How to Paint Kitchen Tiles?
Do you have ceramic tiles with an obsolete design or color? The first question to ask yourself is, “Can I paint tiles?” You may choose to replace your tiles or update them with a coat of paint. When done properly, painted ceramic tiles look great in almost every room. Of course, painting the shower tiles is not recommended, but other spaces are fine. Painting the fireplace tiles, bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles is basically similar in terms of the process steps. In this article on how to paint kitchen tiles, we try to explain how to prepare tiles for painting and how to paint tiles.
How to Paint Kitchen Tiles – Step 1. Cleaning the Old Tiles
Prior to painting the tiles, their cleanliness is very important. Tiles are usually found in frequently used areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, so they are exposed to many contaminants such as dirt, soap residue, oil. Use a commercially available cleaner and sponge to clean the tiles. Rinse with clean water and allow to completely dry before the next step.
Tip: Use an oil solvent containing cleaner for surface cleaning, especially on kitchen tiles, to make sure the tiles are completely clean.
Repair Notches and Cracks
Tiles are highly durable and look great for years, although they may show signs of wear and tear. Be sure to carefully inspect the tiles before painting. Fill in the cracks and notches. Before proceeding to the next step, be sure to scrape off any excess with your knife and make sure that the filler is dry.
Sand Old Tiles
All tiles have a layer of glaze. It is difficult for paint to adhere to this layer of glaze, so it is very important to remove it. Use a 100-grit sandpaper to sand or machine sand the tiles before painting. Once sanding is completed, use a damp cloth to wipe off the grits.
Tip: When sanding, do not apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the tile surface.
Apply Primer
Whether your ultimate goal is mosaic tiles in the hallway or tiles with colored patterns behind the counter, one of the most important steps is to use primer. The primers conceal unwanted colors and designs, and help the paint adhere better to your tiles. Apply primer evenly. Apply two coats if necessary. Allow the primer to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Tip: If you intended to manually paint the tiles one by one, use a small and flat paintbrush instead of a roller for greater control.
Applying Paint to Tiles
Use a paint roller to apply paint to the tiles evenly. Allow the paint to dry completely. If desired, add a clear coat of polyurethane.
Tip: When painting the tiles, make sure that the space is well ventilated. Wear a painter’s mask and protective clothing.