How To Paint Tiles
Bathroom makeovers can be costly, particularly if you start ripping out floor and wall tiles.
Doing it this way will most likely mean hiring tilers and specialised tradies to complete the work, which will have a big effect on the cost.
If the layout of your bathroom is fine, you can simply repaint the tiles and replace the fixtures to get a new look.
Specialised tile paint is easy to apply DIY. Simply clean and sand the tiles, then apply primer and paint.
This allows you to get the look of a brand new bathroom on a DIY budget, saving you money.
Step 1. Clean the tiles
Scrub the tiles and grout with a mix of one part bleach to 10 parts water to remove mould, then leave to dry. Spray with tile cleaner, then leave for 30 seconds to give the cleaner time to work on the surface of the tiles. Wipe off the cleaner with a wet sponge to remove soap scum and oil.
Step 2. Sand the tiles
Give the tiles a light sand all over using 240 grit wet/dry abrasive paper and a sanding block to create a rough matt surface. This will help the paint adhere better to the tiles. Wash and rinse off the tiles using a wet sponge and clean water, then leave to dry completely.
Step 3. Mask the edges
Use painter’s tape to mask off the walls at the floor and ceiling and any other edges. Press firmly on the edge of the tape along the area that is to be painted to give a clean finish. Fill any cracks with grout or gap filler and leave to dry. Position drop sheets on the floor to avoid paint splashes.
Step 4. Apply the primer
Stir the primer well, then pour into a roller tray. Paint small areas of the tiles at a time, using a microfibre mini roller and a brush to cut in the edges and around tricky areas such as taps. Roll on the primer in a zigzag pattern, then smooth out, working from the top to the base. Allow to dry.
Step 5. Paint the first coat
Lightly sand the tiles with 240 grit paper and wipe down. Apply the first coat with the roller, cutting in with a brush. Paint a small area at a time in a zigzag pattern, then roll smooth. When the paint is spread and only a little is left on the roller, go over the area in one direction from top to base.
Step 6. Finish the painting
Store the brush and roller in water until the first coat of paint is dry, then squeeze out the water. Lightly sand the tiles with 600 grit paper, then wipe off the dust. Apply the top coat using the same technique as for the first coat. Allow to dry for a day, then wait a week until fully cured.
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