How to Paint Your Kitchen Tile Counters
If the tiles in your kitchen are starting to look old and dirty, or you are simply tired of the bland color in the room, consider painting them. The following method is only reserved for counter tops or vertical surfaces, and not the floor. Many times, high traffic in kitchens can cause the paint to wear off. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- tinted acrylic paint primer
- acrylic semi-gloss paint
- TSP solution (Trisodium Phosphate)
- urethane
- rubber gloves
- fine grit sandpaper
- painter's tape
- brushes and rollers
Instructions
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1
Cover areas around the counter you don't want to paint including cabinets, back splash, floors and walls.
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2
Trim the edges of the tiles with painter's tape. While doing this, inspect the tile for cracks or blemishes. These will need to be taken care of before you start to paint and normally require at least 48 hours to dry.
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3
Sand the entire surface using the fine grit sandpaper. This is simply to break the gloss over the tile, so don't apply too much pressure or you will scratch the tile. Sand the entire counter and then clean off the dust with a wet rag.
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4
Mix TSP solution according to the label. Using a sponge and gloves, apply the solution to the entire counter. Let the solution sit for several minutes, then scrub thoroughly with a clean pad.
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5
Rinse the counter several times to completely remove the TSP.
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6
Paint the tile, with the primer, starting with the edges. Then move to a roller to cover the middle. Use caution and don't leave any lines or marks. Allow to dry.
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7
Apply a second coat of primer, using the same method as in Step 4. Let this coat dry overnight.
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8
Lightly sand and brush off the primer to eliminate any bumps or grooves.
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9
Starting with the edges again, paint the tile with the paint you've selected. Allow it to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
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10
Apply a layer of urethane finish once the paint is fully dry. This will harden the paint.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you are using high quality materials. Don't be cheap on the paint, primer, TSP or urethane because this could completely ruin the look you are going for. Also, when you are priming, you will want to make the primer very thin. Two or three coats of thin primer is far better than one thick coat.
