If you want to refresh your bathroom without spending a fortune on removing the old tiles and buying and installing the new ones, then there is another practical option. You can also easily paint the unwanted tiles in any color and give the bathroom a fresh and modern look. This eliminates the need for annoying manual work, as well as construction dust and debris, and the time required is also significantly less. Have you never heard of it? Well, then it's about time. So that spice up yourbathroomBut to be a real success, there are a few things you can doPainting tilesshould consider. Find out what they are here.
Painting tiles requires a lot of planning in advance
The result of painting tiles is permanent. So remember, if you live in a rented apartment, you should discuss this, as well as other renovation work, with your landlord beforehand and obtain his consent. Allow about three days for painting the tiles. It sounds like a lot at first, but most of the time is spent drying the individual layers, not the painting itself.
Painting tiles and what you need
- Be sure to use gloves when painting tiles. The solvents contained in paints and varnishes attack the skin.
- Use a foam roller to apply the paint when painting tiles. Even beginners can use it to paint very well. It is also best to have several ready, as it can happen that they are attacked and damaged by the solvents.
- As with all painting and varnishing work, it is first important that the surface to be treated for tiling is clean, grease-free and dry. In this case, the best way to achieve this is with a soap or vinegar cleaner or you can use a special tile cleaner.
- If there is silicone in the movement joints, you should remove it before painting the tiles. To do this, use a sharp knife or silicone remover. These joints are finally filled again. If the silicone joints are still in good condition, this procedure is not necessary.
Use joint white
Since cracks can also appear in the other joints over time, you should check them all. If you notice any of these, it is important to repair them before you start painting the tiles. To do this, use joint white. You can also paint over the joints with the varnish. But you can achieve a nice effect by highlighting them with a different color. But this happens after the tiles have been painted.
Clear out furniture
In the other rooms you usually have the option of removing all or at least a large part of the furniture from the room in order to protect it from paint splashes. However, this is not the case in the bathroom, as the tub, shower and toilet are permanently installed and cannot even be moved around. To protect these, but also the floor, from drips when painting tiles, spread a protective film. You also have the option of painting the sanitary facilities with the same paint. Of course, if you want to do that, it is enough to just cover the fittings such as taps.
What else needs to be taken into account
- In addition to the actual paint, you also need a primer for painting tiles. Epoxy resin paints are preferred for both. The primer is applied before the paint. Then let them dry thoroughly. Depending on the primer, this can take at least 16 hours. But be sure and read the manufacturer's information carefully.
- Check the joints before priming! You do this with the sealing varnish. If you notice that it beads up, it means that the joints are not suitable for painting. In this case you have two options to choose from. Either you tape them off and leave them out when painting the tiles. However, if you want the joints to be painted, you can simply replace them with a suitable joint material.
- Epoxy resin paints for painting tiles consist of two components – the paint and a hardener. These are mixed well together. Then let the mixture rest and work for about 15 minutes, then mix it well again. (Check this with the manufacturer's information beforehand. There may be differences between different brands.)
- The following applies to all painting work: work from left to right (like when writing) and from top to bottom. If you start painting the tiles at the bottom, it can happen that splashes from the upper area fall onto the already painted lower area and create unsightly drips that can ruin your entire work.
Apply a few coats evenly
Good coverage when painting tiles is achieved if you apply a second coat, or even a third coat for very dark tiles. A drying phase of at least 12 hours is necessary between the individual coats. But if you like the effect that occurs when the old color shines through the new, you can of course leave it at that. Once you've completely finished painting the tiles, that doesn't mean that the bathroom can be used again immediately . The paint must first harden properly and this takes up to three days. The silicone is renewed and the joints can be filled with joint white or another color.
The care afterwards
The varnish you have applied is of course more sensitive than the original color of the tiles. For this reason, milder cleaning agents are now necessary that do not damage the paint. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Refresh the bathroom and other rooms with paint
Of course, you can also paint the tiles in other rooms. This is a great way to freshen up your kitchen or laundry room. Even if painting tiles is not a complicated process on the whole, it is recommended that you seek advice from a specialist when purchasing, as there can be differences with different paints and the drying periods can also be different.
