is there such a thing as tile paint?

Question

we've bought a new house but in the kitchen there are these hideous lilac tiles. Should i replace them or can i paint them to a good finish?

Answer 1

You are not going to be happy with the tile paint. It looks merky and scratches down to the tile too easily even if you do very good prep work.

You can get vinyl tiles with the sticky backs for $1 - $2 per tile. They are so easy to use...just like a sticker, you peel the paper off of the back and stick them to the floor. You won't regret it. Oh, and cutting is very easy with a straight edge and a razor knife.

Seriously, for the time and money you spend on cleaning the floor, scuffing it to make the primer stick, cleaning it again, then priming, then painting it, you could have just cleaned the floor and started sticking tiles to it, which look WAY better and will last so much longer

Good Luck

PS - that other guy was right about just tiling over existing vinyl tile or Linolium floors. If you have ceramic floors, you better chop that out first and lay down new plywood to raise the floor back up the right level.

Answer 2

You can replace them if you want to, but I would first try painting them to see if you like the effect. This is definitely the most cost effective way to fix the problem and since the house has just been bought, you certainly have many other more important expenses...

Painting tiles is quite easy. Here are the steps to follow. And no, there isn't a special paint for painting tiles. You'll need to use either enamel paint (if you're looking for s glossy, shiny effect, this is the way to go) or an oil-based paint. Don't use latex... sooner or later, it'll scratch and peel off, even if you use an oil-based primer. Plus, you'll have to seal it all to make it waterproof, which raises the cost of the renovation. So, here's how to go about painting your tiles:

1. Wash the tiles with liquid TSP. You'll find this at any good home hardware store. Use the liquid instead of the powder, as it's non-toxic, easier to mix and doesn't need to be rinsed after washing. TSP will remove all traces of grease and grime which will keep your paint from adhering properly. It's important to not skip this step, as we're talking about a kitchen and there can be grease and grime buildup on the tiles that is naked to the human eye but disastrous for paint!

2. Protect your counter and any other surface that may get paint on it where you don't want it. Using a foam paint brush and roller (to avoid bubbles and streaks on the tile), apply one coat of an oil-based primer on the entire tiled wall, grout included. I prefer Bull's Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz as a primer. It's important to use an oil-based one. Let the primer dry completely.

3. Apply your first coat of paint. Use a good quality oil-based or enamel paint. On tiles, I prefer enamel paint, as it gives a lovely shine to the tiles and doesn't look as if the tiles are painted. Enamel paint comes in loads of colors so you can pretty much choose your paint color. Let the first coat dry completely and follow the dying times on the paint can.

4. Apply your second coat of paint. Let it dry completely.

If you've used oil or enamel paint, you won't have to seal the paint job. It won't scratch or peel off and is easily washable.

Enjoy your new tiles! And so that you feel comfortable about this, know that I have painted MANY ugly tiles in homes when preparing them for sale!

Answer 3

There are some very good tile paints that you will be able to get from any decent DIY store - B&Q keep a good range but you will never get the look of shiny new tiles. If you can afford to get the kitchen retiled then go ahead but if not tile paint can give a temporary solution to the problem.

Answer 4

Thier is tile paint, but it doesn't always look the best unless its professionally done, so if you were to pay to have it done anyways, then your probably better off getting new tile.

Its probably also better so you can choose a design of tile you like. Good luck.

Answer 5

you can get tile paint as I have used it on my bathroom when i moved in. the tiles were navy blue when I moved in and i painted them white. A couple of coats will cover the colour but unless you have a really good paintbrush it never comes out a brilliant finish. Its cheaper and easier than replacing the tiles as the paint only costs about £7 a tin.
good luck x

Answer 6

I never heard of this one. Why not google your search. Or call into any hardware store that sells paints or any tile store and they will be able to tell you what is the best thing for you to do because honestly I don't really know. Good question though.

Answer 7

There sure is but they will look like painted tiles when you have finished ---- yuk ----- Best thing is to remove the old tiles and start again with tiles you like. If you haven't done any tiling before either ask someone or buy a DIY book. You can do it if you really want to.

Answer 8

I did my bathroom floor to ceiling with a good tile paint in a very pale cream and it looks great. Do it with a small sponge roller the width of a tile. I put a primer on before the paint I think it gives it a better finnish.

Answer 9

yes there is, any good big diy store will sell it, i used it in my last house and whilst it is true that you could tell they were painted tiles it looked SO MUCH better than the old tiles which were also disgusting!!
i was there a few years and they looked as good as when we first painted them when we left!

there is less choice of colours than in normal paint but still should be something to suit what you want in the kitchen..

remember as in any diy job, preparation is everything!!
good luck

Answer 10

You can get paint to go over tiles, but it'll look crap (they just look like painted over tiles).

Either tile over them or learn to live with them.