Download Article
Download Article
If you want to give your slate tile a brighter color than most glazes can supply, your best option is to paint it. Painting slate tile requires more preparation because of its non-porous surface. But with the right materials, like painter's caulk, primer, and a latex or epoxy-based paint, you can create a strong, durable paint coat. Once you've painted and sealed the slate, your tile's color will last for months or years to come!
Steps
-
Wash the slate tile with bleach and water. In a bucket, mix a solution of bleach and water at a ratio of 1 c (0.24 L) of bleach per 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. Dip a sponge or washcloth in the solution and scrub your tile in circular motions, removing any visible dirt or grime as you work from one end of the tile to the other. [1] X Research source
- Towel or air dry the tile before applying any paint.
-
Inspect your tile for bumps or uneven areas. Sand down any bumps with fine-grit sandpaper to make the surface even. If you notice any dips or cracks, coat the tile in an epoxy sealant before applying any paint. [2] X Research source- Epoxy is a durable tile sealant that can hold uneven tiles together and keep your paint coats smooth. You can buy epoxy sealants from most home improvement stores.
- If you apply epoxy to one tile, apply it to the rest as well for visual consistency.
Advertisement -
Cover any parts of the tile you don't want to paint with tape. If you want to paint part of the tile or make a pattern, block out any parts you need unpainted with painter's tape. Spread a plastic tarp over the ground surrounding the tile if you're only painting certain tiles, securing it in place with tape or weighted objects. [3] X Research source
- Wear gloves to keep your hands clean and dry while painting the tile.
- If you want to paint a complex pattern, make a stencil and tape it in place over the tile. [4] X Research source
-
Make or choose a well-ventilated area while painting your tile. Open any windows and doors in the room if you're painting slate floor tiles. For slate tiles that are not adhered to the floor, paint the tile outside or near open windows.
- Wear a respirator while you're painting if you're sensitive to strong smells.
- If you feel dizzy or lightheaded while painting the slate tile, exit the room until you feel better and contact Poison Control if you experience nausea or vomiting.
Advertisement
-
Coat the tile with a thin layer of painter's caulk. Painter's caulk helps the primer and paint adhere better to the slate surface. Squeeze the painter's caulk around the tile's surface and spread it around with your fingers until you achieve a thin, even coating. [5] X Research source
- The caulk coating should be thin and translucent for an even coat. Scrape off any excess caulk with a razor.
- If you notice any dips or bumps, smooth them with sandpaper or epoxy before applying the caulk.
- Unlike primer and paint, you don't have to wait for painter's caulk to dry.
-
Spread a thin layer of primer over the caulk. Using a paint brush or a spray can, depending on the container, cover the tile from one side to the other. Apply the primer in thin, long strokes for an even coating.
- Use a paint primer that is specifically made for painting tiles for a strong blond. [6] X Research source
- Let the primer dry for 30-60 minutes before applying the paint.
-
Add the first coat of paint to the tile. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply a coat of paint in long, even strokes. With minimal overlapping, work your way from one end of the tile to the other. [7] X Research source
- Latex or epoxy paint generally adheres best on slate tiles.
- If the paint has a hard time spreading, add small amounts of paint thinner until you reach an easier consistency to work with.
-
Apply 2-3 more layers of paint. Letting each layer dry for 30-60 minutes apply additional layers of paint using the same method you did to add the first one. The more coats you apply, the brighter and more opaque your tile's color will be.
Advertisement
-
Let your slate tile cure for 48 hours. After you've applied the last coat, leave your tile undisturbed and let it dry for about 2 days. Avoid stepping on or touching the tile until it has tried completely.
- If you accidentally touch or step on the tile before it's dried, check it for smudges. You may have to apply an additional coat of paint and let it cure for another 48 hours.
-
Peel off the painter's tape and inspect your work. Once the tile has dried, peel off any painter's tape and check your tile for imperfections. If you see any smudges or uneven areas, or if you're not satisfied with the color's brightness, apply another layer of paint and leave it again to cure. [8] X Research source
-
Apply 2-3 coats of a water-based urethane sealant. With a paintbrush or roller, use long, even strokes to coat the entire surface in paint sealant. Let the sealant dry for about 30-60 minutes between layers before applying an additional coat. [9] X Research source
- Re-apply the sealant every 6 months to protect your tile and paint coats from damage. [10] X Research source
-
Finished.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- If you're painting an entire floor of slate tiles, work your way from the back of the room to the door. This will allow you to paint the entire floor in one day without damaging your paint job.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Water
- Sponge
- Wash cloth
- Painter's tape
- Painter's caulk
- Tile paint primer
- Latex or epoxy paint
- Water-based urethane sealant
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Epoxy sealant (optional)
- Stencil(optional)
- Plastic tarp (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-tile/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-tile/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmgNd7f2t3U&feature=youtu.be&t=20
- ↑ https://remingtonavenue.com/the-girl-who-painted-her-tile.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmgNd7f2t3U&feature=youtu.be&t=39
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/changing-color-tile
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-tile/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmgNd7f2t3U&feature=youtu.be&t=100
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-tile/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Painting your slate tile can give it a brighter color than most glazes, and you can do it yourself in a few days. First, clean your tiles with diluted bleach and a sponge or washcloth. Once it's dry, apply a thin layer of painter's caulk, then a thin layer of primer on top to help the paint stick. Leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes, then apply your first coat of paint with a brush or roller. Latex and epoxy paint are generally best for slate tiles. Let your paint dry for at least another 30 minutes, then apply 2 to 3 more layers to make the paint brighter. When you’ve finished painting, leave the tiles to cure for 48 hours. Finally, apply 2 to 3 coats of a water-based urethane sealant, leaving each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes. For more tips, including how to protect sections you don’t want painted, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 104,317 times.
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
