Painting over old and dated ceramic tiles will immediately transform a bathroom.
Contrary to popular belief, bathroom makeovers will not break the bank. Painting over old and dated ceramic tiles will immediately transform a bathroom.
If you use the right products, with the correct preparation and recommended application, your bathroom will look as good as new when you're done!
For bathrooms with high humidity levels, there are 2-part epoxy paints available to use on wall tiles.
Be sure to use reputable products on the market that allow for a long-lasting and extremely durable finish on tiles.
Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub & Tile Refreshing Kit acts and looks like porcelain and ceramic. This specialty epoxy paint product is recommended for tiles that have a high glaze finish, and where oil-based paints will not properly bind to the surface of the tile.
The only limitation to the use of Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub & Tile Refreshing Kit and other epoxy paint products is that they come in a limited range of colours, but the colours that are available are ideal for most bathrooms.
You need to give the tiles a thorough scrub, preferably using Sugar Soap, or a quality cleaning product.
With matt tiles, you can use an oil-based paint, such as Prominent Paints Eggshell or a non-drip enamel. Using an oil-based enamel paint allows you to be creative with colour, but be careful not to go overboard - it's best to keep to neutrals.
You can also use an oil-based gloss paint (which is suitable for damp atmospheres) on matt tiles for a durable and washable finish.
Here's how:
For a professional job it is essential that the proper preparation be done, especially when painting tiles.
You need to give the tiles a thorough scrub, preferably using Sugar Soap, or a quality cleaning product. Your local Builders Warehouse staff will be able to advise on the best products available.
Areas with mould or mildew need to be cleaned off with a solution of household bleach and warm water.
Use a medium paintbrush to apply paint to the grouted areas first.
You can easily scrub grouted areas with an old toothbrush to get into all the cracks and crevices. Do note, however, if the grout needs to be repaired this should be done at least a week in advance to allow the new grout to dry.
Remember that the tiles must be completely dry before painting. It is also best to tackle this project during the spring or early summer, when the weather is not too hot and there is no chance of rain - to allow the painted surface to cure as quickly as possible.
1. Paint grouted area
Use a medium paintbrush to apply paint to the grouted areas first. If you don't want to paint the grout, I have previously used thin automotive tape - applied over the grout - to protect it from being painted over.
DIY tip: I like to use 120-grit wet/dry sandpaper to lightly sand the tile surface and improve paint adhesion. Wipe clean once finished to remove all traces of dust.
Paint from side to side and top to bottom to ensure even coverage over the wall.
2. Paint tile surface
Continue to paint over the tiles, only this time with a foam paint roller.
Paint from side to side and top to bottom to ensure even coverage over the wall.
If a second coat is required, allow the recommended drying time between coats.
Good to know: To extend the life of the painted finish avoid using abrasive cleaning products.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za
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