 | Ron Long
is manager of the Ace Hardware Store in front of the Wichita Mall at 4183 E. Harry in Wichita. Ron has over 30 years experience and has been with this Ace store for 20 years. He has extensive training in plumbing, electricity, lawn & garden, paint, construction, window repair and much more. He has always enjoyed helping people with their projects and answering their questions. He is available to answer any of your home repair questions. You may contact Ron at the store by e-mail at a09476a@acehardware.com, by fax at (316) 685-4994, or by phone at (316) 685-7201. |
Home Improvement
2003-02-01 15:14:00
Painting ceramic tile
: We recently purchased an older home. The bathrooms have tile that is terribly outdated. Is it possible to paint ceramic tile? What is the process?
ANSWER: Even though ceramic tile and the earlier plastic tile are a very hard, non-porous surface, they are paintable and at a fraction of the cost of removing and replacing the tile.Begin by removing any towel bars, soap dishes, etc. that are on the surface to be painted. Also make sure all the tiles are still stuck on firmly. Then clean the entire surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent to remove soap and other residues that might be on the tile surface. Also remove any mildew with a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water. When finished cleaning be sure to rinse entire surface several times with clean water to remove any detergent or bleach that may be left. Allow area to dry thoroughly.The next step is to apply a bond coat primer. This is a primer specifically designed for hard, non-porous surfaces. Most standard primers must be absorbed into the top layer of fibers on the surface being painted. Where as a bond coat primer has a higher adhesion factor, so it will adhere to a hard surface forming a good bonded coat for the top coat to adhere to. This primer can be applied with a brush, roller, or pad applicator. If brushing on be sure to use a high quality brush to avoid brush marks. If you use a roller be sure it is a short nap roller designed for smooth surfaces. Also be sure to have adequate ventilation since the bathroom areas tend to be smaller rooms, the vapors may be very strong. Allow the primer to dry at least one hour under normal conditions before top coating. Cooler temperatures or high humidity will slow the drying time. Allow more time as needed.Once the primer is dry the top coat can be applied. Use a quality mildew resistant bathroom paint. This paint normally comes in white but it can be tinted to many lighter shades of colors. Apply top coat in the same manor as the primer was applied. You may choose to paint it all the same color or use several colors to form a border or pattern. You could also use sponge painting techniques to create a different look, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to allow the final coat to dry for 24-36 hours before reinstalling the towel bars, etc. Also allow 24-36 hours before using the shower area.If you follow these steps you will end up with a good, washable surface and an updated look at a fraction of the cost of replacing the tile.
