How to Change the Color of Tile
Changing the color of ugly ceramic tile is possible by painting right over the original surface. Imperfections that are already part of the floor and tile, however, will be magnified by doing so. You shouldn't paint showers, tubs or sinks containing ceramic tile because they are continually wet areas. Including the grout when painting the tile is considered an acceptable way to accomplish changing the tile color, although the tile loses its definition when a separate grout color is missing. If you want a natural color contrast between grout and tile, you'll need to replace tile rather than paint it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Oxygen bleach
- Scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- Pail
- Water
- Painter's tape
- Ceramic tile spray primer
- Oil-based enamel paint
- Paint sprayer
Instructions
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Clean the tile. Paint will not adhere to the tile correctly if dirt, wax, oil and debris cover the tile surface. Clean the tile and grout vigorously using a scrub brush and oxygen bleach.
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Make sure grout has dried for 48 hours before painting.
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Roughen up the tile to prepare for the primer and paint. Use a 220-grit carbide sandpaper or a muriatic acid-based deglosser. Clean away any grit and dirt left behind.
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Tape off all areas that could be hit by over spray. Use painter's tape and plastic drop cloths. Include walls and fixtures that may surround the tile.
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Spray the tile using a primer made specifically for ceramic tile. Follow the manufacturer's directions for its use. Spraying returns a smoother surface than applying with a paint brush.
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Choose an oil-based enamel paint for the final tile color. Water-based paints will tend to peel with use. Apply using a sprayer for a quick and smooth application. Rent a professional sprayer for best results.
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Tips & Warnings
Two thin coats of the final color will adhere and look better than one thick coat.
Keep the room well-ventilated when applying the oil-based paint.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
