Painting tiles: The ultimate guide with before and after comparison

Painting tiles, whether they are bathroom or kitchen tiles, is the quickest and cheapest way to give your bathroom or kitchen a new look.

Difficulty: Medium | Costs: from 10 euros per square meter | Workload: about a day for one bathroom.

Renovating these rooms can often be a costly and time-consuming task, especially if you want to change the floor tiles.

Do you want to give your bathroom or kitchen a new look without breaking the bank?

Our advice: one of the simplest and most cost-effective measures would be to simply repaint the tiles.

In this DIY guide, we'll show you how to do it in just a few steps.

1. Paint over tiles: The advantages

Painting the bathroom or kitchen tiles offers you a number of advantages.

• The bathroom or the kitchen can be completely redesigned.
  
  
• No expensive renovation
  
  
• theme of your choice
  
  
• Saves time, money and resources

With the right tools , tile paint and good color advice, you can even create a maritime touch or a modern country kitchen.

1.1 The right preparation: It all starts here

As with most DIY projects, it all starts with the right preparation.

• Clear the bathroom, kitchen or living room
  
  
• Buy the tools you need
  
  
• Clean tiles and joints very thoroughly

Tools you need to paint tiles:

• tile paint
• paintbrush
• paint tray
• silicone gun
• Diamond abrasive pad for tiles

1.2 Choosing the right tile color and the right type of varnish

Choosing the right color and the right type of paint is crucial to the end result.

Use a special tile paint that sticks to ceramics and porcelain .

This type of paint is more resistant to moisture and abrasion than traditional wall paints.

Our tip: Buy your tile paint from a specialist paint shop and not from a hardware store. It may be a bit more expensive, but you get a much better paint quality.

2. The painting: how to paint the tiles correctly

Now we come to the most exciting part of the process - the painting!

The following steps are important for an opaque coat of paint and a satin or glossy surface:

2.1 Sand tiles once before painting

Before you start painting, you need to prepare the surface of the tiles. Use medium to fine grit sandpaper to sand down the shiny surface of the tiles.

It is best to use a fine to coarse diamond grinding pad for the angle grinder.

2.2 Apply primer

First you need to apply a coat of tile primer. This ensures that the paint adheres better to the tiles.

Please note: Some paints already have a built-in primer & sealer, so this step can be omitted.

2.3 Paint tiles

Then you can apply the tile paint.

Use a small brush or roller to achieve an even result.

Our tip: Give yourself enough time and put as much love as possible into every detail. If an area has to be painted again, this can be visible!

2.4 Allow to dry

After applying the first coat of tile varnish, allow the varnish to dry completely before applying a second coat.

2.5 Apply second coat

Apply a second layer of varnish for a durable and robust result.

Our tip: Patience is the key to success here. You can fix first pass mistakes and make every CM look perfect.

3. After painting: care and maintenance

After the tiles have been painted, it is important to take proper care of them to prolong their lifespan. Avoid cleaning or scrubbing the tile for the first few days after painting to avoid damaging the paint.

After the paint has completely dried, there are a few more steps you should follow to keep your freshly painted tiles in top condition:

1. Sealing tiles: Seal the joints between the tiles with a suitable joint sealer. This prevents moisture from getting under the paintwork and peeling or damaging it.
   
   
2. Waterproofing tiles : Treat the tiles with a waterproofing agent to protect them from dirt, moisture and stains. This will help extend the life of the finish and make the tiles easier to clean.
   
   
3. Gentle cleaning: Gently clean the tiles for the first few weeks after painting. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents or abrasive tools that could damage the paintwork.

4. Conclusion: painting over tiles - a cost-effective alternative

Repainting tiles is an excellent way to refresh the look of your bathroom or kitchen without the expense and hassle of installing new tiles.

With the right materials and a careful approach, you can achieve a professional result that will make your bathroom or kitchen shine like new.

5. Frequently asked questions about painting tiles answered

1. Can I use any tile color?
   
   No, you should use a special tile varnish that adheres to ceramics and porcelain. Also note the manufacturer's color charts to find the right shade.
   
   
   
2. How long does it take for the tile paint to dry?
   
   This depends on the paint used and the conditions, but in general the paint should dry between 24 and 48 hours.
   
   
3. Can I clean the tiles immediately after painting?
   
   No, it's better to wait a few days so as not to damage the paint. Use gentle cleaners for the first few weeks after painting to protect the paint finish.
   
   
4. How many coats of tile paint should I apply?
   
   As a rule, two coats of paint are sufficient for a long-lasting and robust result.