How do paint ceramic tiles floor but not the grout?

Kimberley
by Kimberley

I want to paint my ceramic floor in the kitchen. It is a horrible green colour but the grout is a lovely grey of which I would like to keep as I am changing the tile colour to white. My floor area is large (20 x 25) so the thought of masking off all the grout is a little daunting? Any suggestions on how to paint tile and not grout other than to painstakingly masking every line? I have attached a picture.

  7 answers
  • Renee Vlna Renee Vlna on Jan 13, 2019

    I don't know what you are painting the tile with, but I have painted my ceramic tile in the bathroom. I used a special adhesive for the paint and everything and it still chips and peels if people rub up against it too much. Before you do the whole floor, I would do a small test area so if it doesn't work you only have a small are to scrape off to get back to the original tile. As far as grout , it would be tedious but use painters tape. Be careful pulling it up so you don't pull up the paint with it.


  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Jan 13, 2019

    They make a product called Peel-Tek that is supposed to work on rough surfaces. I have never used this so I'm not recommending it I just know it's out there. You paint it on and when done it is supposed to peel off. It seems like something worth trying in a place that won't be visible if it doesn't work. I'd try cleaning and sealing the grout prior to using this just prevent it from penetrating.

  • Rick Marney Rick Marney on Jan 14, 2019

    Use a short nap roller. It should cover the tile and leave the grout IF you do not put too much paint on the roller.

  • Terri Terri on Jan 14, 2019

    There are paints for ceramic that should chip. Research or ask a painting expert. To be honest the best way it to find tape the size of your grout and just tape it. Make sure you have it down tight.

  • Colleen Sturma Reynolds Colleen Sturma Reynolds on Jan 14, 2019

    I haven't tried this but they make a seal and peel caulk. Seems like you could caulk over the grout lines to keep them the original color. If you are not a straight caulker, you can use an exacto knife to straighten the lines before you paint. After painting, the caulk should just peel up. Again, I would test in a corner first.

  • Dee Dee on Jan 14, 2019

    First off I would not paint the kitchen tile, because it will not last. You would have to use an epoxy paint and that may last for a while. I would put vaseline on the grout in small areas and then paint the tiles. Maepi also makes grout refresh in gray if that is the color you want. Easy to do just time consuming.