How to choose a paint for kitchen tiles?

Tile paint is an excellent alternative to give a new look to the kitchen without spending too much. Learn about its main benefits.

Tile paint has become the perfect ally for those who they want to make reforms in the home without suffering the ravages of the rubble. It is a fast, cheap and simple option. And the best of all is that it is a quality alternative and with infinite colors to choose from.

So if you have had the same color of tiles in your kitchen for decades and you want to give them a more modern touch, a coat of paint will be the perfect solution to renew their image and completely change the environment. If you want to learn how to do it, read on.

Tips for choosing the ideal tile paint

Remodeling the home is an arduous task that brings great benefits, but also a couple of drawbacks. For this reason, it is necessary that we inform ourselves as much as possible about what we want to do.

These are the main questions and recommendations that you should take into account when choosing the tile paint with which you will give your kitchen a new image.

1. Can all kinds of tile be painted?

The answer is yes. It does not matter if your tile is very old, if it has textures or is of an intense color. You can give them a new life with a coat of paint.

The only essential rule is that they are perfectly clean and free of any grease or dust. Especially when we are talking about remodeling the kitchen.

2. What tile paint is ideal?

Without a doubt, Enamel is the paint that has the most benefits when painting tiles. This is because it has better adhesion and a glossier and more durable end result.

In addition, it is marketed in various finishes (matte, gloss and satin) and oil-based (synthetic enamel) or water-based (acrylic enamel).

• Advantages of synthetic enamel: It is ideal for giving a glossy finish and is highly resistant to moisture, which makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. It dries quickly and stains can be removed with turpentine or solvent. The white color, over time, tends to turn yellowish.
• Advantages of acrylic enamel: its finish is much less shiny, however, it is very resistant to stains and does not turn yellow. It dries slower and residue can be removed with soap and water. Does not contain solvents.

3. How should the tiles be cleaned before painting?

An excellent degreaser accompanied by a scourer for tiles It is more than enough. Remember that the joints of the tiles will also be painted, so you must completely remove any traces of grease or dirt that may be on the entire surface.

You can mix a little bleach with water and help yourself with a toothbrush. Remember that everything must be impeccable.

4. Should you prime before painting?

Is named prime to the act of giving a coat of primer paint to the tile before painting it. This layer acts as primer or glue so that the enamel layer takes much better and lasts longer. It is known in the market as off road primer.

And although many enamel brands say that it is not necessary to prime before, it is best to give this layer of help. Tiles that have only one coat of enamel tend to last less and require more painting than those that have the primer coat.

5. How should I paint the tiles?

After you have chosen your tile paint you will realize that this kind of paint is very thick. So before you use it you must stir it very well with a wooden stick. You can also close it and turn the paint jar upside down until the color is completely mixed.

Tiles for kitchens and bathrooms are often painted with small brushes and rollers to make the task more comfortable. Each tool brings its particularities in the final product:

• With the brush you will get an effect vintage by noticing the tiny strokes of the bristles.
• The roller will give you a non-textured, modern finish.

With all the materials ready start working in small areas so you don’t splash paint other parts. Be patient and try to give an even layer over the entire surface. If you didn’t apply the primer coat, you may need to apply a second coat of color.

6. How long will it take for the paint to dry?

It all depends on the brand you are using and the type of polish. Acrylic dries slower than synthetic enamel.. It is a process that requires patience.

In general, within 3 weeks the enamel should be completely dry. Try to keep the entire kitchen clean and in perfect condition so that the final result is as expected.

7. How should I clean the glazed tiles?

The first weeks you should not clean the area that you enamelled. This is essential, since it is necessary to give it a reasonable time to heal and avoid spoiling all the hard work you did.

After 3 or 4 weeks you can clean the tiles, but always gently and with sponges and rags. Never with scouring pads, wire sponges or spatulas. You have to remember that you only applied a layer of color, not a new tile, so be careful.

8. How long does the paint last?

It all depends on the precautions you took when painting and the care you give the tiles afterwards. If you cleaned the area properly before painting it, gave it a coat of primer and used a good quality enamel, must remain in perfect condition for several years before requiring another coat.

Is it worth painting the tiles?

If you want to give your kitchen a new look without spending a lot of money or causing a mess, tile paint is an excellent alternative to accomplish that task. However, you must bear in mind that the final work and its duration they are based on the precautions and care you take.

This is one ancient technique. So if it catches your attention, keep all these tips in mind and go ahead and renovate the kitchen.

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