Painting on ceramic tiles with acrylic paints is not something you only do for an upgrade but also a way of passing time. It is pretty amazing how a mixture of pigments on ceramic tiles can give your home a lively look.
Although acrylic paints can adhere to ceramic tiles, it is recommended to use other more vital points on ceramic tiles. This is because acrylic paints don’t make permanent bonds with the tile, and they can scratch off easily. If the area to be painted is primed well and has low foot traffic, acrylic paint will work well.
Being a self-proclaimed floor specialist, I will address all the facts for painting ceramic tiles with acrylic paints. I will also give you a DIY guide on how to paint your ceramic tiles using acrylic paints.
How To Paint On Ceramic Tiles With Acrylic Paints: DIY Task
If you wonder what to do with your ceramic tiles to give them a new look, we have you covered. The following is a DIY guide on painting ceramic tiles using acrylic paints.
We all know how looking at a plain piece of tile for years feels. You just want to rip it off and install new flooring. That, however, would be costly. Painting ceramic tiles is a new way to give your flooring and house a new look. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Materials Required
The following materials will come in handy during the whole task. Ensure you have them ready before you begin. Also, purchase or rent the once you might be lacking. Let’s see the list below:
- Paint Brush;
- Primer;
- Paint;
- Polyurethane varnish; water-base
- Putty Knife;
- Water and cleaner;
- Caulk;
- Sandpaper; 100-grift.
Step 2: Clean The Surface
Using soap and water, wash off any dirt particles on the surface of the tile you want to work on. This is because painting on dirt may cause the paint not to adhere to the tile. It would also threaten the integrity and service of the color.
After cleaning the surface, allow the surface to dry. Painting over wet tile may interfere with the adhesivity of the paint to the floor. It is advised to always give time for the tile to dry up completely.
Step 3: Repairing The Tiles
If you are looking to paint over old tiles, they may have been exposed to rust and chipping. Painting over cracked and chipped tiles may lower the integrity of the paint. Check if cracks on the tiles and use caulk to repair them.
Squeeze the caulk and the cracked tiles and use the putty knife to scrape off the excess. Allow the putty to dry before painting.
Step 4: Priming The Tile
Most tiles installed in our homes come furnished. This makes it hard for acrylic paints to adhere to the tile. Use sandpaper to scrape off the furnish and then wipe with a damp piece of cloth.
The now exposed tile is ready for a primer. Use an epoxy primer. They help ensure the paint adheres to the surface and is protected from scratches and coming off. Use a paintbrush for small places and a paint roller for significant places to apply a thin film of the primer.
Allow the primer to dry completely for maximum efficiency and durability. Allow up to 48 hours for the primer to cure completely.
Step 5: Painting The Tiles
After the primer has dried up, it is now time to paint. Using your acrylic paint, choose the designs you want and start painting. Use a paintbrush if you are working on a small space and a roller if you are working on ample space.
You may be required to paint more than one coat, depending on the quality of the acrylic paints. After painting, it is recommended to allow the paint to dry before interacting with the surface.
Things You Should Avoid When Painting Acrylic Paint On Ceramic Tile
To ensure the maximum efficiency of acrylic paint, it is advised to avoid the following. This is because they lead to low-quality installation and painting of tiles. This means it will be more costly to maintain and repair.
1. Painting On Wet Surface
After cleaning the surface, always make sure the tiles are dry. Give time for the floor to dry according to your environment. Painting on a wet surface may lower the integrity of the paint.
For maximum adhesivity, you should paint acrylic paint on a dry tile. This is because the surface of ceramic tiles is fully furnished, making it hard for paint to adhere.
2. Painting On Cracked Tiles
Always check to see if your tiles are broken. This is because it can cause the paint and the tile bonds to weaken. Use caulk to fill the cracks and allow up to 48 hours to completely dry. This ensures the maximum durability of acrylic paint.
Always scrape off excess caulk from the working surface using a putty knife. Always do it as soon as possible. This is because dry caulk is hard to remove, and the whole process could damage the tile.
3. Lack Of Proper Materials
To ensure maximum adhesivity of the paint, always use a suitable material. They make your work easier. You can always work around and rent some materials if buying is expensive.
You should consider the quality of the paint for maximum efficiency. You should also have small area brushes and rollers for big places. Also, have proper furnish according to the area of use.
4. Working On A Dirty Surface
It is always recommended to use water and soap to clean the ceramic tile. This helps remove the dirt particles and any sticky substances on the tile. This debris can cause the acrylic paints to adhere loosely to the tile. Cleaning increases the adherence capacity of the paint.
4 Tips To Prepare Ceramic Tiles For Acrylic Pouring
Acrylic pouring uses acrylic paint and ceramic tiles for decorative purposes. The color is poured on the tile, and patterns are drawn making great artwork. For effective art-making and designs, the following tips are helpful:
1. Always clean the workspace:
Make sure you always clean the tile before applying the paint. This removes any unwanted particles on the surface. Particles on the tile can cause poor paint installation. Always take your time cleaning to make sure you remove all the dirt that may hinder maximum efficiency. Always take your time so that you can have a nice clean finish.
2. Always Ensure The Tile Is Dry:
It is always required to make sure the tiles are completely dried up. Acrylic paints adhere loosely to wet ceramic tiles. This could lower the quality of the pouring. A dry tile means a high chance of adhesivity and quality of the pour. Always use a dry piece of clothing to make sure all the water is dried up. Never apply paint on a wet surface.
3. Use Of Appropriate Finish:
After painting the tiles, always add a furnish. You can use a polycrylic gloss finish if it is for hanging as a decoration. If it is for home use, you can use finishes that are heat and water-resistant. This increases the quality of your painting and its durability.
Always choose a furnish suitable for the environmental condition you are using the paint. This ensures the color gives your service before another upgrade. This can help you from overspending in the future.
4. Give The Paint Time To Dry:
Always leave your paint to dry completely. This increases the quality and integrity of the painting. It also protects the paint from peeling off. Color can take up to 72 hours to dry.
It is recommended to give as much time as required for great results. Always remember that acrylic paints do not form permanent bonds. Any interaction with the wet surface will cause damage.
Related Questions:
Does Acrylic Paint Stick To Ceramic Tiles?
When the conditions required for paint to adhere to a surface are met, acrylic paint can stick to ceramic. However, the use of more vital paints is suggested when it comes to ceramic. Because acrylic paints don’t form a firm bond with ceramic surfaces.
Always use enhanced acrylic paints with primers when it comes to ceramic. You can always use a primer too for maximum adhesivity. It is also recommended to seal the paint after it has dried up with a finish depending on where you want to set the painting.
Is Acrylic Paint Good For Ceramic Tile?
Acrylic paint is a budget-friendly way to renovate your ceramic tile flooring. This is a DIY task that is fun and easy to do. The painting also enables you to match your flooring with your walls easily. Acrylic paints are suitable for ceramic tiles.
They help add a protective layer to tiles. Tiles in an area of high foot traffic are prone to wearing. The painting of that tile gives it a new protective layer hence increasing its durability.
How Do You Get Acrylic Paint To Stick To Ceramic?
For adequate adherence of the acrylic paint to a ceramic surface, it is recommended to cure the surface in an oven. Ceramics do not make strong bonds with color.
The use of heat increases the strength of the bonds of the paint to ceramic. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are required to use of a primer and apply multiple layers of paint. This increases the adhesivity of the color to the tile.
Can You Paint Glazed Ceramic With Acrylic?
Acrylic paints are not the best paints for glazed ceramics. This is because they form poor bonds with these surfaces. You can remove acrylic paints painted on glazed ceramic by scratching using fingernails.
This means that the integrity of the painting is always at risk when working on glazed ceramic. You can always use more strong paints like epoxy paints on these glazed surfaces. You can also cure the paintings with acrylic paints with heat to increase durability.
How Do You Seal Acrylic Paint On Ceramic Tile?
After painting, allow the paint to dry completely. Paint a layer of polyurethane gloss varnish to cover the color. This gives the tile a protective layer that is heat and water-resistant.
It is advised to permanently seal the paint. This increases its durability and efficiency. It also helps the color to protect a tile. It also holds the paint’s integrity for a period while preventing the paint from being scratched off.
What Is A Good Sealant For Acrylic Paint?
A suitable sealant for acrylic paint depends on the area of use. If it is for office decoration, you can use polycrylic finish paint. It gives your color a classy shiny touch. This makes your art glow and gives you that lively satisfaction.
For home-based use, it is recommended to use water-based polyurethane gloss furnish.
This is because it protects your paint from water and heat damage. For increased durability at home, this is the most recommended furnish.
Always consider all the conditions in the place of use and select the best finish for that area. This increases the integrity of your painting.
Does Acrylic Paint Resist Water After Putting On Ceramic Tile?
Acrylic paint has some water-resistant properties; however, this does not mean that the paint is waterproof. You need to add a furnish over the paint to be waterproof. Water-based polyurethane gloss furnishes work well when used on acrylic paints.
During painting, it is advised always to ensure that the area you want to work on is dry. This is because water threatens the integrity of the bonds of acrylic paints to the surface. Adding a layer of waterproof furnish increases the integrity and durability of the pain. Always add appropriate furnish.
The Bottom Line:
Replacing whole tile floors just because you upgraded your walls is quite expensive. There are new modern ways to overcome this. Painting on ceramic tiles with acrylic paints is one of these new ideas for tile floor upgrades. The whole application is a DIY process.
Know that you know how to apply and the advantages of painting your tiles, why would you not? It is time to remodel your old tiles to give your home a new modern look and make it look lively. Let’s get painting.