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How to Paint Tile: A Guide on Supplies, Preparation and Tips

A person painting tile with a paint brush.

When it's time to give your tile an update without the hassle and cost of a full replacement, consider painting it! With proper preparation and the right products, painting tile can be a cost-efficient DIY solution that can take your space to a new level. Whether your decorative bathroom tile or kitchen backsplash needs a facelift, Sherwin-Williams is here to help you complete the project with this comprehensive guide on painting tile. Below, you'll find tips on when it's best to paint tile, essential preparation steps and answers to common questions about the process.

A clean paint brush, roller, tray and tape on a drop cloth.

Can You Paint Tile?

You can paint tiles and achieve stunning results, but there are several vital considerations. First, it's best to avoid painting tiles in high-traffic areas, floors or locations that come in frequent contact with moisture. Due to the surface slickness, ceramic tile paint lasts longer and maintains a beautiful look when it's left undisturbed by touch and moisture. So, it's best to paint decorative wall tile that doesn't line your tub or sink, and dry tiled areas in the kitchen or other parts of your home.

Another factor to consider is the preparation, which includes thorough cleaning and creating a rough surface on the tile. Producing a rough surface and removing the glossy sheen often found on ceramic tiles is key to getting the topcoat to stick. You'll also want to choose a paint with the ultimate resistance to moisture and exceptional adhesion, which is why we recommend using our best ceramic tile paint, Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex.

A person wearing a rubber glove while cleaning bathroom tile with a scrub brush.
STEP 1

Prep Tile for Paint

Properly preparing tile before painting is critical for success. Start by cleaning the surface with soap and water, scrubbing away any built-up dirt, grime and grease. Once dried, you'll want to scuff the surface with sandpaper to create a rough texture and remove the shine. Then, clean up the sanding dust with a damp rag and let the surface dry before applying painter's tape around the electrical fixtures and edges you want to protect from paint. You can also place plastic sheeting on the floor or counter to protect these surfaces from paint drips and spills.

Tip: Sanding is required to remove the shine from ceramic tiles, as a chemical deglosser will not do the trick on tile surfaces.

Applying primer to tile with a roller.
STEP 2

Prime Tile

While preparation is vital, so is priming tile. For this step, we recommend applying Extreme Bond primer, our best primer for painting tile. This product provides maximum adhesion on slick surfaces like tile. If you're painting larger tiles, a roller works best for covering more area. For smaller tiles and more detailed designs, a brush will work better.

Tip: Apply a small amount of primer in an inconspicuous area to test adhesion before continuing.

Colors We Used

Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.

STEP 3

Paint Tile

After priming your tiles, it's time to paint. We recommend using Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex, which we consider our best paint for ceramic tiles due to its remarkable adhesion and rock-solid finish that's resilient to moisture.

Applying paint to tile with a mini-roller.

Tip: An upside to using Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex is your chance to pick a color from our coveted Designer Color Collection. This collection contains many of the most sought-after designer shades, including the brightest whites and most exquisite colors.

STEP 4

Appreciate Your Hard Work

Remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet to create a clean edge. Lastly, allow the finish to dry completely before returning to service. Now that the tile in your space has a new and improved look, you can appreciate your hard work and breathtaking results!

A bathroom with painted tile.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Project Supplies

Ceramic Tile Paint & Primer


BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES

OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES

FAQs

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