How To Paint Your Bathroom Tiles

The mere idea of painting tiles used to instill panic in the best of us. So, while painting seemed an economic option, most of us preferred to just replace the tiles. But that's no longer the case. Today there are products on the market that give good results and can really spruce up tiled surfaces without spending a fortune.

But before you consider treating your tiles, start by giving them a thorough cleaning. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, treat them with bleach. Otherwise, you can use any cleaning agent that is formulated for cleaning bathrooms. Rinse well with clean water. Then, let everything dry well.

The next step is to sand the tiles to be painted. This will help the paint to adhere. The idea here is to sand until the surface no longer appears glossy. It's important to wear a mask during this task to avoid breathing in the tile dust. Protective eye goggles are also helpful. Finish this step by wiping down all sanded surfaces to get rid of dust.

Drying Time

Coat the sanded tiles with bonding primer or other sealant designed to resist mold and mildew. These take a long time to dry. You'll need to hold off painting for at least 24 hours to allow the primer or sealer to dry thoroughly.

After the primer or sealer has dried, your tile is ready to be painted. Use a paint that is formulated for kitchens or baths. These paints are made for high-moisture areas. Splurge on the high-end latex paints which contain acrylic binding agents to help the paint adhere. If you want the paint job to last, your aim should be for best coverage and adhesion. Give the tile two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry completely before the application of the second coat. The label will give you an estimate on drying time, but don't just depend on what the label says, the paint should also feel dry to the touch.

Now wait a week to allow the paint to cure. Thought you were finished? No such luck. It's time to scrape away any crumbling grout and replace it with new grouting.

Top Coat

Last but not least, give your paint job a clear top coat of waterproof urethane to protect your work.  Get a top quality product, such as the stuff used to protect boats from long water exposure. Check with the customer service person to make sure the product is compatible with the paint you used.