How to Paint Old Tiles Because They Are Ugly and Difficult to Replace
Outdated tiles are a blatant eyesore that no one needs. Maybe the tiles haven’t changed since the 70s, or maybe it’s just not your style. Of course, you can re-cover your home yourself, but not without extensive research and a large amount of consumables and equipment, including wet-cut tile saws. For a beginner at home, this whole process can be overwhelming. You can also pay a professional to rip out and replace the old tile, but this obviously comes at a price. However, there is another option: freshen up the old with a simple coat of paint.
How to prepare old tiles for painting
At best, your current tile is in perfect shape – it is simply outdated and needs a facelift. In this case, no real preparation is required other than good cleaning. If you have nicks or scratches on your tile, you will need to fill, polish, and clean the tile. For such work, you will need a spatula and a little putty or epoxy .
Make sure the tile is thoroughly cleaned and free of dirt, grime or debris before filling in the holes. Then dry the tiles with a microfiber cloth. Once the tile is completely dry, take the sealant and smooth out any cracks and holes. At the same time, wipe off any excess to keep the tile surface even. Once the sealant has dried, use a sander and sand the tiles to a smooth finish.
Tile priming and painting guide
Once the cracks in the tile are filled, smoothed and cleaned, you can start painting . There are two types of paints that are suitable for hard surfaces. Latex or epoxy paint is best for painting concrete, brick and tile. Latex paint is a less toxic option, but it wears out easily, especially in areas with a lot of water (such as a bathroom or kitchen). Epoxy paint comes in limited color choices, but it can withstand moisture and moisture, making it a more durable option for your bathroom tiles and floors. Epoxy paint fumes are quite harsh , however, so make sure you have adequate ventilation before starting.
Before applying any paint, you need to apply a coat of primer. A primer is a special mixture that helps the paint adhere to the surface. Once the primer is dry you will need to apply a base coat. The base coat is the first coat of epoxy (or latex) of your choice. Some paint brands offer a combination of primer and base coat to minimize time and effort.
After the base coat is dry, you will want to apply a top coat. The top coat acts as a sealant providing longer lasting color and color fastness. This is especially important for tiles in high traffic areas such as adjoining and bathrooms. Rustoleum recommends applying the top coat at least six hours after the base coat so that it is completely dry before applying the next coat. Let the paint dry for about 24 hours and then enjoy the refreshed space.