Painting tile surfaces can often pose a quandary, especially if it’s not something you are used to doing often. The truth is, for first timers, painting any surface can be really tasking to say the least.

​And considering the fact that painting tile is particularly technical, it isn’t an easy task to take on. However, with the right amount of preparation and attention to detail, outstanding results can be achieved.

In order to help newbies and amateurs get around this particularly daunting chore, we decided to create this post for those who seek to learn the process of successfully executing a tile paint job. But before we go into the process, let us consider the benefits of properly prepping the surfaces in lieu of painting your tiles.

 

• When tile is properly painted, the life span is prolonged.
• You don’t have to rip out and reinstall tiles – so save money and avoid making a mess of your home
• You get the chance to fix cracks in your tiles and cover up the patch material with your tile paint
• You can achieve any color you wish instead of settling down for the more limiting colors.

      Now, to move into the process of acquiring the right materials to paint tile successfully.

​Get the Right Materials
You would need the proper tile paints and tile paint usually fall into three categories. The first is the Two-Part Epoxy Paint. Part A and part B are mixed to get a substance which you can then spray or brush onto the tiles. The second is the Two-Process Paint which is achieved by first applying a bonding agent and then applying the top finish coat. One of the most popular examples of the two-process paint is Rust Oleum Tile Transformations. The third category of tile paint is the spray paint which is basically cans of epoxy modified acrylic paint. Valspar makes a decent one. 

Evaluate The Areas to Determine Your Work Flow
In order to achieve maximum result, consider assessing the areas of your tiles and the kinds of attention they may require. For example, tile areas close to stoves would be the hardest to clean because of a long time of accumulating grease. In the same vein, tile around bathing areas and showers have a similar problem. You have to identify and evaluate these areas in order to effectively apply the paint where necessary.
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Remove Stains and Smudges
When you have identified the areas of your tiles that need more attention, you can now focus on removing the stains and impurities on those areas like molds, mildew and fungus by using a commercial cleanser. Then rinse with water and allow to dry thoroughly. 

​Sanding and Paint Application
Sanding should be done with a hand-held sander with fine-grit paper (the higher the number, the finer the grit). Remember to go easy with the cleaning because the intention is not to completely remove the glaze but to remove grease and soap which have built up in the tiles. After sanding, clean thoroughly with water and a tack cloth to measure when the tile is dry. Then you can commence paint application. 

​Actually Painting the Tile
Several methods can be used with success. Spraying or roll and brush both have good results. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation; the fumes may be harsh. Also, remember several thin coats are always better than 1 super thick coat. Ans always allow for proper dry times when applying additional coats.

​When finding wood rot or decay on your home there comes a sense of discouragement and distress. Wood rot or decay (WDO) usually occurs when dry wood is exposed to condensation in places where there isn’t sufficient aeration. This water contact usually occurs through leaky roofs, faulty plumbing, rain leaks, etc. 

​The Wood Repair Struggle
​The struggle of fixing wood rot often poses a challenge to people who do not have the budget capacity to hire professionals or the experience to handle it by themselves. However, they may want to take on the task on their own and encounter hiccups in the process. It is for these people that we bring this step-by-step tutorial on how to do it yourself and still get the professional result. Here are a few steps to take when fixing wood rot using epoxy resin in your home by yourself. 

​Next Step is Applying the Wood Hardener and Filler: Prior to the application of wood hardener and the polyester filler, first remove the rotten area of the wood with a sharp tool in order to stop the spread of the rot to the good areas of the wood. After that, cover the area with the wood hardener and apply the mixed polyester wood filler into the corners and crevices using a putty knife. If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for the Bondo wood filler or some other product of wood filler or two-part auto body polyester which are also guaranteed to work well. 

Applying the Epoxy Resin Filling: Using epoxy resin as an alternative for new wood fillings is a great idea. This would save you reasonably on the cost for procuring wood and save you the stress of having to fix the wood. You can select from a wide range of options of epoxy variants for filling rotting spots on wooden platforms. The epoxy resin filling comes in a liquid form which eventually hardens when it dries. Epoxy adhesion is compatible to almost anything including wood, however, it is advisable to use it only on surfaces of rotted or rotten wood that is not necessarily hanging. This is because the epoxy can ooze out from a hanging wood like a door. When this filling has been applied, the surface should be allowed to dry in a temperate and dry environment. Also remember to protect your hands with Nitrile Rubber gloves when applying the Epoxy resin filling.

Finishing Off the Wood Repair: Once your epoxy is applied and starts to harden; drag a wire brush through the patched area in the same direction as the wood grain. This will allow you to mimic the wood grain on your patch, instead of seeing a “flat” patched spot. Be deliberate; this effect will soften after sanding and priming.

Final Note: Always be sure to prime the epoxy patch before applying a high-grade paint; these are considered “hot patches”. You don't want your paint finish to fail later.