"Don't Paint Ceramic Tile", They Said...

Isabelle C.
by Isabelle C.
4 Materials
I disliked my ceramic backsplash. Actually, I pretty much disliked my whole kitchen but with a very limited budget, I really couldn't gut it. so after many warnings NOT to paint ceramic tile, I jumped in with both feet.
I'm rebellious that way.
This was my nemesis.


What shall I do???
My default setting is always to "just paint it!"


After a little research, found out that BMoore's STIX primer is amazing on tile.


So I ran with it. Priming the tile with 2 coats of it Without sanding! The HORROR!!!


*my tile was not glossy and it was already textured...
I then painted all the grout lines the same color I would eventually paint my cabinets...it was a BEHR latex paint, satin finish (not that it matters)


I then painstakingly painted with a small brush each individual tile with the color I chose. I wanted to retain the look of tiles so that's why I did the grout lines in a different color. Unfortunately, it looks like I don't have a pic of this step.
Here you can see the tile that's not shinny. that's with the 2 coats of paint.


The shinny tiles are because of the last step. Epoxy.


Now epoxy is tricky because it's soo thick and sticky and takes a long time to dry. When I first started I did each individual tile because I didn't want it in the grout lines (my attempt at making it look like real tile) so that's why I taped it all off.


...but that was overkill. really.


It was time consuming, tedious and unecessary. really.
...working my way around!


By the end, I was just slapping the epoxy on everywhere, grout and all. And to be honest, I'm just as pleased.


*One thing to note with epoxy on a vertical surface, it drips very slowly for a very long time...4 hrs or so. make sure counter is protected and continually catch those nasty drips!


It's SO easy to clean!


Kitchen before...
Kitchen after...


*to see the whole makeover, mostly with elbow grease and paint, see my other related posts.
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 44 questions
  • Margaret Margaret on Apr 06, 2019

    I love it. Can you paint floor tile this way also? I would like to do mine.

  • Gail Gail on Feb 16, 2020

    do you have to use the epoxy or can you just use paint?

  • Sophie’s mom Sophie’s mom on Jun 15, 2020

    What about grease above the stove?

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  • Ingrid Ingrid on Feb 17, 2021

    Wow girl, the cabinets really set it off. What did you do to change the countertops. I saw a 9 ft butcher block here locally for $120.00, I am thinking of right now it is Formica.

  • Kimberl Kimberl on Jun 28, 2021

    Can I please get the name and colors of all the products u used for ur backsplash. I and going to do this! Thank you

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