How to Paint Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone tile is one of the popular materials for flooring, walkways and patios and even for roofing. While it does come in a variety of colors that result from the thousands of years it took to form in the earth, after a while the color starts to dull and doesn’t seem as vibrant as it once was. Natural stone lasts and lasts, which is why you really do need to keep the floor looking new. The good news is that you can paint natural stone tile. The bad news is that you cannot paint it different colors like you can the walls of your home. However, applying a sealant can make a world of difference to the look of your floors or walkways.

What you'll need

• Pressure washer for outdoor surfaces
• Cleaning materials suitable for inside stone floors
• Paint tray and roller
• Natural stone sealant
• Primer and paint for natural stone

Step 1 – Clean the Tile

Whether you want to paint natural stone tile that is indoors or out, you first have to make sure that is clean. Sweep the tiles with a broom and pick up all the dust. Use a vacuum cleaner if you really want to make sure you get all the dust off the tiles. Then you need to wash the tiles. If you intend to paint natural stone tile that is outside, the easiest way to clean it is to use a pressure washer. The tile must be clean so that no dust or dirt will remain and show through the paint when it is dry.

For inside cleaning, remove all the furniture from the room so that there won’t be anything in your way. You do need to use special cleaners for the stone tile, but you already know this if you have had stone floors for a while. Mop the floor with the cleaner and let it dry.

Step 2 – Seal the Stone

Before you start painting the natural stone you do have to apply a sealant. You can purchase this sealant at home improvement or flooring stores. Shake the can vigorously before you open it, even though it has probably been well shaken at the floor. Open the can and pour out some of it into the paint tray. Attach a broom handle to the paint roller to make the work easier on your back. Paint the floor with the sealant in the same way as you would paint a wall. Then you must let the sealant dry thoroughly, which could take a few hours.

Step 3 – Inspect the Look of the Natural Stone

As the sealant is drying on the floor, inspect it very carefully to make sure that you have covered all areas and that there are no spaces that look duller than the others. If everything is to your satisfaction, all you have to do is sit back and wait. Allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to dry completely before you walk on the tiles or move any furniture back into the room. If you do notice any imperfections, you may have to repeat the process.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com