Freshen Up Your Kitchen By Painting Your Outdated Tiles
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated thanks to old, worn tiles? Replacing them can be messy and costly. But you can give your kitchen a fresh new look just by painting over those outdated tiles. Painting tiles is an affordable, weekend-friendly update that makes a big visual impact.
Painting over existing kitchen tiles allows you to inexpensively freshen up the heart of your home. With some cleaning, prep, and patience, you can quickly tackle this project and enjoy a revived kitchen.
Choose the Right Tiles to Paint
While virtually any tile can be painted, very glossy or textured tiles will require additional prep work. For best results, opt to paint over tiles in areas not exposed to heavy moisture. Constant humidity behind sinks can cause paint to eventually flake or peel.
Inspect the grout closely. If it is cracked or crumbling, scrape it out and re-grout before painting. Small cracks can be filled with an epoxy glue to create a smooth, consistent surface.
Thorough Cleaning is Crucial
After selecting the tiles, clean them thoroughly with a detergent solution and a stiff scouring brush or pad. This removes any dirt, grease or soap scum that could interfere with paint adhesion.
Pay special attention to the grout, using a fungicidal spray formulated for bathrooms and kitchens. This will kill any lingering mold or mildew stains.
Lightly sand high-gloss tiles to help the paint grip. Tackle textured tiles with an all-over light sanding to reduce the grooves. Always vacuum and wipe tiles down after sanding to remove every speck of dust.
Explore Patterned Finishes with Stencils
Stencils are an easy way to create an trendy, Moroccan-style backsplash or add subtle interest to plain tiles. Consider your overall color palette and tile size when selecting a stencil design.
Carefully stick stencils to the cleaned tiles. Use a small brush or sponge applicator to apply the paint through the pattern. Remove the stencil immediately after painting that section. Allow the paint to dry fully before applying a second coat.
Select the Best Paint for Tiles
Look for a top-quality latex or epoxy tile paint. Most specialty tile paints are formulated to bond without needing a primer. If you want a specific custom color, prime the tiles first with a solvent-based primer made for tile.
For durability in a kitchen, choose a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. The subtle sheen is easy to keep clean but also hides minor scuffs and marks.
Allow Plenty of Time for Prep and Patience
Set aside more time than you think you'll need to do the job properly. Rushing through cleaning and prep only reduces the paint's longevity. Have all your supplies - brushes, roller, tray, paint, rags - ready before starting.
Apply paint in thin, even coats. Drying time between coats is crucial for proper adhesion. If possible, leave the tiles overnight before adding a second or third coat the next day.
Application Tips and Tricks
Use painter's tape to create clean edges along countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Cut in the edges with a brush, then use a small foam roller to coat the center of the tiles.
Work in sections to avoid drying issues. Once an area is painted, use a grout pen to neatly redefine the grout lines while the paint is still wet.
Maintenance and Touch-Ups
While painted tiles are durable, expect to do periodic touch-ups, especially around sinks. Watch for signs of wear and immediately apply another coat to trouble spots to maintain the finish.
Take care to wipe up spills and stains quickly before they can damage the paint. A regular application of tile sealer will also help boost longevity.
When done properly, painting over existing tiles can extend their life another 5 years or more. It provides a quick, dramatic update for a fraction of the cost of new tile installation.
You can refresh your kitchen tiles with some elbow grease and right materials. This weekend project gives your whole kitchen a modern lift without the mess and expense of a full remodel.