Can You Paint On Tiles?

Can you paint over tiles? When you want to change the color of your tiles without replacing them, you may think that the best way to go about this is by painting over them. It seems easier and more cost-effective! And you’re absolutely right!

As long as you paint your tiles properly, then you’re all set! Here are some of our tips and tricks on how to paint tiles.

How do you prepare tiles before painting over them?

If you’re asking this question, theyn you’re already in the right direction. Preparing your tiles before painting is the best way to make sure they are painted on properly.

To prepare your tiles before cleaning, just remember these three steps: Cleaning, Sanding, Priming.

  • Cleaning: You don’t want to paint over specks of dust or other dirt so make sure your tiles are squeaky clean before you do anything else!
  • Sanding: It is recommended to sand the tiles so the paint adheres easily onto the surface.
  • Priming: Use a high-quality primer that ensures your paint bonds onto your tile surface.

Do you need to sand tiles before painting?

Yes, it is recommended that you sand tiles before painting, especially the glossy ones. You need to do this so that the paint would adhere or stick onto the surface. Before sanding, make sure you clean the tile. And after sanding, brush off any dust from this process.

Some people even do this process twice to make sure the tiles are neat and well-prepared before you put your primer and coats on.

How do you paint tiles without grout?

If your tiles are stacked in a way without grout, then you may be worried if painting over them would be harder since are no guiding lines! But don’t you worry because it’s still going to look absolutely fine if you prep your tiles properly!

And the most important thing is to make sure you use even strokes so the paint job doesn’t look messy. The stroke of the paintbrushes and rollers look more obvious on tiles without grout because when stacked together, the tiles appear to be one big surface!

Feel free to practice on discarded chunks of wood to make sure your strokes are even. If you mess it up during the first coat, you can always do better on your second coating.

What is the best tile paint to use?

You may be asking, do I need special paint for tiles? Since they are not like wood or cement, the best paint to use on tiles is oil-based based, which may take longer to dry but they are more long-lasting compared to water-based paints. Of course, don’t forget to use a primer and to lightly sand your tiles, especially if they are the high-gloss type.

What is the best tile paint?

As mentioned, the best tile paint is oil-based and they also have to be of high quality. You may check out our range of top-quality paint, including Dulux, Fleetwood, or Little Greene on our Paint page.

What is the best paint for ceramic tiles?

The best paints for ceramic tiles are latex, acrylic latex, enamel paints. However, make sure to use a bonding primer before applying two to three coats on, or until you achieve full coverage

What is the best way to paint bathroom tiles?

Yes, painting bathroom tiles really work, but only if you do it properly. A lot of people also prefer this method of redecorating their bathroom since it is a cost-effective alternative to re-tiling your entire bathroom.

Here’s how you can do it properly:

  1. First, make sure that you clean your bathroom, especially the tiles you want to paint over. Make sure there’s no mildew or other dirt you can trap under the primer and paint. 
  2. It is preferable to sand the tiles, to make them more adherent to the paint. Do this lightly and gently so as not to damage the tiles. After sanding, rinse off the dust. 
  3. Mask the areas you don’t want the paint to go in, such as the shower frames or bench tops (if your shower has any). 
  4. Make sure to paint around the edges and along the grout line. Don’t be to pressured to paint it neatly as this is just the primer. You can use a paintbrush on these edges and lines and a roller on bigger surfaces such as the tiles themselves.
  5. After the primer has dried, it’s time to put on the first coat. Again, use the brush along the edges and grout lines then a roller on the tiles. It’s best to paint it using big, even strokes so that the tiles look uniform. 
  6. After six to eight hours, check if the first coat has dried. If it has, then it’s time to apply the second coat. 
  7. Feel free to design your painted bathroom tiles as well. You can also consult Foys’ interior designers who can help you make your bathroom look the best!
  8. Use sealants on areas that get wet all the time. You may reapply sealants every one to two years. 

Can you paint over bathroom tiles and grout?

Yes, you can paint over tiles and grout using primers and tile paint! If you do it properly and follow the steps mentioned above, then there is no need to worry!

Is tile paint suitable for showers?

Yes, tile paint is suitable for showers but make sure you make the necessary preparations such as cleaning, sanding (for high-gloss tiles), applying a primer, before you apply your tile paint. 

Make sure to also apply a sealant to areas where the water hits the most.

How long does floor tile paint last?

Do painted tiles last? That’s the concern most of us have. Is there a way to get the paint to stick on a tile?

Well, the first part is making sure you use a good paint tile. When you’ve done that, you have already won half the battle! The second part is to seal the paint as an additional layer of protection. 

Do painted tile floors hold up?

Painted and sealed tiles would hold up depending on several factors, such as the quality of the paint used, the foot traffic on the painted tiles which contribute to wear and tear, and how often the tiles are sealed again.

For foot traffic-heavy areas, it is recommended that they are sealed every year or so.

Can you paint over tiles FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about painting on your tiles:

Can you use metal paint on tiles?

Metal paints are often used on interior and exterior metal surfaces. It is formulated to create a strong coating that bonds strongly to metallic surfaces too, without the need of a primer or undercoat. If you want to paint tiles with metal paint, then you would need a primer before you give it a metallic finish.

Can I paint tiles with gloss?

Yes, you can paint on tiles with gloss. However, the problem with glossy tiles is that it isn’t abrasive enough for the paint to cling onto. For high-gloss tiles, it is recommended that you sand the area lightly. Clear off any dust before applying your paint.

Does tile paint peel off?

Yes, tile paint can peel off in a few months if you don’t use quality primer and paint or you don’t prepare the tiles properly. 

If you want to avoid this, make sure to use high-quality paint, like the ones we have in stock at Foy & Company!

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