Using tile paint on a bathroom floor

We are always trying to do things on a budget, sometimes it works, sometimes it goes over. But we love to do things to the house & as you all know it is never ending when you start.

I want to revamp my bathroom without replacing boring tiles. The white Knight video was all ok for the walls but I want to know will it work on the floor. I have a horrible sage green small square tile (20cm x 20cm) on the floor & its been there 20 odd years & it is so boring. So I would like to paint it. Will the White Knight Tile Paint work for the floor?? Also what would you seal it with so it wouldn't be slippery. Thanks

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Renovation

Flooring

Decorating

Painting

Accepted answers

ProjectPete

I haven't painted floor tiles before so can't say for sure but I imagine the paint isn't going to hold up over time. I suggest looking at an epoxy coating instead - much harder wearing. The grout lines would probably just need to be leveled with the tiles first.

Coating like this isn't the cheapest flooring option per sqm but for a small space it'd be fine. It comes in a pretty big range of colours and styles too. You should be looking at around $95/sqm.

All comments

Jason

Welcome to the Workshop community @kim00, I'm sure you'll fit right in. We have many members who love sticking to a tight budget! Feel free to post whenever you need a hand.

Let me tag some helpful Workshop members who might be able to assist with your question, such as @Simon, @PJA, @2Belindas and @ProjectPete.

It might also be helpful if you posted a few photos of your bathroom so members can see what you're working with.

BTW, have you seen this previous discussion on Workshop? - Revamping old tiled kitchen floors

Thanks,

Jason

ProjectPete

Coating like this isn't the cheapest flooring option per sqm but for a small space it'd be fine. It comes in a pretty big range of colours and styles too. You should be looking at around $95/sqm.

2Belindas

Agree with @ProjectPete Perhaps pick a different type of finish. Every time I've ever seen floor tiles painted, they have scuffed fairly quickly. Its not something I recommend.
Belinda S

MartyH

Pull up the tiles and replace them. Even if you aren't confident enough to do it yourself and pay for a tiler it's worth the expense @kim00. You can get some very affordable plain white floor tiles these days.

kezza14

I have spoken to many paint companies over the years and unfortunately no paint company that I know of supplies paint that paints on floor tiles. There are other ways to do it but in majority of case it voids the warranty of the paint companies. You would probably be better either putting tiles down or use an exposy coating but must fill in grout lines with a floor filler which you can find in the floor accessory aisle in Bunnings stores. The tile paint is only to go on wall tiles.

Jason

Thanks for joining in the discussion and sharing your experience @kezza14. I'm sure @kim00 appreciates the input.

A very warm welcome to the Workshop community. We look forward to reading about your own projects and plans. Please post whenever you need assistance or have something to share.

Jason

kim00

thanks everyone for your advice. think I better save up to replace the tiles.

Jason

Let us know how you go @kim00.

You might also find this helpful when it comes to doing the job - https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/flooring/tiles/how-to-lay-floor-tiles

I'll also attach the video below.

Jason

RenoQueen

I think that's wise @kim00. Let us know if you need any suggestions when it comes to choosing the tiles.

2Belindas

@kim00 An alternative that will save $$$ and is easy to DIY, is to use wood look vinyl planks on the bathroom floor (not suitable in the shower area - you can leave your existing tiles or replace tiles with a shower tray). Vinyl planks are super trendy right now too.

kim00

Thanks but no wouldn't use the vinyl planks was looking for only a tempory measure & a cheap way out. Thought tile paint would be the go. But will just have to save for the tiles.

kim00

Oh thanks will just have to save up first. Will just have to put up with what we have for a while longer.

MitchellM

Hi Kim00,
Just to reassure you that you are making the right decision, no the tile paint will not hold up under trafficked loads. You will find it will only last until the first person walks in with some dirt or a stone lodged in their shoe, then it will scrape right off. Same as the wall tiles, if you were to take say a flat head screw driver, you would be able to quite easily scrape it off. Suitable for walls with no load but not for trafficked areas.

You'll thanks yourself in the long run.

Sa9

Thanks everyone for their comments sooo what about best paint for old wall tiles?

derosala_inc

I have read all responses from my search, not by joining the convo and your responses have basically answered my question. Thank you all. Will learn how to join discussion group as I am learning to be tech savvy, independent and a little more confident. Thank you

Jason

We're all about building confidence, skills and knowledge here on Workshop @derosala_inc.

Feel free to post anytime you need a hand with anything.

Jason

Patriciasmg

Hi! I had the same question about painting the tiles in my bathroom floor. Based on everyone’s responses, I will stay clear from painting but wanted to know more about your suggestion: wood look vinyl planks. Do you have any pictures or know of anyone that has done it. Can they be cut around corners of the bathroom.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Workshop community @Patriciasmg.

We stock a great variety of vinyl planks which are easy to install and look fantastic. Here's a step-by-step D.I.Y. tutorial on How To Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring which you might find of assistance as it shows what they look like when laid.

I trust you'll get loads of inspiration from our creative members for around your home and garden. If you ever need assistance or have something to share please let us know.

Mitchell

Patriciasmg

Thank you! Hi everyone all the way from New York & Vermont even though I am from Spain. Love the site, learning tons. Best, Patricia

Hac

I know it says this one was resolved. However, I successfully painted toilet floor tiles. I can't stress enough how important the prep is. Use the tile cleaner spray. Undercoat or prime with whitknight primer. I'll add a photo of this. Also to my knowledge currently the only paint that works on floor tiles is rustoleum milk paint. There is a sealer, however I was not game to use this in case it made the flooring slippery. After my 2 coats of milk paint I was so happy with the result. To be honest, even if it does eventually chip it will still look better than brown 70's mosaic tiles. Also, I still have half a can of paint so could always do another coat. Almost forgot, drying time is ultra important. T

Screenshot_20210809-015940_Samsung Internet.jpg

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he longer you leave it the better. It seems to harden or something. So, I recommend painting the floor before you go away for a few days.

Jesse1

Yes, painting horizontal surfaces isn’t normally the best long term solution. Vertical surfaces (cupboard doors and wall tiles) seems to get the best result. We had a hideous burgundy colour floor tile in our main bathroom and a navy blue in the ensuite and decided to tile over tile. This is the second house where we have done this and the result is perfect.

StevieB

Thanks for jumping into this discussion and sharing your thoughts @Hac and @Jesse1.

The floor looks fantastic @Hac and I'm sure your advice will be helpful for others looking to give a similar project a go.

Welcome,

Stevie

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