Instead of tearing out and replacing old tiles, consider learning how to paint tile with tile paint.
Use this guide to find outhow to paint tileto rejuvenate the look of an older kitchen or bathroom.
What Kind of Paint Can Be Used on Tile?
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Bonding Primer
For painting tile, use a primer with “bonding” in its name.
Avoid concrete, masonry, or metal primers.
ensure to use painter’s tape and drop cloths to safeguard against drips, spills, and splatters.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Start at the top and work downward, frequently changing out the bucket with warm water and TSP.
Rinse the tile with clean water and let it dry.
Repair Tile and Grout
Thin cracksand small chips on the tile surface can be repaired with caulk.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Larger defects can be filled in with exterior-grade waterproof spackle.
As with the caulk, apply a tiny amount to the crack or chip.
Use the putty knife to wipe off the excess, bringing the filler down to the tile surface.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Since painting tile means painting over the grout, it must be in good condition.
For small spot repairs, use tile grout sold in tubes.
Apply the grout with a gloved finger, then wipe away.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
For more extensive grout damage,remove the groutand replace it with new grout.
Similarly, you may need toinstall tilereplacements if a few tiles are broken or severely damaged.
Do not sand down to the tile body (the section below the glazing).
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Instead, scuff up the glaze.
Clean the tile with water.
After it dries, clean once more with atack cloth.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Wipe it gently to prevent beeswax from embedding on the tile surface, requiring another round of sanding.
Keep the pressure light.
You’ll still need to physically sand the tile.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Apply the Bonding Primer
Pour a small amount of bonding primer into a lined paint tray.
Roll the primer onto the tile, being careful not to press too hard on the roller.
Apply only a thin coat to avoid dripping.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
After the primer has dried, apply a second thin coat of primer.
Paint the Tile
Put a new liner in the paint tray.
Roll the tile surface with one coat of paint.
Fill in and touch up the edges with a paintbrush.
Let the paint cure, then apply a second coat.
Typically, the paint should be given about 24 to 48 hours to fully dry before applying the sealer.
The key to painting tile is to give the surfacetoothan informal term for dullness or a lack of gloss.
Professional painters usually deal with walls and ceilings more than kitchen or bathroom tile counters or wall surrounds.
