Asked on Dec 13, 2012

Can white ceramic 12"x 12" floor tile be stained a different color then sealed.??( I would like to have a tan / pecan co

Debi N
by Debi N
The white ceramic tile thats through out most of my house in the main traffic area there is lots of dings, dints, scratches and nothing I do makes it look better,.. Inside one of the closets there was a can of minwax wood stain that spilt on the floor & of course i loved the way it looks & the color, but does it have to be sealed after putting stain on it?? What kind of sealer do i use???
  9 answers
  • Depending upon the type of tile you have would determine if indeed you can stain it or not. Glazed tiles will not accept stains. If at any time the tile was sealed it too will not take stain very well. So your really out of luck doing it this way. However you can use an epoxy paint and paint the tiles. Or contract a tile company to refinish them as well. However any method you choose is really only short term and depending upon your household traffic in the areas within the house the tile is located, the finish will begin to wear off in short order. Your best served cleaning the tiles, perhaps re-grouting using a different color grout to make them stand out differently. And save your money until you can remove the tiles and replace the floor of your desire.
  • AK, I read that info from SW on painting tile. Pretty much what I thought. Do not use on high traffic areas, on wet areas plus a whole host of concerns when doing this.. While I can understand using an epoxy finish on tile walls in a bath, where there is really no abuse, floor tile particularly on a hallway, entrench or kitchen would be scratched off in no time. Much better served putting down a laminate over the tile and be done with the entire project. Or pull the old tile off and start again. But that would be me. If I had to warrant the work, I would never even try to do this.
  • Agreed, reglazing tile is a very expensive process, and the cost would hardly outweigh the removal and replacement.
  • FloorNerd FloorNerd on Dec 17, 2012
    I never would recommend staining tile. You can paint then seal.
  • Kristin Topping Kristin Topping on Aug 05, 2015
    Nice article you have presented here.I liked your ideas and tips .I think this way you can give a personalized touch to your home.I am also in this trade provides fabulous flooring options for your need that suits every pocket.Nice sharing.
  • Amy Smiga Kreis Amy Smiga Kreis on Jul 07, 2016
    I also spilled Minwax wood stain on my ceramic floor tiles. I haven't been able to get it off, despite scrubbing and bleaching. So I've decided if it can last for 3 years now - I can definitely stain over the rest of them. :)
    • See 1 previous
    • Julie Julie on Jul 18, 2017

      Did you hear it staining the tiles worked? brethauerj@gmail.com

  • Julie Julie on Jul 18, 2017

    I am curious... Did it work?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 26, 2023

    Use Brick & Tile Paint from the Paint Store etc.