RenovatingHow To Paint Tiles (The Right Way!)
Whether you’re renting or a homeowner, it’s likely you’ve been the victim of a tacky tiles situation at one point or another – be it dated bathroom shower tiles from the 70s, or a stained splashback creating an eyesore in the kitchen! Rather than re-tiling, Dulux helps you paint existing tiles for a fresh new look.
It’s no secret that laying new tiles is expensive, labour-intensive work – from basic ceramic to luxurious terrazzo tiles. But Dulux Renovation Range Tile & Benchtops and Dulux Renovation Range Floors is an affordable way to refresh the tiles in laundries, ensuites and bathrooms, and won’t require the help of a professional!
All you need is a little know-how and some free time to pick up a paintbrush. Too easy.
So, how does tile paint work?
We spoke with Sorren Henderson, Dulux Brand Manager, to learn more about the floor and wall tile paint ranges.
“The Dulux Renovation Range products have been designed with even our most novice DIYers in mind. Specially formulated for the wet areas of the home, you can apply paint over the existing tiles in just a few easy steps.” Soren says.
What exactly are these easy steps? Let’s take a look:
- Step 1: Primer – Apply one coat after the additive has been added and stirred. Don’t forget to read the label for full instructions!
- Step 2: Top Coat – Aim for two or three top coats. Dulux recommends cutting in using a 38-50mm high-quality angled sash cutter brush, and for best results, use a 4mm nap 100mm wide microfibre roller for coating. Lay off each coat with a clean brush to give you a smooth consistent finish, free from lines. Then, allow at least eight hours of drying time between coats.
- Step 3: Clear Coat – You’ll need one coat to seal the work. Your perfect new surface will be ready for light use after two days, and full use after seven.
And If you’re worried about the grout, don’t be! Dulux has you covered with a precision applicator Grout Pen to help you re-whiten grout lines!
Check out the Dulux website for details on products, surface preparation and video tutorials with a step-by-step guide.
How To Choose A Colour for Your Tile Paint
Dulux Colour Expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr shared her colour tips for the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
“Most people like to paint tiles in a white or neutral colour and make braver colour choices for cabinetry … However, it really does depend on existing materials in the space. You must consider the undertones of what will remain unchanged during the process and what new items will be introduced – think laminate, flooring, stone, tapware, white goods etc.” Andrea says.
For a more modern, chic look, Andrea suggests pairing charcoal greys like Dulux Domino with clean whites like Dulux Lexicon Half.
For the bathroom, whites and neutrals are also popular choices.
“If I was to shortlist my favourite bathroom tile colours, Dulux Natural White™, Lexicon® Quarter, Snowy Mountains Half, Terrace White and Tranquil Retreat would all be frontrunners,” Andrea shares.
If you’re working with a yellow undertone on an existing surface like a benchtop or bathtub (which can often be the case in older style homes), Andrea advises avoiding cool whites as this will draw out the yellow further – taking away a fresh, clean look and feel.
“In these instances, warmer whites such as Dulux Natural White or Whisper White would help the blending of the colour scheme and be more cohesive. Think about the overall look you are hoping to achieve and don’t be afraid to do some research to find scheme ideas that you’re naturally drawn to. The Dulux website and Pinterest are a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration to help guide your design and vision.” she adds.
Get Creative With Colour
While white is always a common choice for wet rooms, Andrea suggests colour is also increasing in popularity across these areas – especially in the bathroom.
In fact, Dulux recently partnered with Christine, the home and lifestyle content creator from Summerset House, to bring new life to her downstairs powder room – and the results are spectacular!
“Using Dulux Renovation Range on the floor tiles in a Dulux Vivid Whites and a pop of colour in Light Rice Half (base) and Grand Piano (sponge topcoat) on the walls using Dulux’s Wash&Wear range, she completely transformed the space.” Andrea says.
A full-colour injection is another fabulous concept that creates maximum impact. Interiors DIY expert, Margaux Follis of The French Folk joined forces with Dulux to completely overhaul her tired bathroom in Dulux Potter’s Pink.
“Using Renovation Range on the wall and bath tiles, and Dulux Wash&Wear on the remaining walls, she was able to turn the room from lacklustre white to wow-worthy pink.” says Andrea.
For The Laundry, Keep It Neutral
For the laundry, Andrea says it’s a hardworking area of the home designed with purpose and function at the forefront. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t redesign laundry spaces to improve the general flow and make it a room where you want to spend time – even if it is just to do the laundry or wash the dog!
“If you’re not feeling adventurous or don’t want to dedicate time to completely transforming this area of the home, just stick with the neutral tones. White is very popular in laundries and will work with any existing colourways you may have in the space. Vivid White, Lexicon Half and Lexicon Quarter as well as Natural White are all good colour solutions for floor and wall tiles in this area.” Andrea explains.
Tips For Painting Tiles Successfully
The key to a successful DIY job, and fewer renovation regrets, is always being well-prepared. Here are a few final pointers to help you take on those tired tiles with confidence:
- Clean your surface thoroughly before you start painting. This will ensure the best application as paint won’t adhere to a dirty surface.
- Purchase Dulux A4 swatches and Dulux Sample Pots to ensure the colour(s) you love work in that space alongside existing materials such as laminate, stone benches, tiles, timber and flooring, etc.
- Plan ahead – make sure you prepare your painting accessories. You don’t want to start mixing paint and realise you’ve forgotten the paint rollers, drop sheets or painter’s tape.
For more helpful advice on how to paint your tired old tiles, head over to the Dulux Renovation Range.
After more advice on panting? Check out what colour your cornice should be painted in our handy guide.
