What you’ll need
- Tile Cleaner
- Rubber Gloves
- Protective Mask and Garments
- Painters Tape
- Sponge
- Scrubber
- Sander
- Rags
- Quick Dry Adhesive
- Caulk
- Quick-Dying Epoxy
- Paint Brush
- Artist Brush
- Paint Primer
- High-Gloss Paint
- Water-based Clear Urethane Paint
Step 1 – Clean the Tiles and Prepare the Area
Safety first: The materials you will be using are normally hazardous with prolonged exposure. Be sure to maintain good ventilation in the area where you work. Wear a face mask and rubber gloves.
Wet the area with a small amount of water and a heavy duty tile cleaner, then clean it briskly to remove grease, dirt, mold, etc. Ensure all areas are cleaned thoroughly to get rid of bacteria or fungus that would eat up the paint from below. Wash the area thoroughly and let it dry.
Use electric sander to remove the original “shiny” coating of the tile surface. Clean the area thoroughly again, to prevent dust and other small particles from causing ugly bubbles on your paint.
Step 2 – Rework Tile Imperfections
Rework imperfections on the tiles before starting to do the paint work. Use quick-drying epoxy on tile cracks and caulk on chipped portions of the tiles. Be sure to let the reworked area dry up completely. Re-apply grout to cracked places. Let these applications dry for 2 days. Secure painter’s tape as edging over areas not intended for painting.
Step 3 – Apply the Acrylic Paint Primer
Apply the acrylic paint primer using the paint brush. Cover all areas evenly with thin single strokes. Be sure to cover even the recessed portions occupied by grout. Let the paint primer dry overnight. Repeat this process one more time before you apply your gloss paint.
Step 4 – Apply the High Gloss Paint
Apply the high gloss paint the same way as you applied the primer. Use the artist brush to apply contrasting paint into the grout. Use the artist brush to make fine lines or shapes, if you desire, on the tile surface. Make this the fun part as you decide how your tile surface should appear. After applying the high gloss paint, let it dry completely.
Step 5 – Apply the Water-based Clear Urethane Paint
Apply the water-based urethane paint using paint brush. The urethane paint produces a hard coating on the surface that will make it last for years. Make thin layers, applying several applications to ensure a finer finish. Applying layers of paint on the surface of your tile can also help protect your tile.
Step 6 – Finishing up
After applying the gloss paint, keep whatever leftover paint you have in a safe place. If you have kids at home, make sure that you store your left-over paints in a place where your kids cannot reach them.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
