How To Paint Tile Floors

Tile floor paint is an affordable alternative to replacing an outdated floor. It can also be a time-saving solution, since you can paint your tile floor in a single weekend. Before you get started, it’s a good idea to learn more about the process to help ensure your project goes smoothly.

Can You Paint Tile Floors With Wall Paint?

When planning a tile floor painting project, it’s important to choose a paint that’s specially designed for floors. Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating is a durable interior floor paint that’s made to withstand foot traffic and resist stains and scratches. This floor paint does not require primer, even when you’re painting over a dark color. Simply apply the base coat color of your choice and then protect it with a Rust-Oleum HOME top coat.

What Prep Work Is Needed Before Painting Tile Floors?

Before you begin painting your tile floor, it’s important to do a little prep work. First, make sure your floor is clean. Wiping it down with Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaseris an easy way to remove dirt and debris. If your floor has been waxed, that will also need to be removed before you paint it. Once the floor is thoroughly clean, let it dry.

Next, you’ll want to protect any surrounding areas that you don’t plan to paint. Placing painter’s tape along the borders of your tile will help prevent them from accidentally getting painted. Areas to protect include baseboards and the bottoms of cabinets.

Before painting the entire floor, it’s important to test the paint’s adhesion. To do this, apply the paint to a clean, 3-inch-by-3-inch section of the floor and let it dry for 12 hours. Then use a utility knife to cut an “X” shape through the coating. Firmly press a piece of duct tape over the X and surrounding area, then quickly pull it off. If the floor paint remains on the tile, you’re ready to paint the rest of the floor. But if the tape pulls off more than 10 percent of the floor coating, you’ll need to sand the surface of the floor before coating it.

How Do You Apply Tile Floor Paint?

Before you begin to paint the tile, take a look around the room. You’ll want to start with sections of tile that are furthest from the doorway and work your way out. Use a high quality, 3/8-inch nap roller cover to apply the base coat of Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating in 4-foot-by-4-foot sections, maintaining a wet edge while rolling. Just one coat of tile paint is needed, and you can apply the top coat of tile paint after six hours.

If you need to touch up any areas after applying the base coat, let the first coat dry for six hours before touching up using the remaining paint. Then let the touched-up areas dry for an hour or two before applying the top coat, following the same method you used for the base coat.

In some cases, you may want to apply a second top coat for added protection and durability. If you want to add another top coat, allow the first top coat to dry to the touch – typically one or two hours – before adding the final coat. The final coat must be applied within 24 hours of the first one.

Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours before walking on the painted tile, and wait 72 hours before placing furniture in the room, avoiding dragging it on the floor when you do. Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating fully cures in seven days, so it’s a good idea to take precautions and avoid cleaning the painted floor during the first week.

Can You Stencil Paint a Tile Floor?

Stencil painted designs are a great way to add additional visual appeal to your floor. If you’ve just applied Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating, wait at least six hours for the base coat to dry before adding a stenciled design. The base coat might still feel tacky after six hours, so it’s a good idea to wear socks while walking on the floor.

Can I Paint Tile Grout?

Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating can be used to paint tile grout, which makes your project easier and results in a uniform color across your entire floor. The paint also adheres to non-silicone, paintable caulk. However, if you plan to replace the caulk, it’s best to remove the old caulk before painting the floor and then apply new caulk after your tile floor paint is dry.

What Other Kinds of Floors Can I Paint?

Many types of floors can be refinished with specialty floor paint. In addition to tile, Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating can be used to paint wood, laminate, concrete, vinyl and linoleum floors. That makes floor paint a great solution for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and more.

How Do You Clean Painted Tile Floors?

A tile floor newly painted with Rust-Oleum HOME takes seven days to fully cure, so it’s important not to wash it during that time. After your tile paint is completely cured, it can be cleaned with mild soap and water or a general purpose cleaner such as Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaser.

If your floor is in need of an update, floor paint could be the perfect solution. Whether you’re painting tile, linoleum or another type of floor, a little prep work and careful application can help you enjoy its refinished appearance for years to come.