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how do you paint subway tiles

by Claire Towne IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Best Way to Paint Subway Tiles.

  • Painting the Tiles. Use an oil or urethane-based paint to cover the subway tiles. Begin with an angled paintbrush and cut in the sides of the tiles.
  • Painting the Grout Joints.
  • Seal the Job.

Part of a video titled How to Paint a Tile Backsplash | Ask This Old House - YouTube
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Full Answer

How to tile corners with subway tile?

Master the Art Of Subway Tile

  • Tile wainscoting. Adding tile wainscoting is a perfect way to change the look of a bathroom. ...
  • Plan the layout. ...
  • Draw layout lines. ...
  • Spread the mastic. ...
  • Set the full tiles. ...
  • Mark the end tiles. ...
  • Cut the end tiles. ...
  • Smooth the cut end. ...
  • Miter the top cap. ...
  • Install the mitered cap. ...

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What are the different types of subway tiles?

  • Glazed: Features liquid glass coating that helps resist stains, scratches, fire and fading.
  • Unglazed: No coating; even color all the way through; must be treated to resist stains.
  • Ideal for high-traffic areas; used for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms. ...
  • Rated based on the amount of moisture it absorbs.
  • Cost-effective and easy to maintain.

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How to paint subway tiles?

  • 2-3 rolls of painter’s tape
  • high gloss paint for the actual tiles ( I used Behr Premium plus in crisp linen white- high gloss)
  • eggshell paint for the grout lines ( I used Behr Premium Plus in garden wall- eggshell)
  • A long level
  • A yardstick
  • A pencil

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Can you paint subway tiles?

Use an oil or urethane-based paint to cover the subway tiles. Begin with an angled paintbrush and cut in the sides of the tiles. Carefully stroke from the outside edge inward around the perimeter of each tile separately. Hold the paintbrush up close to the bristles for better control and work slowly to get the edges of each tile.

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What kind of paint do you use to paint subway tile?

Use an oil or urethane-based paint to cover the subway tiles. Begin with an angled paintbrush and cut in the sides of the tiles. Carefully stroke from the outside edge inward around the perimeter of each tile separately.

Can you paint bathroom subway tile?

The answer is yes. According to Bobvila.com, you can also paint most popular tile types, including ceramic, natural stone, and unglazed quarry tile). The only big exception is for glazed quarry tile, to which paint doesn't easily stick. It's also important to note that this likely won't just be a one-and-done task.

What kind of paint do you use on kitchen tiles?

Choose a high-quality latex, oil, or epoxy paint that will adhere properly to the surface of your tiles. Epoxy is generally the most durable and appropriate for ceramic tiles around your kitchen sink or floor.

Is painting over tiles a good idea?

Painting bathroom tile is much cheaper than retiling. You've heard it before: Paint is an economical material. Unsurprisingly, then, it's the most budget-friendly way to refresh bathroom tile that isn't cracked, crumbling, or otherwise structurally compromised.

How long does tile paint last?

I've had my painted floor tile since May 2018 and it still looks great! I think that most painted tile should last many years if the surface is prepared properly, a good paint is used, and if it's sealed properly. You may want to consider re-sealing the floor every year or two if it's in a high-traffic area.

How do you update bathroom tiles without removing them?

6 ways to upgrade your flooring without removing tilesUse Vinyl Flooring. Vinyl flooring is available in the form of luxury vinyl flooring and traditional vinyl flooring. ... Roll out Rugs and Carpets. ... Install Laminated Wooden Flooring. ... Opt for an Epoxy coating. ... Choose Artificial Grass. ... Just Clean the Tiles.

Do I need to prime tiles before painting?

For the best results, you should apply a primer coat before painting the tiles. An undercoat ensures better paint adhesion on the tile surface, offers additional protection to the tiles, and increases paint durability while preventing peeling.

Do I need to sand tiles before painting?

Sanding tile is essential, otherwise, the smooth finish that resists moisture and prevents dirt from sticking to the surface also prevents the paint from adhering. Before you paint glazed tiles, their surfaces must be roughed up to create a scratched, pitted and porous surface to which paint can adhere.

How can I update my kitchen tiles without removing them?

Faded, cracked or plain ugly? 4 ways to change up kitchen tiles without buying new onesPaint the grouting. Older grouting can become yellowed or faded, so shop around for some grouting paint to freshen things up. ... Or paint over the tiles themselves. ... Try temporary tile stickers. ... Or opt for permanent stick-on tiles.

When painting tiles do you paint the grout?

Work into the grout first and then paint the tiles. If you want a smoother finish use a short pile or foam roller. First use a 1-2 inch brush to paint the grout before rollering, then once the primer is dry give a quick light sand to get the tiles ready for the next coat.

How can I change the color of my tile without changing it?

Grout Paint: If your grout needs a touch-up to look new and match your tile, fill it in with grout paint. You can buy it in liquid form or in a pre-filled pen. Sealant: To ensure the life of both your paint and grout, a good sealant should be applied once everything is dry. For extra shine, high-gloss sealant is best.

Can you use wall paint to paint tile?

Not every paint type is suitable for tiles. Water-based paints disintegrate, and ordinary wall paint won't stick to the surface. Epoxy paint is a good option because it is highly resistant to abrasion and cleaning solutions. Alkyd urethane and enamel paint are commonly used, as well as silicone-based paint.

Can subway tile be painted?

0:515:55How to Paint a Tile Backsplash | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo april if you don't like the color of your tile. But you don't want to change it out i'm thinkingMoreSo april if you don't like the color of your tile. But you don't want to change it out i'm thinking that we would just paint over it tyler can you paint tile well i wouldn't use a traditional paint on

What kind of paint do you use on bathroom tiles?

Painting tile requires the use of special epoxy paints or tile paints. This paint is made to stick to tile. It is extremely durable and washable. Use a roller to apply paint evenly to the tile.

Can you paint over bathroom wall tile?

Can you paint bathroom tiles? Yes, you can paint bathroom wall tiles! Most paints will only work on ceramic tiles, although natural stone should not be painted as it will sink into the surface of the tile. Painting your bathroom tiles used to be the personification of a bodge job, but not any more.

Does painting shower tile last?

Remember, painting tile is not the same as factory tile. It won't last forever, but it is such a great temporary solution for very little money! If I were doing it again, I would make sure the bonding primer was coated evenly and well. And I would skip painting the top of shower shelf.

How do I paint subway tile?

To paint faux subway tile, you must have faux grout lines. Paint on “grout lines” using a small detail paint brush and a yard stick. Make sure that your paint brush is stiff enough, or it will be difficult to get a smooth line. I tried a few different brushes from my daughter’s art kit before finding the right fit.

How far should I start painting subway tile?

I started from the far left edge and measured over 6″ for my first row of faux subway tiles. Then, for the second row, I drew a line at 3″ and started my 6″ tile there. Alternate starting your tiles at the very edge and at 3″ in. That way, when you paint faux subway tile, your tiles are perfectly staggered and the faux grout lines line up vertically.

How to make grout look like tile?

Line the yard stick up with your drawn on tile lines and paint a thin line to look like grout. Use the yardstick as a guide and butt the paint brush right up against it. In one fluid motion, glide the paint brush down the yardstick. You should end up with a nice straight and smooth “grout” line.

How to make faux subway tile look real?

To make your faux subway tile look even more real, you will probably want to cover any grout lines from your old tile that ended up in the middle of your faux subway tiles. Using paintable caulk, fill in the grout lines that fall in the center of your subway tile.

Is it better to paint a fireplace white or black?

Just painting it white made a HUGE difference in the brightness of the space. At this point, our fireplace already looks more modern and fresh, even without the faux subway tiles:

Can you skip the indention on subway tile?

You can choose to skip this step, but you will have an indention running through the center of your new faux subway tile. The perfectionist in me wanted to fix it, even though it was not very noticeable.

How wide are subway tiles?

Subway tiles are 3” tall by 6” wide (we googled it!), but when you’re measuring out your grid, you have to include the width of your 1/4 painters tape. So I put some tape on my ruler so I wouldn’t have to think too much. Thinking always leads to mistakes. Somebody please make me a t-shirt that says that.

Does acrylic paint dry fast?

Acrylic paint dries pretty fast, so we just start taking tape up almost immediately. If you let it dry too long, it’s less likely to have a crisp line.

Can you use water based sealer on subway tile?

You wouldn’t believe how durable these painted backsplashes ARE! And they’re easier to clean that tile!

What paint do I use for tile?

high gloss paint for the actual tiles ( I used Behr Premium plus in crisp linen white- high gloss)

Is subway tile backsplash a favorite?

Our subway tile backsplash is still one of my favorite kitchen projects, but when I saw that Nicki replicated the look using just PAINT, my jaw dropped.

How to make a vertical subway tile?

Turn your subway tile on its side to create a vertically offset or stacked pattern. Vertical subway tile layouts are a great way to elongate a backsplash or wall and draw the eye upward. To really mix things up, take the traditional subway tile layout and rotate it by 45 degrees and you’ll have a diagonal pattern.

What is subway tile pattern?

What is the subway tile pattern? Subway tiles are traditionally laid in a 50% offset, meaning that the middle of the tile aligns with the edges of the two tiles above or beneath it. However, modern interpretations of subway tile often take liberties with this pattern, or even abandon it altogether. Alternative subway tile patterns include a one-third offset and a one-fourth offset.

What Is Subway Tile?

The term “ subway tile ” typically refers to rectangular tiles (usually 3 x 6 inches) laid horizontally with a 50% offset. Made of ceramic tile, subway tile is known for both its durability and its timeless style.

How to lay subway tile in herringbone pattern?

You can also lay your subway tiles in a straight (or 90-degree) herringbone pattern. Simply lay one tile vertically and the other perpendicular to it , and then repeat that pattern.

What was the original subway tile?

The original subway tile was ceramic tile. Today, you can find subway tiles in ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles, all popular choices for the same reason ceramic tiles were chosen in the first place: low maintenance and incredible style.

How to determine the middle of a subway tile?

The middle of each tile should line up with the edges of the two tiles above and beneath it. Because subway tile typically has 1-to-2 dimensions, you can use the short side of a tile to determine the middle point of the long side.

What is beveled subway tile?

Beveled subway tile creates a three-dimensional tile design with sloped edges and a protruding surface.

How do I paint a tile floor?

Use painter’s tape in combination with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect nearby surfaces from errant paint. Next, with a brush or roller, apply high-gloss or semi-gloss latex paint to the primed tile. If you find the paint isn’t spreading evenly, add a bit of paint thinner to the formulation. Once you’ve finished painting, wait for the tile to dry completely. In some cases, drying can take as long as several days.

Can you use a brush to paint tile?

Having successfully readied the tile, move on to coat it with an application of epoxy bonding primer. You can use either a brush or roller, depending on the size of the area you are planning to paint. Resist the temptation to skip the primer; you really need it for the paint to adhere in a lasting way.

Do you need to let each coat dry before applying the next coat?

During the process, let each coat dry before you apply the succeeding one. This, too, isn’t a step to skip, because the sealer can be expected to safeguard the tile against threats like scuffs, scratches, and moisture. Advertisement.

Can you paint ceramic tile?

Yes, it’s possible to paint ceramic tile! Follow the steps below to paint tile like a pro, and proceed with your kitchen or bathroom redesign, confident that any style is within reach. Here’s the catch: It’s not a good idea to paint tile in the immediate area of the sink or bathtub/shower, because the moisture may cause the paint to peel.

Can you paint tile in a bathtub?

Here’s the catch: It’s not a good idea to paint tile in the immediate area of the sink or bathtub/shower, because the moisture may cause the paint to peel. Focus your painting efforts on walls, floors, countertops—indeed, any tiled area that isn’t likely to come into contact with a great deal of water on a frequent basis. Also note that because painting tile requires the use of epoxy and other compounds that contain harmful chemicals, it’s essential to ventilate the room well and to wear proper protective gear.

Can you update a bathroom with blue tiles?

And you can really update the look of a bathroom, especially if you have some of the old color tiles like pink or avocado, but in this case, the blue tiles here work pretty well. In this bathroom the homeowner’s done a very good job.

Can you paint over ceramic tile?

While you can paint over ceramic tile walls, don’t paint a ceramic tile floor , as it won’t hold up.

Can you paint ceramic tile in a bathroom?

Yes, you can successfully paint ceramic tile walls in your bathroom, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to paint the floor. It just won’t hold up. And you can really update the look of a bathroom, especially if you have some of the old color tiles like pink or avocado, but in this case, the blue tiles here work pretty well.

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