Painting Tile Successfully
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.
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.
​Benefits of Painting Tile
- 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 can 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.
Sanding can 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.
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.
Enhance Your Tile With Paint
Author
Many Jacksonville homeowners may find the process of painting tiles or even kitchen tiles to in-depth. Call or email us for your free evaluation and price quote to work towards your goals. Pro Color Jax is an award winning painting company in the Jacksonville, FL area. 904-293-4600
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