Painting tiles is a quick and effective way to refresh ceramics, which may lose their original shine over the years. There is a wide range of tile paints available on the market, allowing everyone to find a suitable option. Find out what tile paint to choose and how to paint tiles step by step.
Painting or replacing tiles?
Ceramics, like ceramic tiles, are known for their durability. However, after several years of use, especially on the floor, tiles may become damaged. Often the edges of the tiles become worn and the shiny tiles become dull. Moreover, the joints are no longer uniform and even. As a result, instead of decorating, the tiles no longer look attractive. In such a situation, we often consider replacing the tiles, but this is a time-consuming and expensive task. Fortunately, there is an alternative – painting the tiles. This solution can be used as long as the tiles are not damaged and are firmly attached to the substrate. Choosing the right tile paint and properly preparing the substrate are key steps in this process.
Which Tile Paint is the Best?
Ceramic tiles are usually smooth and slippery, which means that regular paints do not adhere well. Therefore, it is necessary to use specialized paints intended for ceramic tiles. To paint ceramic tiles, we can use paints such as:
- Epoxy paints (one- or two-component)
- Alkyd-urethane paints
- Acrylic paints dedicated to tiles Epoxy paints are particularly durable and abrasion-resistant, which makes them suitable for floor tiles. However, the choice depends on individual needs and the place we want to paint.
Preparing Tiles for Painting
Before we start painting the tiles, it is necessary to properly prepare the surface:
- Wash the tiles thoroughly with water and detergent and degrease them.
- Let’s remove any coarse dirt from their surface.
- If there are any gaps in the joints, let’s repair them.
- If we want to hide the joint pattern on the surface, we can fill the gaps between the tiles with grouting mortar or putty.
Painting Tiles – Step By Step
After properly preparing the tiles, we can start painting:
- We choose the appropriate tile paint and mix it thoroughly before use.
- We paint the tiles using brushes or rollers, preferably sponge ones.
- The paint is applied in two layers, maintaining appropriate drying time between layers, usually 16-24 hours.
- Epoxy paints are suitable for floors and require three coats, which may take longer.
- Please note that epoxy paints mature for several days before they gain full strength, hardness and abrasion resistance.
- Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the drying time and use of painted surfaces.
Painting tiles is a solution that allows you to refresh ceramics without having to replace them. By choosing the right paint and following the preparatory steps, you can achieve lasting and attractive results.
