Can You Paint Tile? Here’s What to Know Before You Try It
Painting tile is an affordable alternative to replacing it, but consider the pros and cons before beginning this home improvement project.
Is the tile in your bathroom or kitchen looking drab? You have a few options for an upgrade. You can tear it out and replace it, or you can paint tile. Replacing tile is usually a costly and labor-intensive endeavor that needs planning and patience. If you paint tile, it can be an easy and affordable alternative.
But you might wonder if painting tile works and how long it lasts. How do you prevent paint from peeling or chipping? Which tools, equipment, and paints work on ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles? Before you paint tile, here’s everything you need to know about the home improvement project.
Related: 24 Low-Cost Bathroom Updates That Won’t Drain Your Savings
First Things First: Can You Paint Tile?
Absolutely! There are many reasons why people opt to paint tiles. First, it's a cost-effective upgrade. Painting tiles can spruce up your space and extend the life of tiles in high-traffic areas like floors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
However, if you paint tile, the paint also covers the original characteristics of the tile, and grout lines will likely also be painted over. Painting tiles is not recommended in areas with lots of traffic and water. Shower tiles, in particular, are not recommended for painting because the paint tends to chip quickly.
"When painted correctly, bathroom tiles look extremely impressive. The best part is that your outdated, ugly colored tiles will be completely transformed in a day versus a week if you have to completely gut the bathroom," says Tomas Satas of Windy City HomeBuyer. However, he doesn't advise that a homeowner buy a refinishing kit and do bathroom tiles themselves. Instead, he suggests a professional paint job with high-quality epoxy paint, which is highly durable and difficult to scratch or damage.
Related: How to Paint and Stencil Tile Floors for a Budget-Friendly Update
The Best Paint for Tile
Not every paint type is suitable for tiles. Water-based paints disintegrate, and ordinary wall paint won't stick to the surface. Epoxy paint is a good option because it's highly resistant to abrasion and cleaning solutions. Alkyd urethane, enamel paint, and silicone-based paint are commonly used to paint tile. Specific water-resistant tile paints made to withstand the high temperatures and moisture of kitchens and bathrooms are also available.
Tips for How to Paint Tile
If you plan to DIY, gather all the materials you’ll need, including paint, primer, roller and brushes, sealant, and stencils for a patterned finish. Next, clean and dry the tiles thoroughly before painting. Dirt, dust, grease, mold stains, or food residue can prevent paint from adhering correctly, so don’t skip this step. Painting tile requires extensive preliminary work, including repairing broken tiles and priming the surface.
Then, repair any damaged tiles. To fix broken tiles, use a two-way epoxy filler that is also paintable. Sanding the tiles will give the paint something to adhere to, especially for high-gloss tiles. Finally, prime the tiles before painting. Be sure to allow adequate time to dry and apply any sealants before resuming regular use.
While kitchen tiles can be manageable to DIY or for a handyperson, Satas says it’s crucial to find a skilled worker who will stand behind their work to paint tile in the bathroom. Daily exposure to water and humidity makes this job best for someone with years of expertise.
Keep in mind that paint needs time to dry. Your kitchen or bathroom will be out of commission for a little while. So, schedule this project during a time when few people will need to use those spaces.
Tile Inspiration for Design and Function
5 Tile Edge Trims and Borders and How to Use Them in Your Next Project
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: Which One Is Best for Your Home?
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