How to paint your tile backsplash for a professional finish – you can update yours on a budget

If you’re looking to breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom updating your backsplash is a brilliant way to do it. But, the cost of labor, and removing and replacing tiles can quickly add up so here's how to paint your tiles yourself.

Whether you’re a DIY expert, or want to try your hand at affordable alterations for the first time, painting your tile backsplash is a quick and easy way to keep up with the latest paint trends, or simply switch up your space to suit you.

Here, we spoke to a paint expert for his pro tips on refreshing your tile backsplash ideas, without the expense of a full replace and refit.

How to paint a tile backsplash in 5 steps

If you're looking to switch your kitchen backsplash ideas or bathroom backsplash ideas, you will need:

• Dish soap
• A soft sponge or brush such as the Quality Soft Scrubbing Brush available at Amazon.
• A microfiber cloth such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart.
• Sandpaper
• Tile appropriate primer
• Enamel or epoxy-based paint
• A paint roller
• Water-based polyurethane sealer

Step 1. Clean

First things first, like when painting a wall, you will need to clean your kitchen tiles, or bathroom tiles, thoroughly before getting started.

To do so, Chuck Reger from Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company, recommends using a mixture of water and mild detergent, such as the Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart, which is unscented and 100% biodegradable, with a soft sponge or brush to remove grease, dirt, and grime.

‘Rinse and let the surface dry completely,’ before proceeding, he adds. You can wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth or soft towel to speed up the process.

All prices correct at time of writing.

Step 2. Prepare the surface

Next, Reger says, ‘Sand the tiles lightly with 220-grit sandpaper (such as the 3M Sandpaper available at Amazon) for better paint adhesion, and wipe away the dust.’

This will also roughly remove any existing paint that you may have on your types of tile, which will make it easier to paint over, and also make your new lick of paint ideas last better.

Step 3. Apply the primer

Once your surface has been sanded, use a tile-appropriate primer, such as the KILZ Adhesion Primer available at Amazon, recommends Reger, and let it dry for 24 hours.

To speed up drying time, you can open a window or use your best dehumidifier, but don’t do both at the same time, as your dehumidifier won’t work effectively with windows open.

Step 4. Paint the tiles

Then, once dry, whether you prefer the best neutral paints or bold paint colors for kitchens, Reger advises using a durable enamel or epoxy-based paint such as Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit available at Amazon.

‘Apply two to three thin coats with a foam roller, letting each coat dry per the product’s instructions, typically four to six hours,' he says.

If you want to make paint dry faster, you can test out the best place to put a dehumidifier to do so, or use a hairdryer on a medium heat, and move it back and forth over the painted tiles.

Step 5. Seal the paint

Finally, Reger says, ‘Once fully dry (24-48 hours), apply a clear water-based polyurethane sealer for extra durability,’ such as the Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane available in both matte and gloss at Amazon.

FAQs

How long will painted tiles last?

If properly sanded, primed and sealed, your newly painted tiles should last for at least a year before needing to be touched up. Look out for indicators, much like the signs you need to repaint a wall, such as a loss of vibrancy, discoloration, marking, chipped or peeling paint.

Wondering why your wall paint is bubbling? From moisture issues to mold, it could be an indicator of something more serious, so it’s important to identify the cause and fix the issue.