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Is the sight of your old floor tiles making you wish for a change without wanting to rip them out? Well, painting your floor tiles can do that for you! Floor tiles painting might seem like a big project to take on, but it can be a budget-friendly and DIY way to give your space a fresh look.
Whether you want to revamp your kitchen, bathroom, or any other tiled area, painting can do its magic. All you need is proper prep work, your choice of paint, and a little patience for a cheap and clean tile floor makeover.
People often wonder about the longevity of painted tiles, but proper preparation, high-quality tile paint, and correct sealing can bring you the best results. Moreover, the right paint job can keep your tiles fashionable and durable. Ready to give your floor tiles a new look? Then, let’s begin!
Can You Paint the Floor Tiles?
When we talk about floor tiles painting, the first question that arises is, "Can you paint floor tiles?" The answer is: Yes. Even when your floor tiles have become old and worn, you can replace them on a budget. When the cost of renovation is high, painting floor tiles could be a cost-effective and practical approach.
In the end, it all comes down to using the right paint and techniques to give your tiles a new look.
Whether you’re thinking of bathroom floor tiles painting, ceramic tiles painting, or just adding a pop of colour to your kitchen tiles, the right prep work and paint can work amazingly. If we talk about longevity, then all you need to focus on is sealing. With proper tiling, painting, and sealant, your floor tiles will live through everyday wear and tear.
What You’ll Need
Before you gather resources and begin the preparation for tiling and painting, you need to have these supplies on hand:
- Sandpaper for scuffing the floor (120-220 grit)
- Cleaning supplies (floor detergent, vacuum, etc.)
- Painter’s tape to protect walls and edges
- Good quality ceramic tile paint
- Primer
- Paint roller and brushes
- Plastic sheets for protection
You Might Also Like: What are the Different Types of Tiles Available in India: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
How to Paint Floor Tiles? A Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have your supplies in hand, let’s walk you through the step-by-step guide on painting tiles for your floor.
Step 1: Clean the Tiles
First things first. Gather your cleaning supplies and clean your floor tiles. Any kind of grease, oil, dirt, or soap leftovers can prevent your paint from setting properly. So, use the detergent, mop, or vacuum to clean your tiles.
Let your tiles completely dry before you move to the next steps.
Step 2: Sand the Tiles
Floor tiles are glossy which can make it harder to paint on them. To help the paint settle and stick properly, here’s what you need to do:
- Lightly sand the tiles with sandpaper.
- Focus on the areas where there is more foot traffic or where chipping is likely.
- Wipe all the dust with a wet cloth.
Step 3: Tape the Edges
Now, take that painter’s tape to cover the edges of walls, the cabinets, or any areas where you don’t want paint smears.
If you’re thinking of stencilling, then use the painter’s tape to create the stencil now.
Step 4: Time for Primer
When it comes to paint for flooring, primer is your best friend at hand. A good primer for floor tiles can help the paint stick and settle. This step also brings you closer to long-lasting paint and finish. Here’s what you need to do:
- Take a roller to apply an even coat of primer.
- Use a brush for corners and edges.
- Let the primer completely dry. Use the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Step 5: Paint Your Tiles
Now we’re getting to the fun part: It’s time to paint floor tiles! When choosing the paint for flooring, it’s recommended to paint tile with epoxy paint.
You can also use latex-based paint, but it doesn’t always last long. Here’s what you need to do:
- Use the roller to apply the first coat of paint evenly.
- Use the brush for edges, corners, and grout lines.
- Let the paint dry completely before you apply the second coat.
- For a long-lasting finish, two or three coats of paint could work.
If you want to add some painting design to your tiles, then consider using stencils or mixing colours to give your tiles a design.
Step 6: Drying and Sealing
For your floor tiles paint to last longer, apply a good sealant once the paint on the tiles is dry. We recommend this for bathrooms, where moisture is a factor, and for living areas with heavy foot traffic.
Once you’re done with sealing, use the manufacturer’s instructions before you walk or place your furniture back on the floor tiles.
Also read: The difference between “ceramic vs vitrified tiles”? Which one should you choose for your home?
Pros & Cons of Painting Floor Tiles
Pros:
- It’s a cost-effective way of refreshing your floor tiles without ripping them out or getting a full renovation.
- With floor paint, you can customise your favourite colour, design, and more, making them match your home decor. It’s DIY for a reason, after all!
- Floor tiles painting is easy and quick compared to renovating the areas of your home.
- If you use the right quality paint, you can make your floor tiles last longer, especially your bathroom tiles and kitchen tiles.
Cons:
- Painted floor tiles need regular maintenance to keep them fresh. You might need regular touch-ups to keep them looking fresh.
- With time, floor tile paint can fade, especially when exposed to sunlight, harsh cleaning, or heavy foot traffic.
- Floor paint on bathroom tiles might peel or get damaged because of high moisture, so beware of that.
Care Tips to Maintain Floor Tiles Paint
- Use a gentle cleaner to prevent chipping the floor paint.
- Avoid dragging furniture on the newly painted floor tiles. Instead, use padding to move furniture.
- Add in rugs in areas where there is high foot traffic to protect your tile's paint.
- Regularly clean, swipe, vacuum, dust, or mop the floor tiles where you’ve painted.
- Use manufacturer-recommended products to do the cleaning.
Final Words
Floor tiles painting might sound like a draining job, but it can be affordable and a DIY way of revamping your home decor. Whether it’s your bathroom tiles paint or any other room in your home, a little tiling and painting can transform your home!
So, let your painting ideas and designs flow and make those floor tiles look brand new.
Related Read: 10 Stunning Blue Bathroom Tile Ideas to Transform Your Space
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is painting your floor tiles a good idea?
Yes! Painting your floor tiles can be a great way to refresh your bathroom or kitchen tiles when you don’t have a big budget for a renovation. You can customise the floor tiles with your favourite colours and designs too.
2. What kind of paint do you use on floor tiles?
Epoxy paints are recommended for painting floor tiles. Painting tile with epoxy paint minimises the risk of it fading early on. For best results and longevity, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions when applying epoxy paint.
3. How to change the floor tile colour without replacing it?
You can change the colour of the floor tile by cleaning it and sanding it properly to create a smooth surface. Then, apply primer to the tiles and let them dry completely. Once that’s done, you can use the epoxy paint of your choice and apply two to three coats with a roller.
4. How long will floor paint last?
If you properly tile and paint your floor and use a good-quality paint sealant, your floor paint can last for years. Meanwhile, you can regularly clean your floor tiles to extend their life.
