The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

Porous materials, such as wood anddrywall, take well to paint.

Their pores aid in grabbing the finish and helping it stick.

But tile has a couple of factors working against it when it comes to painting.

clean tile in a shower

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

Does this mean tile can’t be painted?

You also should accept the fact thatpainted tilewill never look the same as replacement tile.

The most vibrant and durable tile colors and designs are those that are incorporated during the firing process.

The company likes to call itself the “undisputed durability champ” based on extensive independent testing.

But laboratory tests are one thing, and real-life is another.

As a bonder product, XIM Tile Doc is specifically meant to stick.

And because tile is frequently subjected to hot water, this product is formulated with that purpose in mind.

Two-step tile-bonding products are effective.

This epoxy-modified acrylic paint requires xylene for cleanup.

Furthermore, one significant downside to choosing the aerosol is it only comes in glossy white.

For tints, you’ll need to go with the XIM Tile Doc Kit.

It also must be applied in a well-ventilated area.

It comes in nearly 50 color choices, along with primers and clear sealers.

Its finishes include flat, satin, and gloss.

Thisenamel spray paintcan be used forceramic tile, stone, terracotta, and more.

It dries to a smooth, hard finish for added durability.

And its not supposed to fade or yellow over time.

The Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit is available in three colors: white, almond, and biscuit.

As a two-part paint kit, the two substances need to be mixed together and then applied as one.

For best results, clean the surface as thoroughly as possible before painting.

check that you have adequate ventilation when applying it.

Paint on horizontal tiled surfaces that receive traffic will soon wear off.

Scuff the surface:Fine-grit (400 grit or higher) sandpaper is sufficient fordeglossing the tileprior to painting.

This helps the paint to adhere better.

Masking off grout is difficult to do effectively for a clean look.

However, you never should paint over any flexible areas, such as caulking or silicone seams.

Whether six months or six years from now, the paint will begin to flake and chip.

Painting is a quick and low-cost way to freshen up tile in the short term.

But tile replacement is always the best option for long-term durability.

In addition to cleaning, you should lightly sand glossy tile to help the paint stick.

When painting tile, ensure your work area is well ventilated, or you wear a paint respirator.

This is especially true for spray paints, like Valspar Terracotta Touch.

A painted tile doesn’t have the same longevity or durability asreplacedtile.

If applied improperly, it can chip within months.