How to Paint Kitchen Tiles

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are your kitchen tiles worn out or dated, or do they no longer fit with your modern decorations? If you're looking for a fresh look, painting the tiles can be a surprisingly easy and inexpensive option. While you need to take care of some simple prep work and choose the right products, painting kitchen tiles is a relatively simple project for the novice DIYer. You’ll be amazed at how different your kitchen looks and how well the paintwork lasts.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Preparing the Tiles

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You don't want to get paint splashed on your benchtops, floors, or walls, so take some time to cover any areas that you want to protect with a painter's drop cloth or an old sheet.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Any cooking splatters or grime on the tiles will prevent the primer and paint from adhering properly. To get a perfectly smooth finish, give the tiled area a thorough clean with a tile-cleaning product, or use sugar soap and a scouring cloth. [1]
    • You can also make a paste from an oxygen bleach powder like OxiClean. Scrub the surface of the tile with a scrub brush dipped in the paste, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse or wipe it completely clean with water. [2]
    • If you see any mold, you can remove it by applying a fungicidal spray. [3]
    • Scraping out and replacing any grout that is in poor condition before you start will give the best finish.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the surface is dry, lightly sand the tiles to score the surface, using 220 grit sandpaper for ceramic tiles. [4] This will remove any glaze and help the new paint to adhere better. Once the surface is sanded, you'll need to wipe away any remaining dust or grit with a damp cloth. Leave the tiles to dry completely for 24 hours; after all the preparation work, you really want to make sure the paint will stick.
    • Using an electric sander will make the job quick and easy if you have a large area. [5]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Priming the Tiles

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use painter’s tape to mark out your specific area, making sure you use long runs of tape to give you a straighter edge and pressing down firmly. When you have finished masking the edges, give the tiles a final quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove all the dust, and leave the area for an hour to ensure it is completely dry.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Purchase primer from your local hardware or paint store and apply it evenly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the primer to dry and cure; drying times can vary a lot so check the instructions on your specific product carefully. [6]
    • Choosing the right primer for your specific tiles will ensure you get the best result.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the primer has cured, lightly sand the surface of the tiles again and wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. The cleaner your surface area, the better the paint will adhere. Now you’re ready for painting.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Painting the Tiles

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose a high-quality latex, oil, or epoxy paint that will adhere properly to the surface of your tiles. [7]
    • Epoxy is generally the most durable and appropriate for ceramic tiles around your kitchen sink or floor. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a paintbrush to paint the edges and hard-to-reach areas, like corners, first. If you have a large surface to paint, use a roller for covering the tiles more quickly. To avoid any overlapping brush strokes, start in one corner and work your brush strokes or roller down the tiles, then across the area or wall.
    • A roller won’t get into the grout, so make sure you apply the paint with a brush here as well. [9]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid11053419-v4-728px-Paint-Kitchen-Tiles-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rather than applying a thick coat, it’s better to be patient and apply several thin coats allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. [10] Finally, perform the finishing touches by removing the painter’s tape carefully and allowing the final coat to properly cure for two to three days before you use the area.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you clean kitchen tiles?
    Art Fricke
    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
    Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.
    Art Fricke
    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I generally recommend a product like OxiClean. Mix it with a little water to make a paste, and scrub the tile and grout with the paste using a stiff nylon scrub brush. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or so, then rinse or wipe it completely clean with water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • To avoid the paint peeling and dating quickly, choose the right tiles for your makeover and opt for areas that aren’t subject to high traffic or high moisture.
        Thanks
      • Wear disposable gloves if you want to avoid getting any paint stains on your hands.
        Thanks
      • Consider the material when selecting paint. For instance, if painting ceramic tiles on floors and kitchen countertops, you should make sure the paint you select works on ceramic.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Mosaic Table Top
      Tiling a Shower: Prep, Installation, and Finishing Touches
      How to
      Plan Tile Layout
      How to
      Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
      How to
      Remove Thinset
      How to
      Lay Tile on Concrete
      How to
      Identify Asbestos Tiles
      How to
      Extend an Outlet for a Backsplash
      How to
      Replace Bathroom Tiles
      How to
      Tile a Wall
      How to
      Lay Peel and Stick Tile
      How to
      Stain Ceramic Tile
      How to
      Hang Tiles on a Wall
      How to
      Remove Welding Burn Marks from Tiles
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a674341/the-quickest-way-to-clean-kitchen-tiles-clean/
      2. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-paint-tiles
      4. ↑ https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-sand-ceramic-tiles
      5. ↑ https://www.drivenbydecor.com/how-painting-bathrooms-ceramic-tile-floors-diy/
      6. ↑ https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-paint-tiles
      7. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/paint-over-old-ceramic-kitchen-tile-18049728.php
      8. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/paint-over-old-ceramic-kitchen-tile-18049728.php
      9. ↑ https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-paint-tiles
      1. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/paint-over-old-ceramic-kitchen-tile-18049728.php

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,602 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement