How to Paint Porcelain Tile

  • 2-6 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 150-250
What You'll Need
Commercial porcelain cleaner
Paintbrushes
Sponge
Sealing primer
Flat paint
Washcloths
Paper towels
Sealing primer
Commercial porcelain cleaner
Painter's tape
Broom and dustpan
Feather duster
Mini vac
Breathing mask
Safety goggles
What You'll Need
Commercial porcelain cleaner
Paintbrushes
Sponge
Sealing primer
Flat paint
Washcloths
Paper towels
Sealing primer
Commercial porcelain cleaner
Painter's tape
Broom and dustpan
Feather duster
Mini vac
Breathing mask
Safety goggles

If you've been looking for a great way to touch up your home's kitchen or bathroom, you should look into painting your porcelain tile. Applying a fresh coat of paint to porcelain tile is a very easy and cost effective way to breathe new life into certain areas of your home.

Step 1 - Clean Your Tiles

You will need to administer a thorough cleaning before proceeding to paint your porcelain tile. Begin this process by using a mini vac and/or a broom and dustpan to remove all traces of dust from your tiles. Incorporate the aid of a feather duster to remove dust from crevices and other difficult-to-reach areas.

After you've successfully rid your tiles of dust, spray them down with a commercial porcelain cleaner, such as Draper or Cameo, and allow the cleaner to sit for the amount of time specified on the packaging. Once the cleaner has set in, use a sponge or washcloth to give the tiles a vigorous scrubbing.

Should you encounter any particularly nasty stains, you may need to use a scrub brush and put forth a little extra elbow grease. When the tiles have been fully cleaned, use a spray bottle full of warm water to rinse off any remaining traces of your cleaner, then dry the floor with a washcloth or absorbent paper towels.

Step 2 - Sand Your Tiles

Having cleaned your tiles, you're ready to sand them in preparation for your primer application. For best results, this step should be carried out with the aid of a belt sander. If you don't have access to one of these tools, they can typically be rented from hardware and home improvement stores for a reasonable price.

When performing this step, use your sander to lightly sand down the tiled area you're working with, making it easier for your primer to adhere. Once the entire area has been sanded, use a mini vac and/or a broom and dustpan to pick up any resulting dust or debris. Then, for good measure, wipe the area down with a dampened washcloth or paper towel.

Step 3 - Apply Your Primer

Now that your surface has been sanded, it's time to apply primer to your porcelain tile. Begin this step by sealing off the area in between the tiles with painter's tape, then don a breathing mask and a pair of safety goggles and make sure the area in which you are working is properly ventilated.

Next, use a paintbrush to carefully apply a coat of primer to each one of your tiles in smooth, even strokes. Once your primer has been applied, allow it to full dry before proceeding with the next step. Drying time varies between brands, but you can generally expect to wait between 6 and 8 hours.

Step 4 - Paint Your Porcelain Tile

After giving your primer ample time to dry, it will be safe to begin applying your paint. Using a clean paintbrush, apply paint to your tiles in the exact same manner you applied your primer. Once the first coat has been applied, allow it to dry, then add your second coat. When the second coat has fully dried, use a clean paintbrush to apply a coat of polyurethane gloss to the tiles for added protection against the elements. After the gloss has fully dried, apply a second coat.