Learn How to Paint Over Tile

Turning plain white or cream tiles into something unique and personable is quite easy to do. Learning how to properly paint over tile can allow you to create the look for your tiles that you desire. Whether you are looking to update your bathroom or give your kitchen a splash of color you can do this by painting over tile.

You will need certain supplies in order to successfully apply paint over tiles. Make a trip to your craft supply store and purchase sand paper, paint brushes, a small roller, primer, a gloss paint and a sealant. In addition, you should also have scouring sponges and bleach on hand. You should first begin prepping your tiles by washing them thoroughly. Take a scouring sponge and dip it in a mixture of bleach and water and scrub your tiles thoroughly focusing on removing any built up mold, mildew or grime. After cleaning you may want to flush the tiles in a basin of water to remove the bleach from the surface of your tiles.

After cleaning your tiles you have to sand them to remove the slick surface so that paint will adhere properly. Using the sand paper you purchased from you local craft surface gently rub the sand paper across the tile back and forth until the tiles have a smooth muted appearance. To remove the excess particles and dust from the tiles from sanding use a dry cloth or a brush to clean them.

Upon successfully sanding your tiles you are ready to apply primer. Primer will help your paint adhere to the tiles. Using a brush or your roller apply the primer to your tiles individually making sure to apply an even coat. If you prefer to apply a second coat of primer you should wait for the first coat to dry. After applying the desired number of coats of primer, use your sand paper again to prep your tiles for the paint.

When applying paint you can use a clean roller and your aim should be to apply thin coats of paint in layers. Apply the initial coat of paint and then wait at least thirty minutes and then apply another coat until your tile has the desired look. Place your tiles on newspaper and set them in an area where they won't be disturbed. Once your tiles have dried, you can even add some additional touches such as stenciled designs or appliqués. After adding any supplementary touches you should spray your tiles with sealant to keep the paint from peeling or flaking. Allow the sealant to dry and your beautiful painted tiles are ready for use!