composition is applied in the thinnest layer at least 2 times so that smudges do not form.

When can I use the bathroom?

How long a surface painted with epoxy enamel, alkyd or other paint will dry depends on many factors. Even the thickness of the paint layer affects this period. Typically, manufacturers indicate on the jar with the product the average duration of its drying. It is not recommended to use the renovated premises for the first 3-4 days. Painted walls require careful handling over the next few days.

Should I paint my ceramic floor?

Bathroom tiles can be safely painted. The main thing is to choose a paint that is moisture resistant and resistant to mechanical stress. As for painting the floor in showers, ceramic tiles cannot be painted here.

No matter how high-quality and reliable the paint is, in conditions of especially high humidity, the new coating will become unusable in a few months. Painted surfaces must be protected from water. After taking a shower or bath, thoroughly wipe the floor and ventilate the room.

Tips for painting floor tiles

Floor tiles also require preparation before painting. The tile is cleaned, polished, if necessary, and degreased. If there are minor defects on the working surface (scratches, small chips, cracks), they are masked with a primer. If there are significant defects, it will be necessary to replace individual sections of the coating.

All tiles must be primed before painting. It is more convenient to work with paint using a roller with a long handle. Apply the coloring composition in 3-4 layers, allowing each of them to dry well before applying the next. Usually, 24 hours is enough for the first layer to dry, and 6-12 hours for the second and subsequent ones.

Start painting from the corner farthest from the door. Particular attention should be paid to the corners of the room. After the last layer dries, it is necessary to fix the result with varnish. Some people neglect varnishing and soon regret it, because the painted floor wears out quickly without protection. The lacquer layer significantly increases the service life of the painted coating.

Before applying the varnish, it must be tested on the least visible area. If its surface remains unchanged, you can varnish the remaining area. You can walk on the updated floor 3 days after the end of the work.

Tile renewal: stencil technology for drawing or patterning

A pattern or pattern on the wall will make the interior original. These decorative elements are applied using a stencil or freehand brush in 2 ways:

after painting the surface in the base color;
without pre-staining.

In the absence of artistic skills, it is more convenient to decorate wall tiles with a stencil. You can buy it at a hardware store or make your own. To do this, you need to print the selected drawing (or draw it by hand), transfer the image to thick paper or cardboard and cut it out along the contour.

After fixing the stencil on the selected area with construction tape, you need to apply paint on it. It can be sprayed from a can or applied with a foam swab for drawing – then the coloring composition lays down in an even layer, while characteristic traces remain after the brush.

Painting bathroom tiles is an inexpensive and effective way to decorate a room with your own hands. In conclusion, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video on the material presented.

Here we will take a detailed look at how and with what to paint tiles in the bathroom on the walls, in the kitchen and ceramic tiles on the floor. 3 detailed master classes
how to repaint old tiles in a different color, or even apply some kind of pattern using a stencil with your own hands!

Old bathroom – BEFORE painting

AFTER painting

Epoxy paint
will last longer than water-based, but the latter is easier to use
It is important to clean the tiles very well before painting
, the quality of work depends on it.
The room must be well ventilated and work
must be in a mask. Epoxy paint has a strong smell!!
Tools:
roller – for large surfaces, brushes 2-3 sizes for small parts, paint container.
After working with epoxy paint, the tools must be thrown away, otherwise you still won’t clean it, but you will ruin the sink. Also, avoid contact of paint with clothing, you will not be able to wash it either.
Be sure to let the paint dry completely!

Painting bathroom tiles

In some apartments, the tiles in the bathroom have remained since ancient times, but if the tile itself is of high quality, then the painting option will save you from many repairs.

In this tutorial you will learn how this bathroom – BEFORE:

Can be transformed into this – PHOTO AFTER:

Namely, how brick-colored tiles turned white.

Materials needed:

Cleaner
Epoxy paint

6 mm nap roller
Paint stirrers
Synthetic brush
Paint tray
Masking tape
Paint protection film
Disposable gloves
Goggles and mask

Step by step instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Clean the entire surface to be painted with the cleaner. It must be perfectly clean so that the paint lays evenly and efficiently.

Where the painting area ends, apply masking tape,
to protect against accidental paint splashes.
Cover the tub
(shower cabin), and if there are lamps (shelves or mirrors) on the wall next to the one being painted, they too.

Step 2: Paint the tiles

Put on a protective mask and mix the paint according to the instructions.
Because the bathroom is poorly ventilated, be prepared for the smell of paint.

For convenience, one person can paint corners with a synthetic brush and another flat surfaces with a roller
(you can do everything yourself, but make sure that the paint lays down evenly and does not dry out in pieces).

Step 3: Quality check and clean up

When all is done, inspect the surface for defects, check for even texture.

WARNING:
When working, it is very important to have good lighting, otherwise you can miss such irregularities:

If you have a part of a tile with a three-dimensional pattern, then this method still works. Of course, the pattern will be slightly visible, but this will only complement the overall picture. Like for example here:

WARNING:
Materials must be discarded after use. In no case should they be washed, just ruin the sink, since the paint that has got on it will no longer be washed off, you can see a vivid example of this in the photo:

Wait for the paint to dry, remove the protective films, and evaluate the result. In this case, you can compare the result before and after painting:

Painting tiles in the kitchen

Here we will look at how to recolor tiles by adding geometric patterns using homemade stencils. It will take a little longer than painting in a solid color, but it will also look more original.

Materials needed:

Paint (1 l)
Primer (1 l)
Oil-based polyurethane (1 l)
Masking tape 2.5 cm wide
Utility knife
4 cm soft bristle brush

Step by step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the tiles for painting

First clean the tiles with a sponge and soap and water (or cleaner to degrease the surface), then wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.
Then use masking tape to apply a pattern on the tile, in this case triangles are obtained
(see photo).

Step 2: Eliminate the roughness of the stencil

After applying the masking tape, use a utility knife (or scissors) to cut off the ends of the tape.

WARNING:
Make sure that the lines and corners are neat so that the result is a clear picture.

Step 3: Apply the primer

Once the patterns have been glued onto the tiles, the primer can be applied. It is important that it is completely dry (it takes about 45 minutes),
before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Paint

Once the primer is dry, paint can be applied.
small paintbrush used here
to make it easier to work and not go behind the pasted tape, but depending on the complexity of your pattern, you can use a brush that is a little larger or a little smaller.
Apply paint thinly
. Two coats will be enough for a smooth final result.

Step 5: Finish coat

Once the paint is dry, apply a thin coat of oil-based polyurethane to protect it from moisture and scratches.

Oil coatings
dry longer, but much more durable.

When this last protective layer is dry (usually takes about four hours
), you can remove the masking tape and admire your work.

Tip:

Another idea:

The complexity of the stencils used depends on your taste and the amount of time you are willing to spend painting. You can, for example, choose a small piece of the wall and make a complex pattern there, and leave a solid color around.

Step-by-step actions in this case are similar to those described above, only the stencils take longer to draw (since the pattern is smaller and consists of several colors).

Please note that the smaller the pattern, the smaller the brush should be. We also recommend that you first apply the pattern starting from the center of the stencil, and then closer to the edges.

TIP:
If paint has seeped under the masking tape, you can remove it using a utility knife.

Floor tiles

Since tiles on the floor are to be used more than other surfaces, they lose their appearance more quickly. Of course, it can serve for a very long time, but scuffs begin to bother. If you are faced with a similar problem, it’s time to act.

For example, there is a tiled floor like this:

We chose the original stencil and decided to paint the floor in black and white.

Materials needed:

Floor cleaner
Paint (white and black)
Stencil
Brush
Masking tape
Roller
Paint tray
Oil based polyurethane

Step by step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the floor before painting

The first thing to do is clean the floor and check that there are no broken tiles anywhere. Then dry the floor and start painting.
Use a roller to paint the floor white, while applying two coats of paint. Leave to dry.

Step 3: Draw the Stencil

Place the stencil on the tile and apply masking tape or duct tape to secure it in place and prevent movement. Now you can apply black paint on the stencil with a brush.

Take a little at a time and apply with light strokes.

After you have finished drawing one section, peel off the stencil and transfer it to the next. If there is a lot of paint on the stencil, wash it before using it again. Continue until you have filled the entire floor with the pattern.

Step 4: Apply the protective coating

Once the entire floor has been stencilled, a polyurethane coat must be applied to create a protective layer for the paint. Leave to dry completely.

Now look how much the floor has changed after painting. Looks like an expensive designer tile:

In the last master class, the floor in the bathroom was redone, but in the same way, you can update the tiles on the floor throughout the apartment.

Be careful if you have more than one stencil, but several, which together make up the overall pattern. Mark where which stencil should be, first apply one pattern to each corresponding tile, then the next one, and so on until the end. The work must be systematic, then there will be no confusion.

If there are small tiles left near the walls, on which it is impossible to put the same stencil, you can try to finish the pattern yourself or cut the stencil into pieces:

We wish you inspiration and success in renovating your home!

How to paint tiles? How to paint the tiles on the floor with your own hands, is it possible, advice

It is far from always possible to change the floor covering. But if the tile is holding tight, you can simply repaint it. Question: What exactly to repaint the tiles?

While it’s easy to find advice on materials and paints for parquet, finding how to paint tiles or marble or mosaic floors can be tricky. Taking on this project, we decided to tell you if it is possible to paint the tiles on the floor to help those who dream of white floors instead of tiles and do not know where to start.