Painting & Stenciling Bathroom Tiles question

I love the painted tile look. My bathrooms all have big white glossy ceramic square floor tiles. How would I prep and paint/the tiles so the look will last? I was thinking of painting a few accent tiles. Has anyone done this project?

  2 answers
  • Ireland Dowling Ireland Dowling on Apr 30, 2018


    Step 1

    Clean the tile surface. Use dish soap and water or household cleaner with a scrub brush or sponge scrubber to make sure the surfaces you are going to paint are spotlessly clean. No dust, dirt or scratches should be present on the tiles. Dry thoroughly.

    Step 2

    Coat the tiles with a bonding primer. Be sure the primer you choose is one that is designed to work on tile. This will help the paint go on smoothly and allow it to bond to the tile permanently. Follow all directions on the primer container. Let the primer dry completely. Next, prepare the paint, following all directions on its container as well.

    Step 3

    Stencil your design. Place the stencil over the tile and tape it tightly down with masking tape or other stable tape that can be removed later without leaving a residue. If necessary, hold the stencil firmly to the tile with one hand while painting or sponging the ceramic tile paint on with the other hand. Use a small amount of paint at a time, so you can be sure paint doesn't run underneath the stencil and ruin the design. Repeat as needed on other tiles.

    Step 4

    Let the paint dry before sealing. Then, apply a coat of clear urethane to seal the paint onto the tile. Follow all directions on the urethane and paint containers; the paint container should say how long you must let the paint dry before applying a sealant.

    Step 5

    Place the tile or tiles in a safe, dry location to let the urethane sealer work. It should dry and set for at least a day. The longer it sets, the harder the urethane will be. If the tiles are on a wall or floor, be sure they are not stepped on or brushed up against until the sealer has set--up to two weeks for best results. Finally, clean any brushes, containers and stencils with paint thinner to remove the paint, primer and sealer.