It is a known fact that painting the walls can completely transform the look of the rooms and make them look new, but many people have doubts when it comes to painting tile floors. Well, if you are also confused about whether to paint your old tiles or install new ones, the answer will be to consider painting. Of course, if your tiles are damaged then changing them altogether is a better choice but if you are just looking to give your rooms a fresh look, then painting the tile floors is a smart choice. It not just gives amazing results but is also very cost-effective.
However, a word of caution- Do not start with the painting without proper prep work. It is necessary to know the steps properly to avoid damaging the floors. Also, understand that for someone who is not a pro, it will take time especially if it is a big project.
So, are you ready? I hope you are, so let us start.
Things Required to Paint a Tile Floor
It is important to gather all the supplies before starting. This will help you save your overall time. Below is mentioned a list of the most common items that you need to paint tile floors:
- Gloves
- Mask
- Flooring knee pads
- Painter’s tape (this will help you protect the areas)
- Degreaser cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Sponge
- Water
- Bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cleaning supplies
- Roller
- Brush
- Sandpaper
- Handheld orbital sander
- Paint (as per your choice)
- Primer
- Nap paint roller
- Extension pole
Simple Steps to Paint Tile Floors
Painting the tile floors is not a very technical task but simple hacks go a long way. Here are some things worth noting:
1. Clean the tile
If you have been using the tiles for a long time, it is bound to be dirty. So, it is important that you get rid of all the dirt and dust particles before painting. Start with sweeping the floors first and then vacuuming them.
Use a decent quality degreaser cleaner for cleaning and dilute it using water. Scrub the floor with a good scrub brush to get rid of the dirt. Finish by wiping the floor with a sponge and water.
Start from one corner of the room and work in small portions at a time. You can use knee pads for protection.
Let the floor dry completely.
2. Sand the tile floors if necessary
A light sanding of the floors is often recommended if you are not completely satisfied with the above-mentioned cleaning process. You can use 220 grit sandpaper for that.
Sanding will help you get rid of grease stuck on the tiles. This betters the primer gripping process. Sanding with hands is good but if you are covering a large section of the floor, a handheld sand orbiter will come in handy.
Once you are done with the sanding, you should get rid of any sand grit and make sure the floors are thoroughly clean.
3. Prep the area
If you want to avoid accidentally painting your walls with floor paint, then you can always protect them by using painter’s tape. And, yes, do not miss the doors.
4. Know where to start
Avoid the rookie mistake of painting yourself into one corner and use a proper strategy. Start from the farthest spot from the door and then move towards the entrance.
5. Time to prime
If you come from an area where the climate usually stays very humid or if you are painting the tiles in your bathroom, especially near the shower, it is particularly important that you prime before painting the tiles. This will help the paints to last longer. A good quality strong bonding primer is recommended especially in case of difficult-to-paint surfaces.
After the first coat of primer gets dried, go for a second coat of primer.
6. Paint the tile floors
You can use whatever paint you want. But, in general, epoxy paint is thought to be more long-lasting in comparison to those that are water-based. Patio, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin William’s paints are good.
Mix the paint well before starting. You can use an extension pole and nap paint roller to paint. While painting, make sure you do not miss the grout. Also, note that all the areas have good coverage. Unless you are painting the tiles white, one coat is usually enough for now. After that, you should let the paint dry for at least 6 hours.
Walking on the floors is a strict NO-NO before 6 hours. In case you notice some dirt, use a dry sweeper to get rid of it. After that, apply the topcoat. Apply it in the same manner as the base paint coat. Just be a little careful as it is thin and streaks easily. For extra durability, you can go for a second coat. However, it should be done after the first coat gets dry but within 24 hours of the first coat.
For best results, it is always recommended that you wait at least a day before light foot walking. For setting up the furniture, it is best to wait 2-3 days.
FAQs
1. How long will the paint last?
It depends on the type of paint you are using and the process you undertake to paint the tiles. Paint chipping is quite normal but using a good sealant can help it last longer.
2. Can painting tiles be considered a long-term solution?
No, painting tiles is not a very long-lasting solution in general. It will need touch-ups in the coming years. But, if you are not looking for a permanent solution, painting the tile floors is an excellent choice because you get satisfactory results on a reasonable budget.
3. Will dirt be seen on the painted tiles?
Yes, dirt becomes visible over solid colors. You can go for a darker shade while painting the floor tiles to make the dirt less evident.