A basic coat of paint on kitchen tiles lets you refresh your space at a lower cost than full tile replacement. The DIY steps are easy but you need to prepare carefully before starting.
Choose a paint created to work with the type of tiles you want to decorate because normal wall paint won’t stick properly.
Clean the Tiles
You can restore worn-down kitchen tiles by applying paint which offers an economical renewal solution. Make sure to prepare the surface well for the paint to stick and stay on the tile.
Prepare your tiles for painting by applying sugar soap or similar product that works well for this surface treatment to eliminate any oil or dirt that could stop primer and paint from bonding properly. Dry the surface first then prepare it for another round of cleaning.
To clean stained tiles you mix baking soda and vinegar to make a paste and scrub the surface before rinsing it off. Repeat the process as needed.
For tile painting choose epoxy or alkyd urethane paints which defend against moisture and surface damage. You can use enamel or silicone paint plus Sherwin Williams Aqua Shield Tile Paint which stands up to water.
Prime the Tiles
You prepare tiles for painting by applying a primer just as you would prepare walls for painting. Use a bonding primer made for tile surfaces to help new paint stick properly to it.
Our tile paints and emulsions are made for wet areas to prevent the surface from peeling or flaking due to foot traffic and water exposure.
Apply a foam roller and brush to all areas first then wait until the paint dries fully before you start painting. Bring a cleaning bucket and enough cloths for wiping lime buildup while you work. Also move hooks and furniture temporarily to prevent painting them by accident.
Paint the Tiles
Painting tile walls delivers a fresh look at low cost and quickly. The time you spend preparing will pay off because the final results look great.
Use sugar soap and a sponge to clean tiles of dirt and grease before lightly sanding them so new paint can stick better. Keep your orbital sander pressure at 3 pounds or below when sanding tiles because higher pressure will create dust clouds.
Apply a thin bonding primer layer to sanded tiles before drying. The paint roller helps us do this work better than using brushes which need more precision. Once dry, paint your tiles! You can use normal acrylic or enamel paint on tiles but water-resistant tile paint offers better protection against long-term damage.
Seal the Tiles
Apply a tile sealant after your painting project to defend the tiles from discoloration and increase their endurance. A special tile epoxy coating shields painted kitchen tiles from damage and maintains their shine for many years.
After cleaning the tiles one more time they are ready for sealing. Mix warm water with degreasing agent in the sink to make a solution that you apply with gloves to backsplash tiles. Leave the solution on for one to two minutes then rinse with clean water until the tiles dry before rinsing once more with clean water and allowing them to air dry naturally.
Use a foam roller or flat brush to apply thin primer layers in multiple passes. Let each coat dry completely before moving on to the next step which is adding color.