Photo by Kristof Bellens ( Shutterstock)A glaring eyesore is tile that has been out of date. Perhaps the tile isn't up to date since the 70s or it doesn't suit your taste. It is possible to retile your house yourself. However, it will require extensive research as well as a lot of equipment and supplies, including a wetsaw for cutting tiles. The whole process can seem overwhelming to a novice DIYer. Although you could hire a professional to remove and replace the old tiles, this comes with a price. You have another option: Give the old a fresh coat of paint.AdvertisementHow to prepare old tiles for paintingYour tile may be in great shape, but it is just old and needs some TLC. You only need to scrub the tile. You will need to fill in any scratches or nicks on the tile. This job requires a putty knife, caulking, and some elbow grease.Before you begin filling the holes with tile, ensure that the tiles are thoroughly cleaned and free of dirt, grime or other debris. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the tile. After the tile has dried completely, use your putty to smoothen any cracks or holes. Make sure to wipe off any excess glue so that the tile's face is even. Use a sander to smoothen the tiles after the caulking has dried.Guide to priming and painting tilesOnce the tiles have been cleaned and re-filled, it is time to paint. Two types of paint are available that will adhere to hard surfaces. Epoxy and latex paints are the best for painting bricks, concrete, and tiles. Although latex paint is less toxic, it is more susceptible to damage in areas that are exposed to water, such as the bathroom and kitchen backsplashes. Although epoxy paint is limited in color options, it can withstand moisture and humidity making it a durable choice for bathroom tiles and floors. You should have adequate ventilation to avoid breathing in the fumes of epoxy paint.Primer must be applied before you apply any paint. Primer is a special mix that allows paint to adhere to surfaces. After the primer dries you will need to apply a base coat. The base coat is the layer of epoxy or latex that you choose. To save time and effort, some brands offer both a primer coat and a base coat.Once the base coat has dried, apply a topcoat. For a longer-lasting paint color and greater durability, the top coat is applied. This is particularly important for tile that is frequently used in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. Rustoleum suggests that the top coat be applied at least six hours after it has dried. This will allow the paint to dry completely before you begin the next layer. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before you can enjoy your new space.Advertisement
