by Lynn Siprelle
ow do you paint tile" is one of the most frequent searches at TNH, even though we haven't had a definitive answer for that question. Until now. 
The most important thing to know about painting tile is that IT WILL NOT WORK IF THE TILE WILL BE WET A LOT OF THE TIME. That means painting the tile in your bathroom is right out, sorry, as is any tile in your kitchen that gets wet a lot.
Your kitchen backsplash, non-sink countertops, floor tiles, wall tiles and fireplace tiles can be painted, though! It's inexpensive compared to replacing it and can give you a brand-new look.
The secret to good tile painting is preparation.
- Clean the tile and grout well with something that will strip any greases, oils or dirt off, and rinse thoroughly. Paint won't stick otherwise.
- Be sure to remove any mold or mildew with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
- Check for any underlying damage--crumbling grout, etc.--and repair it.
- THE CRITICAL STEP: Sand the tile. Yes, I hate sanding too, but if you skip this step the paint won't stick. Use #220 fine-grit sandpaper, either by hand or with an orbital sander if you have a lot of tile to cover. Be sure to scrupulously clean up all the sanding dust.
You then need to prime your tile with a product like Kilz. Make sure the primer you use is appropriate for glossy surfaces. Use two coats and sand the last one very lightly once it's dry, taking care once again to clean up all the dust.
Choosing the paint
Professional painters say that oil-based paints stick best to tile. Semi-gloss or high-gloss paints are recommended for wall, fireplace and countertop tiles. For floor tiles, satin finish floor-specific paint, or a semi-gloss polyurethane paint, is best.
Err on the side of thin. Several lightweight thin coats of paint will stick to your tile better than one single heavy coat. Be sure to follow directions on your paint's label for thinning; it is possible to thin it too much.
Don't be afraid to experiment with decorative painting or stenciling. You can always paint over it, after all! And when you are done and everything has dried for at least two and preferably three days, consider giving it all a couple of coats of urethane, especially a floor. It will protect your painted tile and keep it looking fresh for years.
 | Kilz Premium Primer Amazon price: $8.05 |
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