How to Paint Tile for a Budget Home Makeover

Clean the Old Tile

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Clean off your old tile with a mixture of warm water and mild soap. This creates a base for fresh paint to adhere to by removing dirt or dust from your old tiles. Tiles that are in high-traffic areas, such as kitchen tiles and bathroom tiles, might need a more thorough cleaning. In this instance, use a stronger cleaning solution specifically designed for tiles and a brush to scrub off dirt and grime. Make sure to clean the tile grout, too.

Sand the Tile

Sand the surface of your tile with sandpaper and a sandpaper block or an orbital sander. Tile is a smooth and slippery surface, which is why it’s difficult for paint to adhere to it. You can create a surface for the paint to bind to by sanding the tile before applying paint. 

Use 100 grit sandpaper to buff through the surface of the tile. While an orbital sander isn’t required, it can make the job more efficient, especially if you have a larger surface area to cover, such as floor tile or kitchen tile.

Pro tip: Be sure not to apply too much pressure when sanding as you only want to break through the glaze, not penetrate it completely.

Clean the Tiles Again

Wipe away the residue from sanding with warm water and a sponge. This is also a good time to clean back over the grout as it is subject to build-up over time. 

Use a scrubbing brush or old toothbrush and a commercial cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. Grout tends to hold dirt and residue, and this can give you a clean slate to work with.

Repair Cracked or Broken Tile with a Two-Part Epoxy

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Extend the life of the fresh paint by mixing a two-part epoxy and using it to fix cracked tile. Two-part epoxy is a binding system that, when mixed, provides strength and durability, allowing the repaired surface to be sanded, painted, and even drilled into once fully cured. Refer to the manufacturer's directions to determine the mixing ratio of the two compounds and the time it takes to set. Mix the epoxy on a separate surface, such as cardboard or in a tray, and then apply the mixture directly to the crack. 

When applying epoxy, use a toothpick for thin cracks or a wooden craft stick for larger cracks and nicks. You can then go over the area with a putty knife or the dry edge of the craft stick to remove any excess epoxy. Remember to work quickly, as most epoxies will set within minutes. You may need to wait a day or two after completing this step for the epoxy to fully cure.

Repair Grout

Repair damaged grout, especially in high-traffic areas, before applying fresh paint. Painted or not, the tiles will still need to be secured, and grout helps keep them in place. Grout also helps stop debris, water, and spills from seeping underneath tiles. If there are areas with damaged grout, it’s important to regrout the floor tile. Let the new grout cure fully before moving on to the next step. 

Tape Off Other Surfaces, Put Down a Drop Cloth

Once all repairs have been made and the tile is fully dry, tape off areas you want to keep free from paint. For example, if you are painting the backsplash in a kitchen, apply painter’s tape to the countertops and cabinetry. Or to paint fireplace tiles, apply painter’s tape to the surrounding walls and the fireplace insert to avoid paint transfer. Even though you might only be working in a small area, it’s also important to put down a drop cloth to catch any paint drips or splatter. 

Prime with Epoxy Bonding Primer

Add a coat of primer before applying the paint coat. Primer extends the length of the paint coat and creates a good surface for the paint to adhere to. When painting over ceramic tile in particular, using a specific epoxy-bonding primer by Rust-Oleum can give you a professional finish and more longevity. Because it is made with epoxy, this type of primer is thicker and more adhesive. If you are applying the primer to a larger area like wall tiles, use a paint roller, and for smaller areas, use a paintbrush. Read the manufacturer’s specific directions and recommended dry time for the primer you choose. 

Paint with Latex Paint, Apply a Second and Third Coat

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Once the primer has fully dried, paint the tile with latex paint.

If you are using a roller:

• Dip the roller into the tray’s reservoir 

• Roll a few times over the ramp of the tray to remove excess paint

• Apply the paint onto the tile, being sure not to press too firmly to avoid drips and splatter

• If you are using a paintbrush:

• Dip about an inch of the bristles into the can and tap off excess paint 

• Apply the paint starting at the grout and working inward to the center of the tile

• Apply thinner coats with your paintbrush to minimize the visibility of brush strokes

Once fully dried, add a second and third coat of latex paint. Because you will apply the paint in thinner coats, adding a second and third coat will help complete the look and prevent peeling.

Seal Using a Polyurethane Sealant

Apply a water-based polyurethane sealant using a roller or paintbrush after all topcoats have been applied. You’ll need the paint to be completely dry and hardened before applying the sealant. This is crucial because polyurethane can actually combine with the topcoat and create a sticky coating if applied when still wet. This last step will complete the look and give your updated tiles an added layer of protection.