I've got some standard off-white ceramic tiles on my bathroom floor that are about 15 years old, and I'm not ready to replace them just yet. I want to paint them a slate color and also recolor the grout. How can I do this effectively without it becoming messy later when I decide to remodel? I need something durable since this bathroom gets a lot of use, especially with my Great Dane taking baths there. Just to clarify, these tiles are not in the tub area, so no worries about waterproofing.
4 Answers
I recommend trying out Concrete Paint, or Masonry Paint, in a small area first to see how it looks. It should apply well to both tile and grout, particularly if you go for a flat finish—not gloss, because slipping can be a real issue. When giving your dog a bath, laying down a rubber mat can help protect the floor too.
I’ve painted tile floors before and it worked out pretty well. You want to start by sanding the tiles lightly to create some texture, then clean them thoroughly with something effective (Barkeepers Friend is great). After that, apply a high-adhesion primer and let everything dry before painting. If you're worried about scratches, you might want to add a polyurethane layer, but be cautious as it could make the surface too slippery!
Honestly, most people say the best route is just to stick with the original color until you're ready for a full remodel. From what I've seen, paint doesn't adhere well to tiles no matter how much you prep them. I once saw someone try it in a flipped house, and it didn’t hold up too well, especially on floors where wear and tear is high.
If you're really set on painting, consider using epoxy paint. It seems durable and might be your best option! Just keep in mind that it could make you want to do the full remodel sooner, especially if you're going dark over light—chips will really stand out!