Have you always wanted to spray paint the tile in your home but couldn’t answer the question, can you spray paint tile? The answer is yes, you can spray paint tile, and our guide will show you how to do it. Take your home improvement project to the next level with gorgeous spray painted tile that adds an extra layer of beauty to your home.
Spray paint uses a pressurized can to “spray” or project paint onto a surface. Rather than using a brush, spray paint allows painters to quickly disseminate paint onto a surface with a quick press of a button.
The liquid paint is the same type of paint used in regular paints. Can you spray paint over ceramic tiles? Spray paint is a great option for painting tiles because it can make the process much faster than traditional brush painting.
Can you spray paint tile backsplash? You can spray paint tile backsplash, shower tiles, ceiling tiles, roof tiles, bathroom walls and floor tiles, and decorative tiles. It is important to make sure that you properly prepare the tile and the grout, as well as use a primer.
Another important factor when spray painting your tile is choosing an epoxy resin paint. Epoxy paint adheres better to hard ceramic and porcelain surfaces such as tiles.
The process for spray painting tiles is relatively simple and similar to other spray painting projects. The most significant difference is that the grout must also be prepared.
For example, it is best to fix the grout a full week before spray painting tile if the grout needs to be replaced, cleaned, or fixed up with a grout pen. You want to ensure that you give the grout plenty of time to fully seal and dry before painting.
Another important consideration when painting tile is to think about the color scheme in the home. The combination of the grout color, tile color, wall color, and furniture color all create an ambiance in the room. It's frustrating to have to start the process over again if one color doesn't work out.
Unlike using a brush to hand paint a tile, there isn’t a good way to “check” if the color is working. When you spray paint, you will end up with splashes of color hitting multiple tiles at once.
We recommend spray painting a piece of cardboard outdoors and then placing that over the tile in the room to ensure the color works. Once you have chosen your color, it’s time to spray paint your tiles.
How To Spray Paint Tiles Step By Step
So you’ve selected your spray paint color and you’re ready to paint the old tile in your bathroom, kitchen, living room, or other space in your home. Our DIY guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to refresh your tiles.
- 1First, you need to purchase all of your supplies. You will need: epoxy spray paint, primer, 400-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander, grout pen (optional), mask, goggles, masking tape or painter's tape, dust cloths, or garbage bags.
- 2Next, you need to prepare the area, starting with the grout, followed by sanding the tile. It's important to clean the grout and to make sure that you're happy with the grout's condition. If the grout needs a refresh, you need to either replace the grout completely or touch it up with a grout pen. Do this one week before spray painting. If you’re happy with the grout condition, it’s time to sand. Sand down the tile after you have thoroughly cleaned the tile. Sand the tile with a 400-grit sandpaper or with an orbital sander (this is easier). You should wear protective goggles and a mask for this part. Finish by cleaning up any dust left behind.
- 3From here, you want to prepare the area by using masking tape or painter’s tape to cover spots where you do not want paint, such as the floor, wall, ceiling, or trim. You may also want to use a dust cloth or garbage bag to keep the larger areas clean (such as the floor).
- 4Now, it’s time to paint. Start with a primer. Make sure that the primer is applied to the full surface area. Let it sit for a minimum of one hour but check the manufacturer's instructions to see if more time is required. Then you can move on to the main color. Try to do thin coats in order to avoid splotchy patterns. Two to three thin coats should be enough. Make sure to wait several hours in between each coat. You may need to use the grout pen to touch up the grout color if your masking tape or painter’s tape did not properly protect the grout.
- 5After painting, let the area sit for 2-3 days and keep all windows and doors open for proper ventilation. Finally, sit back and admire your handiwork.
Spray Paint Vs. Regular Paint On Tiles (Which Is Best?)
When it comes to spray paint vs. regular paint on tiles, both can work well as long as the paint is an epoxy paint. It's more important to use an epoxy paint (either as regular paint or as spray paint) than choosing between regular paint or spray paint. Epoxy paint is naturally "sticky" and will stick to tiles better than other types of paint.
The benefit of choosing spray paint over regular paint is simply application. It can be far similar to spraying the paint onto the tile rather than meticulously smoothing each piece over with regular paint. Spray paint tends to go on more evenly if applied in a few thin coats. Make sure that you choose an epoxy spray paint and use a primer for best results.
Spray Painting Tile FAQs
Is there a spray paint that can be used to paint tiles and a fiberglass shower?
An epoxy spray paint is the best choice for a spray paint that can paint both tile and fiberglass surfaces. We recommend checking the surface recommendation by the manufacturer before purchasing a particular spray paint.
You should see both ceramic or porcelain (depending on your tile type) and fiberglass listed as options to spray paint.
Do I need to prime tiles before spray painting?
Yes, it is best if you apply primer to the tiles before painting. A primer will help the paint adhere to the surface of the tile. Tile is a more difficult material to spray paint and primer can make the spray paint stick better.
When spray painting tiles, do you paint the grout?
This is a personal preference, but most people prefer not to spray paint the grout when spray painting tiles.
It doesn't matter if you spray paint the grout while you are spray painting the tiles, but most people will choose to use a grout pen afterward to create the clean white or black grout lines most of us expect to see when looking at tile.
Can you spray paint glossy ceramic tiles?
Yes, it is possible to spray paint ceramic tiles, including those with glossy, matte, and satin finishes. In fact, ceramic is one of the best materials for spray painting.
As long as you choose a spray paint that is meant to be used on ceramic material, you can easily spray paint ceramic tiles.
Conclusion
Yes, you can spray paint tile, and as long as you follow our detailed instructions, your project will turn out beautifully. Spray painting tile is an excellent way to change up your bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, or any other area of your home where tile exists.