How do I fill and paint over saltillo tiles?

Carole
by Carole

My old home has saltillo tiles throughout. I spent money to get them cleaned and sealed and they still look awful. The finish was sanded through in some areas. Other tiles have deep gouges and stains. I can't afford even the damaged tile replacements. Products I've seen are iffy and $$$. Any suggestions that worked for you? (I am 70 so a lot of DIY is beyond me)Thank you!

  3 answers
  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Dec 02, 2018

    HI Carole,

    I'm Linda. You can fill gouges with grout then gently sand them smooth. To paint, according to the article below, the best thing to use is an oil based primer, followed by an oil based paint and a sealer. Read the article below to learn the suggested method. Wishing you the best!

    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-over-saltillo-tile-49506.html

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Dec 02, 2018

    How about a stain on them try a white wash in a corner with a mop and a little white or tan water down paint in a corner if you don't like wash right away off .

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Dec 02, 2018

    Did you just have them done if so they need to come back and redo them especially if they are the ones that sanded them too far, put gouges in them,why didn't they get stains out???did they seal over stains??? only way to fix them is strip them and clean them & then reseal. Huge job. Saltillo tiles are very very pricey and when well cared for & properly will last forever. If the stains are on top you could try Goof Off it will cut grease. I'm sorry they are messed up, Saltillo handmade tiles are so beautiful.

    • Carole Carole on Dec 02, 2018

      Hi Lynn, thank you or taking the time. All my estimates to clean and seal told me they could not promise anything. saltillo has a thin finish to protect them once in place. That finish is fragile. The wear and tear were from previous owners who did not keep them up and used a wheelchair. No one would attempt filling, sanding and sealing. I had the cleaning done and it did brighten up but didn't correct damage problems.