How to Paint Tile to Look Like Old Stone

2 Materials
$75
5 Hours
Easy

Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to give your outdated tile a makeover? Don't have a lot of time or money in the budget for replacing your tile floor? Then I have a fabulous solution for you! This project takes minimum supplies, and is so easy to do!

My tile was is great condition! It just wasn't the style I wanted for my bathroom. I began by trying my hand at stenciling. That didn't go well, so when I began to paint over my mistake, I came up with a super easy technique!

Clean your bathroom floor making sure it is free of dust, dirt, and hair. Then apply two coats of primer making sure to allow the allotted drying time in between coats. I used Zinser primer and it worked fabulous!

Next, apply two coats of Rust-oleum chalk paint in the color "Charcoal". Once these two coats are dry, paint two coats of latex paint in any off-white color.

Using a small craft brush paint the grout in a light gray color. I used acrylic paint because it dries quickly, but you can use a light gray color in latex paint as well.

This is the fun part! With a small electric sander begin by sanding the four edges of the tile. Then sand the middle of the tile. You will be creating the look of old tile, so each tile doesn't have to be perfect. Just sand each tile relatively the same amount.

Once you have swept, and vacuumed up all of the dust, wipe down your floors with a damp rag. Now you are ready to apply two coats of sealer. I used Varathane polyurethane sealer in gloss.

I could not be any more happy with this floor! It was inexpensive. It was fast. It is durable, and I LOVE the look!

This video will guide you through this technique step-by-step.

Resources for this project:
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Jennifer Decorates
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Frequently asked questions
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  • Rachel Rachel on Oct 31, 2020

    Do you think I could use the Rustoleum floor coating for this project? Maybe two base coats, the first dark grey and the second white, then sand then use the top coat?

  • Stacy Stacy on May 19, 2021

    Love the floor, what do you use to safely clean it?

  • Dawn Dawn on May 12, 2023

    Your tile seems to be textured. I would love this however… my tiles are 12x12 with that texture. My floor is based already and like you, the stenciling isnt going well. Same technique or would you recommend a third color before sanding? Thanks!! Looking forward to your feedback

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  • Cathy Cathy on Feb 07, 2022

    Love!

  • LBC LBC on Aug 16, 2022

    I love this! Do you think this would look just as good on larger tiles in a kitchen? I don't have a good eye for these things. :)


    • Dawn Dawn on May 12, 2023

      I have the same ? Mine are 12 x 12” without a texture like yours. Use a third color? Looking forward to your feedback. Thanks!!

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