How to Paint Your Ceramic Floor Tiles – What to Do and Not to Do!

Korilyn Martin
by Korilyn Martin
$60
2 Days
Easy

Painting your tile floors can be the perfect way to update your home easily and on a budget!


It can take some research and a few substantial hours of work, but the results can be so worth it!


I painted my tile floors last year, and it was an easy quick fix to updating my interior design, but now it’s due for a touch-up.


Today I’m doing another coat of paint to freshen things up and reseal the paint to prevent scratching.


Going through the process of painting tiles for the first time has taught me a few things and some do’s and don’ts.


I’ve taken what I’ve learned and updated my process. I’ll share some of my updates so that you don’t make the same mistakes.


First, I’ll answer some recently asked questions.

Does painting tile floors last?


It really depends! I am repainting mine because I didn’t add enough sealant and it started chipping.


Paint chipping is almost inevitable with painting tiles, but with the right products and process, you can make it last longer!


What kind of paint do you use on ceramic tiles?


The paints you’ll need for painting ceramic tiles include first a primer, a base paint, and a sealer.


Is painting kitchen tiles a good idea?



You can really paint tile anywhere in your home! Painted ceramic is more vulnerable to scratching, so more primer coats might be the way to go for painting the kitchen floor.


Or, you can also ensure that there wouldn’t be a risk for floor scratching from metal carts or things of the like.


How can I cover my tile floors cheaply?


Painting your tiles might be the best way to cover your tiles on a budget. It is a project that is more accessible to do on your own, which always saves money when you don’t have to pay a professional.


You can also do your research to find the cheapest paint and supplies that still give quality results.


Is tiling over tiles a good idea?


Tiling over ceramic tile is definitely an option to cover up your tile. It is more expensive and more labor-intensive than painting over your tiles.


The floors also need to be level and not be warped from time. The floor also needs to be cleaned and not have any awkwardly placed tiles that would be hard to replicate.


If you are up for the task, it is possible! But it might not be a good idea if you are looking for an easier, cheaper solution.


What is the best paint for floor tiles?


Some of the best floor paints are from Benjamin Moore and Rust-Oleum. Benjamin Moore has a Floor and Patio paint that is extremely durable and works for both interior and exterior floors.


Rust-Oleum has floor paint that works perfectly for tile floors and comes in many colors. It also comes with a topcoat that works for interior floors.


Painting Tile Floors: Pros and Cons:


Painting tile floors can have some awesome benefits and really spruce up your place, but it doesn’t come without some negatives.


One benefit is that it is a perfect quick fix and it saves money! It can be really satisfying to finish painting and like what you see. Though, it is not as long-lasting and durable as replacing tile would be.


Painting your ceramic floors can also show more dust and dirt than before painting it. I also learned from previous experience that you have to have the right process to make it last.


Last year, we didn’t wait long enough for the sealant to cure before we used heavy traffic in the area. This caused it to not have as much of a clean finish and it shortened its lifespan.


This time, we’ll be extra careful to make sure the sealant cures before walking on the floor too much!


How long will my painted tile floor last?


From my experience, it really depends on your process and the product you use.


With any paint and any process, paint chipping is bound to happen, but if you use enough sealant, and let it dry correctly, you can make it last longer!


Will dirt show on my painted floor?


Yes, solid color and covering up the grout can make dirt show more clearly on your painted floor.


Finding the right color that’s a bit darker can hide some of the dirt and dust that builds up.


Are painted floors a long-term solution?


The short answer is no, it is not really a long-term solution. It can look amazing, but it is not very dependable to keep looking that way as time goes on.


It may be your best option to be budget-friendly, and if you are not necessarily needing a long-term solution, otherwise you can accept the inevitable touch-ups in years to come.


How expensive is painting your tile floor?


The factors that rack up the price of painting your floors are the paint that you use and the supplies.


A gallon of floor paint checks in at around $50, and the rest depends on the size of the space you want to paint, and the number of supplies you need.

*This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the brands that support tis brand of mine!


How to Paint Tile Floor:


Before you get started on painting your floors, get your checklist of painting supplies! Then, we’ll go through step by step how to paint your floors! First, you’ll need:


  • Cleaner
  • Scrunbrushes
  • Painters tape
  • Floor safe paint and topcoat
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint tray
  • Microfiber paint roller
  • Extension pole for paint roller
Step one: Wash your tile floor


Once you’ve got your supplies, you should make sure you’ve got a clean canvas to paint! Start with sweeping and vacuuming your floors to get all the dirt and grime up, and then take some floor cleaner to the tile! Scrubbing the floor with brushes and floor cleaner will help make sure that your paint job turns out clean and less prone to chipping. It is also best to work in small sections so that you can thoroughly clean your floor.

Step Two: Prep your tile for paint


Now, you have to make sure that your painting job will be neat and tidy, with clean-cut lines! This is best done with painter’s tape on edges and areas that are at risk of paint smudging or messiness. This could include walls, doors, cupboards, or any other place you don’t want paint!


Step Three: Mix paint well and cut in the paint with a brush


Once you’ve got the area taped off, keep up the clean edges by cutting in with a brush. This means painting the edges of where the tape touches so that your roller does not cross the tape lines. This is also the perfect time to paint some hard-to-reach areas before you use a roller!

Step Four: Use your roller to paint your tile


Now it’s time to break out your roller and paint tray! For thorough coverage, work in small sections and start in the farthest corner from your exit. Then, you can work your way towards your exit without stepping on the paint and risking a clean finish! As you roll, pay close attention and press further into the grout line. If you want to add another coat, wait for it to dry for 3 hours before adding another one. Once you’ve painted to your heart’s content, wait for it to dry for 6 hours before adding sealant!

Step Five: Dust floor and apply sealant


So your paint is dry, whats next? Now you are ready for sealant! Well, almost. For this part, make sure you are wearing clean socks and not shoes or anything that would mess up your clean painting job. Dust your floor to make sure it is clean, and then you can add your sealant.


Mx your topcoat per the directions, and start applying to the floor. Be very gentle during this step, as the paint is more vulnerable and can scratch easily. Use a thinner roller, such as a ¼ inch roller so that it doesn’t absorb too much of the sealant. Once your first coat is done, wait 24 hours and apply a second coat.


After the second coat is complete, wait another 24 hours before you walk on it! Wait another 72 hours before putting any furniture in the area so that you can be sure that it won’t cause any scratching or chipping. It takes a full week for the sealant to cure, and then it is all set to go!

Grad all the supplies you’ll need here to tackle this project!


Pin me!!

Thanks so much for reading along!


Much Love,


Kori ~At The Farmhouse Life

Korilyn Martin
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
Next