Painting tile can be a cost-effective and creative way to update the look of your home. Whether you want to revamp your bathroom or kitchen (or like us cover up age-old tiling throughout your home) painting tile can give you a fresh and stylish aesthetic. I have painted tile in a bathroom previously, but am now adopting tile painting as the best way to spruce up any tiled room or surface on any budget.
In case you missed it, we are completing a DIY renovation of our tiny Italian villa! If you didn’t already catch them, click the links to read my posts in this series: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. I also posted about the many, many kinds of tile used in this special place, which, for obvious reasons, we want to remedy. Enter…tile paint!
Why is Painting Tile a Good Idea?
Painting tile offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to change the colour and appearance of your tiles without the expense and hassle of completely replacing them. This is especially beneficial if you have a limited budget or if you want to experiment with different styles without committing to a permanent change. Also, in ancient houses like ours, who knows what lies behind the tiles. If they are securely in place and paintable (e.g. not 3D like our lovely bathroom tiling), better to consider a cover up.
Secondly, painting tile provides a level of customization. You can choose any colour or design that suits your taste and complements your existing décor. This flexibility allows you to create a unique and personalised look in your home.
What Tile Can I Paint?
Good question, not all tiles are suitable for painting, so it’s important to choose the right type. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most ideal for painting due to their smooth and non-porous surfaces. These tiles provide a good base for paint adhesion and durability.
Avoid painting natural stone tiles, such as marble or granite, as the paint may not adhere properly to their porous surfaces. Similarly, avoid painting heavily textured or uneven tiles, as they may affect the overall finish and appearance of the painted surface (read: our 3D water splash bathroom tile).
That said, we have two unique fireplaces which were elaborately tiled each with 3 to 10 types of tile (marble, stone, brick, ceramic) and I threw caution to the wind, uber-prepared the surfaces for painting and went for it. The result was immaculate. For my fireplace painting guide, see my post here.
FIREPLACES BEFORE (Yuck):
FIREPLACES AFTER (Lovely):
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To ensure a smooth and efficient tile painting process, make sure you have these essential tools at your disposal:
- Painter’s tape: This handy tool is perfect for protecting areas you don’t want to paint, such as adjacent walls or fixtures. Choose the wider version so you can roll into corners without worrying about your other walls or floor.
- Drop cloths: Cover your floors and countertops with drop cloths to protect them from any accidental spills or drips.
- Sanding block and high-grit sandpaper.
- Microfibre tack cloth: This sticky cloth is ideal for removing any dust and debris before painting, providing a clean surface to work with.
- Paint brush: A high-quality, flat paintbrush will help you cut into corners.
- Mini roller: A high-quality, foam mini roller is key. Don’t even attempt with anything else, trust me.
- Paint tray.
By having all the necessary tools and materials prepared, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your tile painting project like a pro. Remember, investing in quality tools and paints will ultimately contribute to a more successful and long-lasting finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Tile
Preparing the Tile Surface
Proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving a professional-looking result when painting tile. Before you begin, check all the grout between the tiles is secure and not chipped or damaged. If not, you’ll need to chip out the old stuff and add grout.
Then make sure to clean the tiles thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Most sites will tell you to use a mild detergent and a scrub brush to ensure the surface is clean and free from contaminants. My advice and what worked wonders after a failed attempt in one room, use a soda-based cleaner.
I used caustic soda as it was the only thing I could find in Italy (be careful, it’s potent stuff). I cleaned the walls twice with the soda/water mixture, making sure to get to the corners, grout and edges. Then, I rinsed with two coats of warm water. This is overkill, but folks, the worst thing that can happen in painting tile is your paint doesn’t stick and you have to start over from scratch AFTER peeling off all the paint. Trust me, over-preparation will save you tears later on.
Next, lightly sand the tile surface to create a rougher texture for better paint adhesion. I used a higher grit sandpaper (180, 220) to ensure the tile wouldn’t get sanding marks. Be sure to wipe away any dust or debris before proceeding.
Using Tape and Drop Cloths for Clean Edges
To achieve clean and crisp edges when painting tile, it’s important to use tape and drop cloths. Apply painter’s tape along the edges of the tiles, ensuring that it is securely adhered and properly aligned. This will protect the surrounding surfaces from accidental paint splatters and ensure clean, straight lines.
Additionally, lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the floors and countertops from any paint drips or spills. Regular paint comes off easily, but tile paint will stick to your floors like nobody’s business so better cover the space properly.
Another pro tip is after your last coat of tile paint, promptly remove the paint tape. I used an exacto knife to cut along the tape edge to ensure the tile paint wouldn’t peel up.
Is Primer Necessary?
While not always necessary, using a primer can significantly improve the adhesion and durability of the paint on the tile surface. However, it’s important to note that some tile paints have built-in primers, eliminating the need for a separate primer coat. Consider the condition of your tile and the specific paint you’re using to determine the need for a primer.
In one project I completed, I used STIX, a great bonding primer, which allowed me to use practically any paint to paint the tile. It smells awful but it works and eliminated the need for multiple coats of paint. Here’s a look at the freshly painted tile:
BEFORE (Yikes):
AFTER (Much Better):
If you noted the countertop update above and you’re facing a similar old countertop, try my countertop paint tutorial for an easy and inexpensive fix.
If you don’t use a primer (I didn’t in my most recent projects), you may need to do several coats of tile paint. Make sure the paint you select works on tiles, and if possible, is specific for bathrooms and kitchens (high humidity areas). In Italy, our local hardware store has a great tile paint by Luxens simply called “paint for tile – kitchen and bathroom” and we have used it EVERYWHERE. Hopefully, you can find something similar in your neck of the woods.
Painting the Tile
Now that you’ve prepped the surface, it’s time to start painting the tile. Follow these steps for a successful paint application:
- Start by stirring the tile paint thoroughly to ensure a consistent colour and texture.
- Using a high-quality foam roller, apply a thin and even coat of paint to the tile surface. Work in small sections, starting from the top and moving downwards. On a larger wall, I found it helpful to paint along the bottom of the wall first, then pull paint upwards from the bottom. As long as you’re consistent, it’ll look great!
- Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To be certain, I waited a full 24 hours between coats as we are operating in a hot and humid climate. Tile paint is delicate, don’t disrupt it by sanding aggressively between coats or reapplying paint too early.
- Optional: Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand any knobs with high-grit sandpaper very lightly.
- Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint in the same manner. This will help achieve a more opaque and professional-looking finish. You may also need a third coat, maybe a fourth if your tile is dark and your paint is a light colour.
- Let the final coat of paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Don’t worry if when you complete your first coat your surface looks awful, tile paint is all about the second, third (or ugh, fourth, coats)!
WHITE TILE PAINT (4 coats without primer):
MEDIUM GREY TILE PAINT (2 coats without primer):
Adding a Protective Topcoat
To enhance the durability and longevity of your painted tile, applying a protective topcoat is highly recommended. This will safeguard the paint against wear and tear, moisture, and stains. Follow these steps to add a protective topcoat:
- Choose a clear, water-based polyurethane topcoat suitable for your tile surface. Ensure it is formulated for high-traffic areas to withstand daily use.
- Using a clean brush or roller, apply a thin and even layer of the topcoat over the painted tile. Work in small sections and avoid excessive brushstrokes.
- Allow the topcoat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take a few hours or longer.
- For added durability, consider applying a second coat of the topcoat once the first one is dry.
Tips and Tricks for a Professional Finish
When it comes to painting tiles like a pro, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve a flawless finish. If you looked at the notes above and thought tl;dr, here are your Coles Notes to a perfect tile painting experience:
- Prepare the surface properly by cleaning thoroughly with soda-based cleaner, then clean again
- Prime the tiles to increase bonding to the surface and reduce the number of coats of paint needed
- Use a high-quality foam roller and apply a light first coat of paint
- Paint in a consistent direction, section by section
- If you must sand between coats, do so very lightly with high-grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust before applying another coat
- Allow extra time for drying, better safe than sorry
- Apply a protective sealant
- Promptly remove the paint tape using an exacto knife to cut the edge so as to not peel off any tile paint
Conclusion
In conclusion, painting tile can be a cost-effective and transformative way to update the look of your space. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can achieve professional-looking results and avoid common pitfalls. Happy painting!