How To Clean Textured Bathroom Wall Tiles

How To Clean Textured Bathroom Wall Tiles

How to Use Textured Paint on Bathroom Tiles

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As design trends come and go, finishes on walls and other building materials such as brick, wood, cement and ceramic tile often become outdated. An updated look may also be a matter of personal choice, such as when you move into a new home and decide you don't like the color scheme of a particular room. Replacing the ceramic tile in a bathroom is a costly renovation project that is often out of budget for homeowners. A less expensive alternative is to paint the tile. Decorative effects can be applied by using textured paint or by using faux painting techniques that simulate texture. However, the glossy surface of glazed ceramic tile poses certain challenges for paint adhesion. In addition, the extra moisture and humidity that exists in a bathroom environment must be considered. The key to painting bathroom tiles successfully depends on proper preparation of the surface and knowing what type of paint will work the best.

Preparing the Surface

Poor surface preparation can cause problems with even the highest quality of paint. Oils, grease, dirt, wax, dust, mold and mildew can interfere with the adhesion process, so it is important that all of these substances are completely removed from the surface. Use a quality, mildly abrasive bathroom tile cleaner and a lot of vigorous scrubbing to clean both the tile and grout. Allow the grout to dry completely for at least 48 hours. After that, paint the tile with an epoxy or urethane bonding primer. This will help the paint adhere better to the tile. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Paint Types to Use on Ceramic Tile

Results often vary when it comes to painting ceramic tile, so it is important to choose a type of paint that will stick well and hold up to moisture. Oil-based paints have typically yielded the best results when used on ceramic tile. However, this type of paint requires the use of a solvent such as mineral spirits or turpentine to thin the paint or clean rollers and paintbrushes. Oil-based paints are not very environmentally friendly and are becoming harder to find. Do a keyword search for "oil-based, semi-gloss enamel paint" to find an oil-based interior paint that is still widely available today. Alternative products you can try include a water-based paint that contains a urethane resin or an epoxy paint. However, epoxies require a two-part mixture of a base and curing agent that must be mixed with specific ratios. The paint can be difficult to work with and must be used right away, due to a limited working time before it begins to harden. Choose a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for bathroom tiles. Do not attempt to paint the tile inside a tub or shower enclosure.

Using Texture Additives

There are a variety of texture additives that manufacturers claim can be added to any type of interior or exterior paint. These additives will not change the color of the paint but they do change the consistency. Premixed textured paints are available, but most are latex paints.Texture additives are available in fine, medium and coarse textures that simulate surfaces such as sand or sandstone, granite, plaster, stone and stucco. Use a fine texture that won't be too abrasive to bare skin that may occasionally come into contact with the surface. The amount added will depend on how much texture you want. When using paint that may already be a little more difficult to work with — such as an epoxy paint — adding a texture medium may cause the paint to become even more difficult to work with. In this case, you may need an additional additive, recommended by the manufacturer, that will help thin the mixture. Always work in small sections — about 3 or 4 feet — when applying textured paint. Use a roller to cover the tile and use a paintbrush to cut in edges or fill in grout areas that the roller might miss. Most texture additives are recommended for use on drywall, brick, cement block, wood, plaster and stucco. Therefore, you should first test the finish.

Add a Finishing Top Coat of Untextured Paint

Once the textured paint has cured, you can add the finishing topcoat in the color of your choice. When painting on drywall or wood, this is usually the last step. However, because you are covering tile in a bathroom, a urethane sealer should be used once the paint has cured for several days to protect the finish from the extra moisture. Textured paint is hard to undo and once it is sealed, it will be even more difficult to reverse. To test the finish before doing the entire bathroom, apply the primer, textured paint, topcoat and sealer (include drying time between each step) to an inconspicuous part of the room or on a few spare tiles. Once the sealer has dried, see how easily the paint can be scratched or rubbed off. Splash a few drops of water over the test area. Run hot water in the shower to create steam and humidity. If you notice potential problems, you may want to try a faux painting technique for simulated texture and save the textured paint for another project. If the paint holds up well after being sealed and you like how it looks, it should be safe to use on the wall tile in your bathroom.

Creating Texture Effects with Faux Painting Techniques

You can create a faux textured effect with non-textured paint by using a specialty painting technique. Home design and decorating blogs are good places to find decorative painting ideas, such as a crinkle-wrap effect. This technique involves brushing an enamel paint onto the tile, working in small sections. While the paint is still wet, place plastic cling wrap over the painted tiles, pressing it firmly with your hand. Then gently peel the plastic off of the tile. The result is a textured effect with light and dark areas, similar to color washing on walls. You can also try a sponging technique, using a sea sponge to lightly dab the paint onto the tile in random patterns. It's important to test any painting technique on a spare tile to see if you will get the results you want. Don't forget to clean these tiles, prime and seal them the same way as your bathroom wall tiles.

Seal with a Clear Coat Urethane Sealer

Make sure you protect your texture-painted tile or faux texture effect with a clear coat sealer. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly for at least three days. Then apply two coats of a water-based urethane sealer with a paint roller or brush. It is important to choose a water-based urethane sealer as opposed to an oil-based sealer, which will develop a yellow tint over time. Water-based sealers will remain clear.

References

Writer Bio

Michelle Radcliff owned a retail home furnishings business for eight years. Radcliff offers decorating advice on her blog, Home Decorating News, is a regular contributor on interior design at LoveToKnow.com and earned certification as an interior decorator from Penn Foster College in 2013.

How To Clean Textured Bathroom Wall Tiles

Source: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/use-textured-paint-bathroom-tiles-43837.html