Can you paint over a ceramic tile floor?

Question

I HAVE A VERY OLD 1970'S TILE FLOOR. THE TILES ARE VERY SMALL. I AM WONDERING IF ANYONE CAN HELP. I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE TERRACOTTA TYPE FLOORS. CAN ANYONE HELP ME???????

Answer 1

you can but it wont look very good!

Answer 2

It's maybe possible to get a decent result painting a ceramic tile floor, but it's going to depend on a couple of things. The first is how worn the finish on the current tile is...if it's pretty worn, then successful painting isn't impossible. But if it's in very good shape, you're going to have to use a power sander to abrade the surface and you risk damaging the floor with the vibration. If it's unglazed tile, then the problem is that it was probably soaked with a sealer after it was laid, and being a kitchen it's also possible that the grout was sealed regardless. In that case you'll have to use a product to remove the sealant and that's a very toxic process.

The last issue is the use of a high gloss paint finish. That's going to make a phenomenally slick floor, especially when it gets damp or something spills on it.

Given the amount of work you might be facing, and the cost of the strippers, primers and paint involved, you'll have to do some serious soul searching to figure out for yourself if it's really worth it. In the end, you may find a simple black floor tile that works well for you. Since you can lay new tile over old, it's probably cheaper, cleaner and easier to just go that route.

Answer 3

Painting Ceramic Tile

Old, dingy ceramic tile can be rejuvenated and given a modern color by painting the tile with Graham Aqua Borne Ceramic™ products. Graham Aqua Borne Ceramic™ products have excellent adhesion to tile surfaces as long as they are clean.

The first step is to thoroughly clean the tile to remove dirt, grease, oil, soap scum, water hardness deposits and any other foreign materials that might interfere with adhesion. Wash the tile surfaces with a strong detergent solution or other good household cleaner. Rinse. Use a calcium deposit remover if necessary. Rinse well. Inspect to make sure all foreign matter has been removed.

If the tile is glossy or if the tile is scuffed and scratched, apply a coat of 320-00 Aqua Borne Blockout/Undercoater White. If the tile has a very high gloss, light scuff sanding before the undercoater is applied will improve adhesion. The undercoater may be sanded to achieve a very smooth finish. Let dry for four hours and apply a coat of 512 Aqua Borne Ceramic™ Acrylic Gloss Enamel, 532 Aqua Borne Ceramic™ Acrylic Satin Enamel or 542 Aqua Borne Ceramic™ Interior Flat Finish. Apply a second coat if necessary.

The products can be applied by brush, roller or spray. Do not reduce for brush or spray applications. If reduction is necessary for spray, use a small amount of water. Tinting should be done with universal tinting colors.

If the tile is not glossy the finish coats can be applied directly to the tile without the use of the undercoater. However, for maximum performance the undercoater is recommended.

Answer 4

This is actually a very difficult job but doable. First clan the floor thoroughly. When the floor is dry use an oil based primer this will act as a vapour barrier which will help stop the floor from bubbling. Then use an oil based paint with a floor additive, you can get that at most hardware stores. The additive will improve traction for walking on and help bond the paint to the floor. DO NOT USE latex paints. Latex (water based paints react more to you environments humidity and that is why it is not good to use. Also when cleaning because it is water based it gets soft when wet.
Just be careful what cleaners you use on the oil paint as most chemicals do break down all paints. Vinegar and water is a good household cleaner to use.
good luck and remember not to paint yourself into a corner!!!

Answer 5

I would never recommend painitng a tile floor--tile walls, OK, but not the floor, it gets too much wear. If it is dingy do your best to give it a deep cleaning, and then keep it really clean. To add spark to the room, repaint the walls a bright color, and maybe use a wallpaper border, or some stenciling. Make sure your curtains are freshly laundered and a bright print, or something else that is pleasant and eye-catching.

Answer 6

You can paint neraly everything. It is all in the preperation and proper priming of the surface you want to paint. You will have to use some stripper, to remove the years of wax on the tile. There are all sorts of epoxy based paints that work well on floors. just visit you local paint store. they are always happy to make an easy sell and give you tips to a sucessful application.

Answer 7

You can paint it, but it won't last. Maybe, consider putting a piece(s) of Luann down over top of the tile and install a new floor.
Even if you paint the tile, it will change the look.

Answer 8

You would need a filler to make the floor smooth and flat. Then an epoxy paint to last a long time. Any other paint would not be tought enough to last.

Answer 9

Rip up the old and lay a new floor... paint won't last more than a week or 2...

Answer 10

gina; etch the tiles with TSP b4 you attempt to paint it. use concrete paint like garage paint.

if you want a rough finish, you can get safe slip like is used on concrete with a sand finish and has good wearing abilities.

Answer 11

You can paint it (see other responses), but the paint will not wear well: ceramic is too hard and smooth for paint to adhere well, and paint is easily scuffed.