A: Ceramic tile requires a rough, non-shiny surface to accept a topcoat. Thus, sanding tile before priming and painting is necessary for the best results.
How to Paint Tile: A Guide on Supplies, Preparation and Tips
When it's time to give your tile an update without the hassle and cost of a full replacement, consider painting it! With proper preparation and the right products, painting tile can be a cost-efficient DIY solution that can take your space to a new level. Whether your decorative bathroom tile or kitchen backsplash needs a facelift, Sherwin-Williams is here to help you complete the project with this comprehensive guide on painting tile. Below, you'll find tips on when it's best to paint tile, essential preparation steps and answers to common questions about the process.
Can You Paint Tile?
You can paint tiles and achieve stunning results, but there are several vital considerations. First, it's best to avoid painting tiles in high-traffic areas, floors or locations that come in frequent contact with moisture. Due to the surface slickness, ceramic tile paint lasts longer and maintains a beautiful look when it's left undisturbed by touch and moisture. So, it's best to paint decorative wall tile that doesn't line your tub or sink, and dry tiled areas in the kitchen or other parts of your home.
Another factor to consider is the preparation, which includes thorough cleaning and creating a rough surface on the tile. Producing a rough surface and removing the glossy sheen often found on ceramic tiles is key to getting the topcoat to stick. You'll also want to choose a paint with the ultimate resistance to moisture and exceptional adhesion, which is why we recommend using our best ceramic tile paint, Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex.
STEP 1
Prep Tile for Paint
Properly preparing tile before painting is critical for success. Start by cleaning the surface with soap and water, scrubbing away any built-up dirt, grime and grease. Once dried, you'll want to scuff the surface with sandpaper to create a rough texture and remove the shine. Then, clean up the sanding dust with a damp rag and let the surface dry before applying painter's tape around the electrical fixtures and edges you want to protect from paint. You can also place plastic sheeting on the floor or counter to protect these surfaces from paint drips and spills.
Tip: Sanding is required to remove the shine from ceramic tiles, as a chemical deglosser will not do the trick on tile surfaces.
STEP 2
Prime Tile
While preparation is vital, so is priming tile. For this step, we recommend applying Extreme Bond primer, our best primer for painting tile. This product provides maximum adhesion on slick surfaces like tile. If you're painting larger tiles, a roller works best for covering more area. For smaller tiles and more detailed designs, a brush will work better.
Tip: Apply a small amount of primer in an inconspicuous area to test adhesion before continuing.
Colors We Used
Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.
STEP 3
Paint Tile
After priming your tiles, it's time to paint. We recommend using Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex, which we consider our best paint for ceramic tiles due to its remarkable adhesion and rock-solid finish that's resilient to moisture.
Tip: An upside to using Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex is your chance to pick a color from our coveted Designer Color Collection. This collection contains many of the most sought-after designer shades, including the brightest whites and most exquisite colors.
STEP 4
Appreciate Your Hard Work
Remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet to create a clean edge. Lastly, allow the finish to dry completely before returning to service. Now that the tile in your space has a new and improved look, you can appreciate your hard work and breathtaking results!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
Ceramic Tile Paint & Primer
BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES
OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES
More Ceramic Tile Paint Colors
Here are more shades we love for this project.
FAQs
A: Priming tiles greatly improves the chance of the topcoat sticking and remaining durable over time. After sanding, apply a high-quality primer like our Extreme Bond Primer before applying your topcoat. This primer provides outstanding adhesion on slick and shiny surfaces, making it perfect for this DIY project.
A: Painting tile flooring is not recommended due to repeated foot traffic, as this frequent wear and pressure can impact the longevity of the topcoat because tile is such a slick surface. However, if you decide to paint your tile flooring, we recommend following the preparation steps above and skipping the primer. Then, apply our durable Porch & Floor enamel according to the label instructions.
Get Personalized Recommendations from Sherwin-Williams Color Expert™
Get Personalized Recommendations from Sherwin-Williams Color Expert™
Our next-gen app lets you explore color collections, visualize colors in your space, order samples and more.
Our next-gen app lets you explore color collections, visualize colors in your space, order samples and more.
