If you can paint walls, why can’t you paint tile? The truth is, you can! It just might not produce the results you’re looking for. Tile refinishing is an effective way to refresh the appearance of tiles, but tile painting isn’t the best long-term solution. Read on to see if painting tiles is the right option for you.
Painting Tile vs. Refinishing Tile
Before we discuss if tile painting is a good idea, we need to make an important clarification. Tile painting should not be confused with tile refinishing. Tile painting typically refers to a DIY paint job with minimum prep work. The results are sketchy, unpredictable, and easily damaged. Tile refinishing is a professional process that uses special tools and glazes to adhere a thick, durable glaze to the tile. This is extremely durable and long-lasting compared to tile painting.
If you want to change the look of your tile without replacing it, we highly recommend tile refinishing. You can customize the colors to suit your home décor, and you can save a ton of money in home renovations. Contact Maryland Tub and Tile today to learn how affordable tile refinishing can be!
Consider Where the Tile Is Located before Painting
The biggest drawback to tile paint is that it scratches and chips easily. The products you can purchase over the counter don’t have the same grip that professional tile refinishing has. Think about the location of the tile before you paint it. If it is in a high traffic area, like the floor or right behind your stove, the tile paint isn’t going to last long. If it is in an area with minimal use, the tile paint won’t be subject to as much wear and tear.
Beware of Tile Stenciling
Tile stenciling became a big trend on Pinterest within the last few years. The images make it look as though you can turn your basic tile into patterned tile just by stippling some paint on it. That’s simply not the case. For starters, you have to make sure you buy the right tile paint to adhere to the tile but still cooperate well with the stencil. The stenciling process is also extremely time consuming, and there is little room for error. Most homeowners get frustrated after three or four tiles, and then they feel trapped in a project they don’t want to complete.
Save yourself the headache and explore alternative options. If you want patterned tile but don’t want to refinish or replace the tile, the best option would be a heavy-duty peel and stick tile. This is still going to be a labor intensive installation process, and the tiles won’t withstand long-term exposure to water. You’ll probably spend about $2-3 per 12″x12″ tile, so factor that into the project as well. Tile refinishing may be more affordable, and it will save you days of labor.
Does Tile Refinishing Last Long?
With proper maintenance, tile refinishing can last for 10+ years! It all depends on how you clean and care for the tile. Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching, and do frequent cleaning so grime doesn’t build up on the tile. The tile refinishing process covers both the grout and the tile, so you don’t have to meticulously scrub your grout lines. For a tiny investment, you can have a brand new bathroom that looks great for years to come.
If you’re interested in tile refinishing (the durable alternative to painting tiles), contact Maryland Tub and Tile at 877-717-8827. We will gladly schedule an in-person quote to go over your options.
