Suzanne Jayne Lawson...: Painting the Tiles

I recently had a discussion with several people about tile paint and it raised many questions.
Doest it work?
Is it waterproof?
Is it easy to do?
Does it look good?

I carried out some research on the web and got mixed reviews; some said it was great, others said it was awful. I offered my services pro bono to paint the tiles in a small bathroom. Would I do it again? Absolutely NOT! I have never felt so stressed whilst carrying out a project in all my life!!

The end result does look good, and to be fair to the paint manufacturers, it does work BUT if you want my advice, save up and have the area re-tiled. I wouldn't offer this service to paying clients because the stress for me is just far to huge.

If you fancy having a go yourself, here are some tips that I picked up along the way but please bear in mind, this project is not for the faint hearted! : -

(1) The paint is NOT gloss paint, so don't think you can treat it like it is or use it in that way. In fact, I started to think of the paint as 'liquid ceramic'. If you despise gloss painting you will detest using this paint so if I was you; I'd get saving for new tiles.

(2) You must work very quickly and constantly with your brush. My arms and shoulders were in agony by the time I'd finished. Don't stop for a coffee break half way through the job; you must keep going.

(3) The paint pretty much sticks to the tiles INSTANTLY upon application (hence why I say you need to work quickly in (2) above). Have a few brushes on stand by so that you can change when the brush becomes clogged up with paint.

(4) Don't be fooled by the "One Coat" instructions on the tin. That is not true and you will need to do two coats. I found by doing one coat (to cover tiles from cream to white) the paint was too thick and started to run and it is impossible to paint out the runs. Its best to do one thin coat, let it settle for an hour or so then go back and do your thicker coat.

(5) If you do get a run or an imperfection the only way to rectify it is to put some white spirit (or brush cleaner) on a clean cloth and rub the area; re-load your paint brush and re-paint.

(6) Do not make the mistake I made and try to use a roller designed for gloss paint. It just doesn't work.

This bathroom was changed dramatically for around £100 (materials only*). If I'd been charging I would have charged approximately £200.

If you have a few tiles as a splash back in kitchen (for example) it will be fine but I wouldn't recommend it for larger areas such as a full wall in a bathroom.

As for the "waterproof" aspect...surprisingly this does work and the tile (when painted) does look like a tile and not just as if something is painted on the top. How it weathers and how it will clean, I'm not sure yet but will keep you updated over the coming months.

As for my nerves? I'm fine now after a 2 hour yoga session and a good sleep!!

Suzanne

Materials used for this project

White tile paint from Ronseal from B and Q; after one application I realised we needed another but wanted to try something else so bought International Tile Paint from Homebase. I did prefer the International Tile Paint for my second coat but not sure if that was because I was getting used to using the paint or not.

All brushes, white spirit, brush cleaner etc was purchased from B and Q as was the floor tiles and chipboard laid in advance.