Paint tiles

Changing the color of the bathroom or kitchen walls has always caused some concern, since in the past it was necessary to carry out a large construction work. However, there is now tile paint, which is a cheaper and easier way to improve the appearance of ceramic pieces.

Tiles are very useful for wall cladding, especially in predominantly humid areas of the house, such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, these are very delicate ceramic pieces, which can lose their shine and color over time. In addition, it is difficult to find exactly the same design to replace damaged tiles, so it is very common to have walls with different types of ceramics, which affects the aesthetics of the rooms. This is why we have compiled information on how to paint tiles, with the aim of obtaining a more homogeneous finish.

Step 1: Organize the space

Both in the bathroom and in the kitchen it is common to find elements, such as wooden coat racks, towel racks, lamps, adhesive hooks, among others; so it is important to remove everything before starting. On the other hand, it is necessary to place insulating tape on the cables, to avoid contact with electricity when painting. In addition, utensils, cleaning products and other objects that are close to the walls must be removed. In this way, we avoid staining them with paint and at the same time we can have a more comfortable space to paint.

Step 2: Perform a Tile Health Diagnostic

Because they are exposed to moisture, tiles are prone to the accumulation of fungi, bacteria and mold, especially in the joints, which is why we see more and more bathrooms and kitchens with painted tiles. However, it is good to perform a diagnosis of the condition of the surface. In the case of the kitchen, there may be residues of food, detergents, but above all accumulated grease. In this sense, it is good to check if the hood is fulfilling its function correctly, otherwise, it is necessary to make a comparison of extractor hoods to change it before painting. 

As for the bathroom walls, it is possible to find dried remains of soap, shampoo and other products that we use frequently. Hence the importance of thoroughly cleaning the walls first, since tile paints must be applied to completely clean surfaces to improve adhesion capacity and increase durability.

Step 3: Homogenize the surface

Everything you do to make the surface smooth and homogeneous will make the final result more professional. The remains of stickers and silicone must be removed with the spatula and the cutter, while for cracks and imperfections you must use a putty and let dry. If you have painted kitchen tiles, it is preferable to sand before applying the new paint, especially if you want to change the color.

Step 4: Clean the tiles

To clean the surface you may need cloths, degreaser, brush, water, among others. If the joints are very dirty, it is possible to make a paste with water and baking soda to apply and leave for a few minutes. Then, you can proceed to pass the brush to remove dirt, rinse with water and then dry well with a cloth. In case the tiles are clean, you just have to wipe them with a damp cloth with a little degreaser before starting to paint.

Step 5: Protect the edges and trim

On the walls it is common to find trims and other elements that we cannot remove, so it is necessary to cover them with painter’s tape to avoid damaging them, since the paint for kitchen tiles is difficult to remove once it has dried. Similarly, you have to protect the edges, the countertop and the floor, for this you can use recycling paper and adhesive tape. 

Step 6: Prepare the paint

Preparation depends on the type of paint. In some cases, you have to use a thinner, while in others you just have to mix with water. In this sense, it is essential to read the product label very well. The thinner the paint, the more coats will need to be applied when painting colored tiles.

If it is epoxy paint, it is necessary to mix the resin with the catalyst. It is good to keep in mind that once the compound is created, it must be applied immediately, as it begins to harden after a few minutes.

Step 7: Apply the paint

To paint kitchen tiles and obtain a better result, some experts recommend applying a layer of fixing primer, taking care to also cover the joints. Later, you can proceed to paint the tiles using the special paint.

It is possible to paint tile joints with a trowel and the rest with a roller, in this sense, professional painters recommend applying the paint from top to bottom, in order to avoid drops, marks and other imperfections.

Step 8: Let dry

The drying time between one layer and another is essential for a correct finish. Therefore, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Likewise, it is important to mention that atmospheric conditions can influence the process, therefore, in cold climates the paints may take longer to dry, which is why many prefer to paint kitchen and bathroom ducts in summer. 

Safety tips when painting tiles

We must point out that tile paints, although they do not have very strong odors, can be harmful to health in very closed spaces, for this reason, it is necessary to open the windows and doors to have good ventilation during the process, in addition, this allows proper drying. Also, it is good to use protective glasses and an apron so as not to damage clothing. Also, if you are going to use thinner and other strong products, it is recommended to use a mask and chemical resistant gloves.