You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers!

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about painting ceramic floor tiles:

Can I paint ceramic floor tiles?

Absolutely, yes!

If you’re not quite ready to commit to the costs of replacing tiles, you can paint them instead.

Floors tiles do take a lot of wear and tear for obvious reasons, so while it may not be a long-term solution, it is a low-cost and easy approach to covering up old floor tiles in the interim.

I’m painting floor tiles in the kitchen – what are the pros and cons?

Pros and cons for painting floor tiles can be subjective and dependent on the circumstances you’re dealing with. But, if you were to pin us down...

Pros:

• It’s much cheaper than replacing old tiles.
• You can choose from a variety of shades to suit the rest of your interior.
• You can do it yourself.

Cons:

• It’s not a long-term solution.
• Paint can start to chip and peel off in high footfall areas.

How do I paint floor tiles?

-There are a lot of techniques and products out there to help you paint over ceramic floor tiles. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

-Ensure your tiles are cleaned and dried thoroughly.

-Use a water-based bonding primer and a paintbrush to prep the tiles.

-Once dried, paint the entire floor with your tile paint using a foam roller.

-Apply as many coats as necessary for full paint coverage.

Image Credit: @theranchette on Instagram 

Is there a specific type of floor tile paint I should use?

Before you get to the paint, you’ll need to prep the floor with a water-based, primer. This will help you get better coverage and stretch out the longevity of your newly painted floor.

You can buy primers with a white or grey tint too, giving you a neutral base to minimise the number of coats you need to do.

When it comes to the paint, you can buy specialist tile paint from most DIY stores that will do the job. Chalk paint or heavy duty floor paint have also been proven to work well when painting floor tiles.

Image Credit: @fabulouslyexhausted on Instagram 

Can you use any colour when painting old tiles?

Of course! You just need to find the colour you want in the type of paint you need. In most cases, DIY stores can mix it up for you too. Covering dark coloured tiles with a lighter shade may just take a few extra coats, that’s all!

If you’re into current interior trends, we’d recommend white, black or grey for a timeless look.

Image Credit: @thediymommy on Instagram 

What’s the best way to create a pattern when painting tiles?

Using stencils are the easiest and best way to paint a pattern onto a floor tile. Unless you’re a skilled artist, we wouldn’t recommend going freehand.

Whilst stencilling floor tiles can be time-consuming, the end result is often ultra satisfying. It’s also a good way to test a pattern out before you splash the cash on brand new tiles.

Of course, if you’re struggling with stencils and find yourself in a mess, there’s always the option of re-tiling from scratch. If you’re a fan of patterns, our Feature Floors, Geometric or Patchwork tiles may be just what you’re looking for to create the floor of your dreams!