How To Paint Tiles: A DIY Guide

We all have that tiled surface in our home that we keep wishing we could change so bad. There are stains and marks on it that have gathered over the years making a terrible eyesore at this point.

The good news is that you don’t have to replace the entire tiling job. You can easily re-paint the tiles, giving a fresh new look to your space! I have put together a quick to help guide you through this DIY project.

Tools and materials you would be needing:

• Good quality epoxy-based paint (e.g. Benjamin Moore)
• Paint brush and roller
• Painter’s tape
• Primer
• Sander (manual or electrical)
• Tile Cleaner
• Tile sealant
• Industrial gloves
• Cloth or rag
• Protective eyewear
• Respirator or industrial nose mask (Optional)

Step 1: The first in achieving a brilliant paint job is to first, prep your space. This will involve taking out all removable items from the room so you have a clear floor or wall area, depending on what tiles you plan to paint. For instance, if you are painting the bathroom floor, remove all bathroom floor mats, bins, or racks that may obstruct your work.

Step 2: Next, you will need to thoroughly clean and sand your tile to get rid of dust and other debris. You can opt for an electric sander for a more convenient approach, but manual sandpaper does the job too! Please ensure you wear protective eyewear and a nose mask while you do this.

Step 3: Use your cloth to carefully rub down your sanded floor tiles. Pay close attention to corners and dried out soap marks (e.g in the bathroom).

Step 4: Use painter’s tape mark down the areas you plan to paint. Additionally, remove all bathroom accessories or cover them with painter’s tape.

Step 5: Apply a thin coat of primer on your surface and let dry for a few hours. Priming your tile surface helps ensure the adhesion and longevity of your paint job.

Step 6: You are ready to paint! Using a paint brush or paint roller (where applicable), evenly apply your paint on the tile surface. Opt for a solid colour option if you don’t have much experience in DIY paint jobs. You can also use painter’s tape to create patterns or use stencil for more detailed designs. You may need to apply your paint job in a few layers to get your final desired look.

Step 7: The paint might take a few hours to a few days to fully dry. The less damp the room, the faster the paint dries. Once the paint is dry, apply sealant to protect your tile surface from wear and tear. On a general note, avoid using sharp objects on the tile surface as these might leave undesired scratches.

Step 8: Finally, remove the painter’s tape and replace all accessories and decor elements. Your paint job is complete!

Taking on a DIY might seem intimidating at first, but with these easy-to-follow steps, you are on your way to a professionally finished tile paint job!

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You might also like to learn how to spray paint vases or pots.