Many of us have encountered an unattractive ceramic tiled floor at some point. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to remove it – painting it is a great option that is both time and cost-effective. Keep reading to discover more about using floor tile paint to give your space a quick and affordable makeover.
Check out how the red floor tiles were completely transformed with paint, without the need for any demolition. The gray paint also gives the tiles a matte look, blending well with the rest of the space.
The transition from the outdated brown floor to the gray painted floor has given the space a farmhouse vibe, a departure from the rustic brown tones.
Stenciling is another effective way to use paint to transform the look of your floor. Although similar to the standard process, the additional stenciling step makes a notable difference, enhancing the appearance of the tiles.
How Resilient is Floor Tile Paint?
A blogger shared photos of her painted floor after six months of regular use, showcasing impressive results. Some normal wear and tear occurred, but nothing beyond what one would expect from any floor. Another beautiful example highlights the longevity of painted tile floors.
Before you start, ensure your floors are thoroughly cleaned and use high-quality materials. Sanding the floors before starting is also recommended, as it provides a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Applying a high-quality sealant to protect the painted floors, regular sweeping to prevent dirt buildup, and using felt furniture pads on chair legs to avoid scratches are all essential maintenance tips.
What Type of Paint Should You Use?
Most people recommend starting with Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Interior and Exterior Primer and then using a heavy-duty paint designed for floors or outdoor decks. These items can be found at your local home improvement store or online. Some have also achieved success using chalk paint.
How to Paint a Tile Floor:
Follow these basic steps to paint your floors:
- Clean the tiles and grout thoroughly with TSP cleaner using water and a mop.
- Ensure all windows are open and set up fans.
- Apply the primer to the grout with a brush and to the tiles themselves with a long-handled roller, working in small sections.
- Allow the primer to dry completely.
- Once dry, apply the floor tile paint over the tiles in smooth, even strokes with a roller.
- Allow the first coat to dry for two days.
- Apply a second coat and allow it to dry for two more days.
- Finally, apply urethane over the entire floor three times with ample drying time in between.
How to Remove Paint from Tile Floor:
If you need to remove any or all of your floor tile paint, use a commercial paint remover made specifically for your type of floor tile. Alternatively, use a mixture of warm vinegar and water as a natural alternative to remove the paint.
Still not convinced? Here’s a first-person testimonial on painting tiles from former Curbly contributor, Shelly Leer:
When we bought our house many years ago, one big problem was the big front entry and hallway. They were tiled in a purple, thick ceramic tile. Mr. Mod had just put down hardwood floors in the large great room, and we had them stained and finished by a professional. After tapping out financially, I decided to paint the tiles despite advice to the contrary. Over fifteen years later, only minor touch-ups have been needed, and the fix has endured.
Though the fumes were strong during the process, this quick fix has lasted more than a decade.
