Ton of unused neutral colored tile - Can I paint it? How? Help, anyone! Single mom

Sorry!

Jana

I painted over tiles in my bathroom. The first time I did it, I didn't use primer and it flaked off over time (I think due to the steamy atmosphere in the bathroom). So I removed the paint and tried again, this time using a tile primer specifically made for that purpose, then painting over it. I lived in that place for another year or so and by the time I moved out, it still hadn't flaked. I am in England, but I'm sure you must have a similar product in your area, if you ask at a DIY store.

My brother has also recently painted over tiles in his kitchen, and he didn't use primer at all. So far (6 months later) there is no flaking or peeling. I think with a kitchen being much less steamy than a bathroom, you may be able to get away without primer. I'd chance it.

I think it would be easier to paint after the tiles are laid.

Hope that helps!

Anna does it all the time on House Invaders! I've only seen it done on existing wall tile, though. There's also another thread about it here at TNH. And here's some more info at About.com.

I would think that it would take a LOT less time to put them up then paint them with rollers than it would to paint each tile individually.

Or you could lay the tile and do something cool like:

--put up the neutral tiles with a contrasting/cool-colored grout.
--paint a tile-patterned mosaics on the tiles with foam stamps you make yourself..
--add cool tile transfers/decals to jazz up the tiles, make them look custom. You can get rub-on or water-slide types, even some that are "embossed".

You could look around at Changing Rooms, House Invaders, and Trading Spaces to get ideas. I prefer the BBC programs myself, I think they're better-produced and focus more on the design than on the people.

Anhata
www.familynaturally.com
Your Family's General Store, Naturally

You can find instructions on painting laminate countertop here now. I don't see why this couldn't be used to paint tile as well, though I'd try a spot test if at all possible.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor