Tired of your old, outdated tile floor, but don't have the time, budget, or energy to replace it? Believe it or not, there's another option. You can revitalize old tiles and give your room a whole new look by giving it a fresh coat of paint. We asked Maggie Griffin, founder and lead designer of Maggie Griffin Design in Georgia, to share her best tips and tricks on how to paint tile floors. The good news is that it's probably easier than you think.
Can you paint tile floors?
If you're wondering if you can paint tile floors, the answer is yes, but it depends. Griffin says you should only paint tile floors if the tiles are in good condition. If your tiles are chipped, cracked, or crumbling, they're probably not a good candidate.
Things necessary
- light sandpaper
- Paint (either floor and tile paint or epoxy paint)
- Primer (not required for all paint types; be sure to read the label on the can)
- painter's tape
- paint roller
- paint pan
How to paint tile floors
- Make sure the tiles are clean, dry, and free of dirt and debris. Painting over dirt, dust, and hair will trap them and leave marks on your beautiful new paint.
- Sand the tile lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to clean and dry the area again when you're done to make sure all the sand has been removed.
- Tape off adjacent rooms, fixtures, and cabinets with painter's tape to prevent accidental splashes and overuse of the roller.
- Read the paint can packaging to determine if a primer is required. Griffin prefers epoxy paint, but says it doesn't necessarily require a primer. Painting other floors and tiles may require a primer. If in doubt, prime the area carefully.
- Starting at the farthest point in the room, use a roller to apply a thin layer of primer to the floor. Let it dry. Next, apply two coats of primer and let dry.
- Griffin said he was now ready to paint. Roll it evenly over the tile with a roller. Be sure to dry completely.
- If you want to decorate your tiles with stencils or hand-painted decorations, do this now. Make sure it's completely dry before walking on it or putting the furniture back together.
