For anyone on a tight budget, short on time, or both, painting a tile backsplash is a great and simple DIY project. So, is it possible to paint your tile backsplash? The answer is not only a resounding yes, but it is also a good idea. With correct materials and a little preparation, painting a tile backsplash is a simple, cost-effective method to enhance your kitchen or bathroom.
Paint-tile backsplashes look pretty spectacular when done well. The best part is that you won’t have to complete a bathroom remodel because you can entirely alter your outdated, unsightly colored tiles in just a day.
Reasons Why You Should Paint Your Tile Backsplash
- Since existing tiles do not have to be removed to paint a backsplash, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of cleaning up tile debris.
- The labor-intensive process of removing existing tile, patching up damaged sections with new drywall, mudding, and installing new tile and grout raises the cost. Not to mention the extra expense associated with buying tile in various varieties. Indeed, painting tiles instead of replacing them are more cost-effective. By painting, old tiles can be affordably updated in appearance and feel. Compared to expensive replacement choices, painting supplies are inexpensive.
- In high-traffic areas like flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms, painting tiles can freshen up your room and increase the lifespan of tiles.
- Painting tiles is an easy DIY project that may change the color and design of a space. You can alter your tiles to fit your requirements and preferences. Additionally, painted tiles need little upkeep. You can fix it by performing routine cleaning with a mild detergent.
Can Bathroom Tile Be Painted?
Except for glazed quarry tiles, most tiles can be painted over. Allowed materials include ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. However, they must first be primed, sanded, and painted with epoxy paint. Painting bathroom backsplashes and walls is a superior option.
But what about the shower? Although shower surfaces can be painted, doing so is neither feasible nor economical. Bathroom tiles are prone to early fading, peeling, or blistering due to continual contact with water and moisture.
How to Paint the Backsplash Tiles
The tools you’ll need, such as paint, primer, rollers and brushes, sealer, and any stencils for a patterned finish, should all be gathered before adequately cleaning and drying the tiles. Don’t neglect this step since dirt, dust, grease, mold stains, or food residue can interfere with paint’s ability to adhere properly.
Apply a degreaser to clean the tile surface.
Apply a degreaser and a cloth or rag to the tiled backsplash and scrub it well. For thorough cleaning, scrub the grout lines and tile surfaces. After washing, allow the backsplash to dry before painting altogether and give it 24 to 48 hours to dry. Use TSP (trisodium phosphate) diluted with water to remove the grease. TSP will suck the oils straight out of your skin, so wear gloves when cleaning with it to prevent this. A clean sponge should follow a quick wipe-down of the backsplash tiles to remove any remaining grime.
Make sure that grease is completely removed.
Spend some time cleaning everything off. Use a scrub brush to eliminate grease, especially in and around the stove area.
Ensure that the paint can adhere to the surface.
Give the slippery tile short sand to help the paint adhere to it. You are not attempting to remove the finish; just a little surface roughening will give the primer something to adhere to.
Use primer for coating.
Using a paintbrush, thoroughly coat the tile’s grout lines and any decals with primer. Apply the primer evenly with a tiny roller to the backsplash’s whole ceramic tile surface. A minimum of two coats of priming may be required, depending on the color and texture of the existing backsplash. If so, add another layer of primer. Before applying the paint and between coats of primer, allow the backsplash to completely dry.
Tape off everything that you don’t want to be painted.
Once the bonding primer and paint have dried, removing them from the wall and countertop will be challenging, if not impossible. Cover everything that might be hit by the slight mist of paint droplets that rollers occasionally spray.
Paint tiles with epoxy.
Choose a paint solution explicitly designed for tiles to keep your backsplash from chipping and having uneven results. Unlike conventional wall or furniture paints, tile paints are made to withstand abrasion and are simpler to clean. Using a foam roller, apply the paint in uniform layers, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another until you get the desired finish.
Pros and Cons of Epoxy and Latex Paints
Every kind of paint has advantages and disadvantages.
Epoxy is exceptionally durable, has a glossier surface, and is created to stick to the tile. Additionally, it handles moisture effectively. As a result, cleaning is more straightforward, and peeling and chipping are reduced.
The two primary drawbacks of using epoxy paint are that it has a strong odor and can be more expensive, depending on how much square footage you need to cover. Therefore, if you decide to take this option, ensure adequate ventilation. If you choose to use epoxy, complete all the preparation stages and then adhere to the instructions on the epoxy kit.
The advantage of choosing gloss enamel or latex paint is that they are more commonly available, less expensive, and may be tinted to any desired color. It is easily applied with a paintbrush and roller and offers easy clean-up during the painting project.
In contrast, latex paint necessitates priming your tile with paint to aid in adherence and durability. It might also be less resilient than epoxy paint.
Are You Considering to Paint Your Tile Backsplash?
You’ve got your answer, and now it’s time to start your painting project. Soho Painters is one of the leading painting contractors in New York City that can help you choose the right products and colors for painting your tile backsplash.
