Many homes have ceramic tiles.Sometimes their color isn't quite right, whether they are flooring, a countertop, or a backsplash.While they are notoriously difficult to paint, there are ways to ensure that your tiles get a beautiful makeover and don't lose their new color, without having to replace them.You can have a beautiful new surface in a few days if you prepare the tiles and choose the right kind of paint.
Step 1: Sand the tiles to make them look better.
If you want to sand the tile down, you can use 100grit sandpaper, which rotates in a circular motion.The goal is to get rid of soap scum and hard build-up on the tile surface.Don't worry about sanding the color away because you're not trying to remove the glaze of the original tiles.
Step 2: The tiles need to be cleaned.
This will remove mold from the surface and the dust that clings to the tiles.Any debris left behind can cause the paint to have trouble holding it.A gallon of warm water and one cup of bleach can be used instead of a store-bought cleaning solution.
Step 3: Let the tiling dry.
It is important to allow the tiles to fully dry for 24 to 48 hours in order to be sure that your primer and paint coats will keep.
Step 4: Make sure the tile and grout are in good shape.
The ability of the paint to adhere to the tiles will be affected by chips and cracks.If necessary, repair the tiles with epoxy.A properly mixed two-part epoxy will allow you to paint over the tile with no issues.
Step 5: Use painter's tape to mask the surfaces.
The tape should be used as a guide, with the straight edges marking the furthest point you want to cover.This will prevent you from accidentally getting a new shade of paint.
Step 6: The tiles should be coated with a bonding primer.
An latex bonding primer will help the paint adhere better to the tiles than an ordinary primer would.If you brush away the painter's tape, you can apply primer just like a coat of paint.
Step 7: You can apply a coat of paint to the tiles with a paintbrush.
To ensure that the paint will adhere and cover the color below, choose a semi-gloss or gloss latex-based paint.The tiles should be fully covered.Paint thinner can be used to spread the paint more evenly.If the color below is still visible after the first coat, don't worry, you will be applying multiple coats of paint.
Step 8: Allow the paint to dry.
It may take a few days and no less than 24 hours.To find out how long the drying process will take, check the manufacturer guidelines.
Step 9: The painting and drying process should be repeated.
The paint manufacturer recommends how many coats to apply.
Step 10: The tiles should be applied with a water-based sealer.
It may take 2 or 3 coats of clear sealer to ensure that the paint will adhere and maintain the sheen you want.Allow each coat to dry before adding another.Painting ceramic tiles can lead to tarnishing, chipping, and fading, so it's important to seal the paint.
Step 11: To reveal a straight even edge, remove the painter's tape.
The ceramic tiles will have a perfect border because there is no paint below the tape.If you want to paint over the spots that the painter's tape covered up, be sure to let them dry.
Step 12: If you want, paint the grout.
If you want to keep the look of tile, you can apply a coat of paint to the grout you painted over, making sure to avoid the tile itself.The tile is known for its clean, crisp look.
Step 13: The tiles need to be cared for after the sealer has dried.
If your ceramic tiles are part of the floor, dusting and wiping them down is a must.You can protect your tile floor with floor mats.
Step 14: Clean the painted ceramic tiles with gentle tools.
Use neutral pH cleaners and avoid abrasive implements.Soft tools are a better choice.You should clean up spills quickly if you allow water or cleaners to stand on ceramic tile.