How to Paint Vinyl Tiles
Painting vinyl tiles is a creative way to update your kitchen, bathroom or entryway flooring on a minimal budget. Before you proceed, it is important to understand that painting vinyl tiles isn't a long-term solution because of paint's inability to bond well to vinyl. However, painting offers an immediate solution to unsightly vinyl tiles while you budget for the flooring that you really want. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paint
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Sanding pole (optional)
- Liquid deglosser
- Primer
Instructions
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1
Choose a paint color for your floor that matches the color scheme of the room. When choosing a paint, look for "floor and porch," paint which is much more durable than standard wall paint.
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2
Sand the entire floor with 220-grit sandpaper until the vinyl takes on a dull appearance. This is an important step because it removes the glossy finish so the new paint will bond with the vinyl tiles. To make the sanding process easier, attach the sandpaper to a sanding pole, which allows you to sand the floor from a standing position.
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3
Clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust and debris. The vinyl tiles must be completely clean and dry before applying the paint.
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4
Apply a coat of liquid deglosser to the vinyl tiles to help improve the paint's ability to bond to the tiles. Although the process of sanding the tiles removed most of the gloss, there will be spaces in the grooves of the vinyl that are unreachable by sanding alone. The deglosser will effectively eliminate any remaining glossy surfaces on the vinyl tiles in even the most hard to reach places. Allow the deglosser to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
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5
Prime the floors to improve bonding of the new paint and to cover the original colors and textures on the vinyl tiles. The liquid primer should be brushed on to the floor in a thick coat and left to dry.
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Paint the tiles in the color of your choosing, being careful to apply the paint evenly. Depending on the original tile color, you may need to apply a second coat of paint to cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Test an inconspicuous vinyl tile prior to sanding and painting your entire vinyl floor. This will allow you to test colors and determine how well the paint bonds to your floor. You could also request vinyl tile scraps or samples from a local home improvement store to practice on.
Follow paint manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation, ventilation, and area coverage.
