A painted tile can be a single work of art or act as a decoration in an existing ensemble, giving a personalized touch to a floor, a wall or a fireplace. Instead of spending time and spending money on replacing discolored tiles, try painting them yourself to give a fresh new look, with minimal expense. Follow these tips to add some color to your home or just create your own little piece of art.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identify the Materials
Step 1. Choose a smooth ceramic tile
If you just want to paint it as a work of art, the simpler the better. In fact, you can also paint a tile you have at home, even if the patterned ones require more precision.
Both glossy and matte tiles work well
Step 2. Purchase tile paint or oil paint
It is extremely important to use the right type of color, to ensure that it adheres to the ceramic and is not affected by exposure to the elements, such as water.
Step 3. Choose suitable brushes
If you paint something complicated you will need different sized brushes. If you paint a wall in the bathroom, for example, you can use wide ones.
Step 4. Set up your workspace
Make sure you spread a newspaper or sheet on any supporting surface that you don't want to stain.
Keep some damp rags nearby in case you need to fix any mistakes and prepare some water to wash the brushes if necessary
Method 2 of 3: Prepare the Tile
Step 1. Prepare your tile (or tiles) for painting
You will need to scrub it well with a toothbrush and bathroom cleaner to remove stains or discolorations before you start painting. For individual tiles, clean the surface using a rag and soapy water.
- Use bleach or hydrogen peroxide if you need to remove mold.
- Vinegar is good for soap and bubble bath residues.
Step 2. If necessary, find an orbital sander to smooth the surface
Use 1800-grit sandpaper to smooth the tile and remove uneven gloss.
Vacuum any sanding residue before continuing
Step 3. Apply a high tack oil primer to the surfaces to be painted
Oil primers are perfect for preventing stains and keeping the color intact. Apply two coats as needed.
Step 4. Let it dry before starting to paint
Method 3 of 3: Paint the Tile
Step 1. Decide on the colors and / or design
If you're painting an existing tile in your home, be sure to choose a color that matches the rest of the decor. It is usually best to choose light colors when painting tiles, as dark or too bright colors can make the room overwhelming.
- Ask yourself some aesthetic questions. Do you want to fill the entire surface of the tile or just a part? Both ways can be effective. A central image of an animal, face or object can look fabulous, while a bucolic scene, landscape or city panorama is perfect for the whole tile.
- For a home surface, you might include a different tile or row of tiles to make the colored one stand out; perhaps decorated with patterns, an image or a word. Different tiles can become a beautiful variant even with delicate colors.
Step 2. Transfer your design to the tile very lightly, using a pencil before starting to paint
This is especially useful for complicated scenes or schemes. Make sure you stay light with the pencil, so that the stroke is easily hidden by the color or can be erased if necessary.
Step 3. Once the design is highlighted (if you have one), paint the surface following the pattern
If you are working on a whole surface, apply multiple coats of color, letting it dry between one and the other
Step 4. Let it dry for 48 hours if the project is large, for 24 hours if it is small
Step 5. Finish with a light coat of clear urethane to seal in color
You can also give more than one if you wish.
Advice
- Paint with patience. The more attention you put into detail, the better your project will be.
- Consider adding a different tile to brighten a monotonous surface.
- Clean and repair the grout if necessary before painting the tile.
Warnings
- Spray paints, enamels and epoxy dyes do not work as well as oil paints on ceramics.
- Be sure to take proper precautions when using power tools and / or dealing with toxic fumes by wearing goggles and a face mask.
- Repainting the tiles at home is not permanent and you will probably need to do it again in the future.
- Don't stay bent in an awkward position for too long or you may strain your back. Try to stay crouched or on your knees when painting a surface indoors.
