Do You Need Special Paint To Paint Ceramic Tile

Priming the tiles is one of the most critical and often overlooked steps.

Do you need special paint to paint ceramic tile.

You can paint over ceramic tile walls in a bathroom but you will lose some of the interesting characteristics of tile since the grout lines will be the same color as the tile. Of course painting tiles in the shower isn t recommended but other areas are fine. Because tile is a protective surface years of dirt and other build up can be difficult to remove take time to thoroughly clean all areas of the tile especially the grout seams. Allowing water or cleaners to stand on ceramic tile can strip the paint so you should be sure to clean up spills quickly.

Painting tile works best on vertical surfaces such as dry or low moisture walls or backsplashes or on low impact horizontal surfaces such as select tile countertops. Some prior ground work will also be needed to ensure the paint sticks. It will help to prevent peeling and flaking of the paint over time. Be sure to use a high adhesion primer to create an ideal environment for the paint itself.

Apply the primer using a brush to cut in the corners and then a short napped roller 1 8 to apply the primer to the flat surface. Also you will have better luck if you avoid painting tile which receives a lot of water or wear such as. Choose the best surface. Clean the painted ceramic tiles with gentle tools.

Soft tools like mops and cloths are a better choice. If you find the paint isn t spreading evenly add a bit of paint thinner to the formulation. The steps for how to paint tiles on a fireplace painting tiles in the bathroom or painting tiles in the kitchen are basically the same. You can apply ceramic paints with a brush sponges or use special applicator bottles with tiny tips for dot painting depending on the type of artwork.

Always use neutral ph cleaners and avoid abrasive implements like steel wool or scouring brushes. Sand the surface of the tile with 100 grit sandpaper. To paint over ceramic tile walls. Paint over the tile with a bonding primer.

To do this you need to use a special tile paint. While you can paint over ceramic tile walls don t paint a ceramic tile floor as it won t hold up. High adhesion primer will chemically bond to the tile itself while still creating a surface on which you can reliably paint. Use an oil based product as you will be using oil based paint for the finished coats.

In some cases drying can take. Do not buy cheap primer you need a strong bond in order for this to stick to the tile. Once you ve finished painting wait for the tile to dry completely. Gloss enamels apply water based gloss enamel paints to the exterior of glazed ceramic or glass items when you want to add artistic designs.

Tile tub or shower surround.