Tiles and ceramics are two types of building materials produced in various designs and colors, adding a unique touch to any space. However, over time, they can become faded and dirty, requiring change or replacement. A cost-effective and less troublesome method is painting tiles and ceramics. In this article, we will teach you the steps of painting floor tiles and wall tiles.
Steps for Painting Floor and Wall Tiles
Painting floor tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and restrooms is an interesting process that changes the decor of these spaces. To paint these areas, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Preparing Materials and Tools
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand. Important tools include paint, sealer, sanding grits, primer, and appropriate brushes and rollers.
Step 2: Cleaning the Tile Surface
Clean the tile and ceramic surface thoroughly using suitable cleaners to remove all dust. If the tiles are damp, allow 4 to 5 hours for them to dry completely.
Step 3: Sanding the Tile Surface
To prepare the tile surface for better paint absorption and to increase the complexity of the ceramic coating, smooth the surface with sanding grits. Use 180-grit sandpaper to maintain the ceramic's shine and prevent damage. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove dust.
Step 4: Applying Primer
Apply primer to enhance paint density and initial requirements. You can apply primer evenly on the ceramic surface with a brush or roller. It takes 4 hours for the primer to dry; chalk paint can be used instead. Use 180-grit sandpaper to gently remove any primer unevenness and clean the dust with a dry cloth.
Step 5: Painting
Choose your desired paint and apply it evenly on the tile and ceramic surface with a brush and roller. Cover parts of the walls and floors you do not want to paint with plastic sheets. The chosen paint should be waterproof; latex paint is ideal for painting bathroom tiles. Avoid repainting the same spot, and if a second coat is needed, wait until the previous layer is completely dry.
Step 6: Drying
Allow at least 5 to 6 hours for the paint to dry on the tile and ceramic surface. In cold and humid conditions, drying may take up to 12 hours.
Step 7: Stenciling
If you want to create a specific design on the tiles, use a stencil. Place the stencil on a tile and apply your desired design with a foam roller. After finishing and the paint is fully dry, apply a sealer over the area.
Step 8: Polyurethane Sealer
To ensure the paint stays and is less prone to scratches, use a polyurethane sealer after the paint is fully dry. The sealer takes 4 to 6 hours to dry. Note that oil-based polyurethane sealer can cause the tile and ceramic surface to yellow.
Suitable Paint Characteristics for Wall and Floor Tiles
The chosen paint for floor and wall tiles should have high adhesion. Avoid water-based or acrylic paints as they quickly wash off from tiles and ceramics. Epoxy paint is suitable for wall tiles due to its high adhesion and is available in one-component and two-component types.
- One-Component Epoxy Paint: This paint is easy to apply as it doesn't require multiple layers. It adheres well to surfaces and dries without needing a hardener. It can also be purchased as spray paint.
- Two-Component Epoxy Paint: This consists of paint and a hardener that helps the paint dry. The hardener aids in drying and adding durability.
Types of Paint for Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles
Suitable paints include epoxy, acrylic, latex, and oil-based paints. Here are their features:
- Epoxy Paint: As mentioned, epoxy paint is suitable for wall porcelain tiles but not technically approved for such applications.
- Acrylic Paint: Available in water-based and oil-based solutions, water-based acrylic paint is used in construction. Its features make it suitable for bathroom and kitchen floor tiles due to its durability, resistance to abrasion, sunlight, and ease of application.
- Latex Paint: Latex paints have unique polymer compositions, offering benefits like moisture resistance and high durability.
- Oil-Based Paint: Widely used in construction, this traditional paint has drawbacks but is still popular for its high washability, coverage, and waterproof properties.
Choosing Colors for Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles
When selecting colors for painting bathroom, kitchen, and restroom tiles, consider aesthetics for these moist environments:
- Pink: A smart choice from the pink spectrum adds beauty, especially combined with white.
- Green: Evoking nature, use dark green for larger spaces and light green for smaller ones, complemented by pink, red, or gold accessories.
- Brown: A popular choice for wall tiles; darker browns make spaces look smaller, while lighter browns make them appear larger, giving a classic and modern feel.
- Blue: A symbol of calm, blue and white tiles are traditionally used in bathrooms.
- Navy Blue: A cold color creating a luxurious look, can be combined with warm colors.
Other suitable colors include black, purple, white, gray, gold, and red. Note the type of ceramic; for example, technically, porcelain tile painting is not recommended.
Suitable Paint for Floor Tiles
For areas like restrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and sitting areas, choose high-adhesion, waterproof paints. Among the mentioned paints, epoxy is the best choice due to its high adhesion and durability compared to acrylic and water-based paints.
Necessary Tools for Painting Tiles
As stated in the steps, the first step is preparing the tools, categorized into painting equipment and materials:
Painting Equipment:
- Roller and cover
- Paint tray and liner
- Paintbrush
- Tack cloth
- Orbital sander
- Sandpaper
- Scraper
- Clean bucket
- Cleaning sponge pad
- Latex or latex substitute gloves
- Eye, ear, and respiratory protection
Materials:
- Tile paint
- Bonding primer
- Clear polyurethane coating
- TSP cleaner or substitute
- Paintable sealant
- Waterproof packing compound
- Tile grout
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheets
Advantages and Disadvantages of Painting Tiles
Painting floor and wall tiles has many advantages but also some drawbacks:
Advantages:
- Extends the life of tiles
- Cost-effective and less troublesome method
- No need to replace existing tiles
- Easy to clean after painting
- Allows repairing minor surface issues
- More economical than replacing tiles
Disadvantages:
- Paint may peel over time; use high-quality paint and proper techniques to prevent this.
- Paint covers grout, limiting color choices and uniform coverage; use a fine brush or tape to avoid this.
- Requires extensive preparation.
Note that painting porcelain floor tiles is technically not recommended.
Can You Paint Bathroom Tiles?
Most tiles, except glazed ones like porcelain, can be painted. For porcelain, sand, paint, and prime with epoxy. Painting bathroom floors is not cost-effective due to constant water contact, causing the paint to peel or fade.
Importance of Tile Location
The location matters for painting; in moist environments like bathrooms, use latex-based undercoats. Color choice depends on the customer's preference and the interior design, influencing paint costs.
Dry Air Method for Wall Tiles
This method refers to painting tiles after installation, allowing them to dry in the air. Pre-installation painting uses industrial techniques and heat methods, offering temporary resistance but more durability in kilns.
Ensure clean, professional tile painting by allowing sufficient time, using quality tools and paints, or seeking expert help for precision.
Using Porcelain Tiles for Flooring
Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to strong chemicals and have low water absorption, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and frequently washed areas. However, painting porcelain tiles is not technically endorsed by specialists.
Conclusion
Old or dirty, faded wall and floor tiles may need a decor update. High costs of replacing old tiles or covering them may discourage clients. Painting floor or wall tiles offers an excellent, cost-effective alternative. This article thoroughly examined the process of painting floor and wall tiles.
