Preparing kitchen splashback tiles for painting

Hello, I'm new here and not afraid to have a go at some simple tasks, however a bit limited due to physical health. I'm in the process of preparing my kitchen tiles for painting on the tiniest of budgets, but I'm struggling with sanding the tiles in preparation for painting. If I use the recommended grit of 400 I don't seem to make any difference to the gloss, I worked my way down to 80 grit to dull the gloss on tiles it is very time consuming (like a a couple of tiles in a day due to my physical ability). Do I have to remove all the gloss it is so hard to see any difference? I am using an electric sander. I have purchased the Dulux renovation range and I have been on to Dulux and they recommend that I get the laminate primer which will help the paint bond, but I still have to remove all the gloss. (It doesn't say anything about that in the instructions another $60). I really need some experienced advice please! Only a small splashback to do. I have thought about taking the paint back and buying stick on tiles!

Trish

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MitchellMc

Hi @Trish2.

It's one of those things where they are erring on the side of caution. It will assist in the paint sticking but you seem to be doing a very thorough job of sanding the tiles as it is. I do not believe it is required and the technical assistant I spoke to did not recommend we do so.

Mitchell

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MitchellMc

Hi @Trish2.

I've just done a test on my own tiles to try and assist me with solving this issue. With 400grit you will visibly see little to no difference in the gloss level of the tile. I started to see a visible difference with 240grit, yet the tile still appeared glossy. I do not believe from talking with Dulux that the expectation is that you will not see any gloss at all. It is simply to dull the gloss with 400grit, this should take less than 1 minute per tile with an electric sander.

Even though we can not visible see a difference, they are specifying in the documentation I have received from them that this treatment is adequate for their formulae to bond to. I understand your caution as with 400grit there does not seem a point where we can clarify that the tiles gloss is now dull. On a microscopic level 400grit is putting large trenches into the gloss surface, which is no doubt suitable for adhering the product to.

Please allow me until tomorrow when I can talk to their technical assistance who will be able to give me a definitive answer on how much sanding with 400grit we need to do in order to be sure the paint will adhere.

Thanks for your patience,

Mitchell

MitchellMc

Hi @Trish2.

I've just spoken to Dulux technical assistance and they have confirmed what I had believed to be correct. Even with the 400grit, we are simply abraiding the surface of the tile, you may not see any difference at all. What that will look like in practice is a quick 1-minute sanding of the surface with an electric sander then moving onto the next tile.

What you may in fact be doing is sanding through the entire glaze of the tile, Dulux has advised this is not expected. We do agree that the more sanding the better, perhaps even going to a 240grit to see the visible scratches. I hope this assists in making the job easier and gives you some peace of mind that the 400grit sandpaper is adequate for the job.

Please do keep us updated on the project and remember we are available to assist whenever you need a hand.

Mitchell

Trish2

Thank you very much Mitchell, I really appreciate you going above and beyond for me. I'll put a photo up when I have finished. Oh should I buy the laminate primer and apply first as the rep I talked to suggested?

MitchellMc

Hi @Trish2.

Mitchell

Trish2

@MitchellMc just wanted to say thank you! Finally remembered to post a photo, I finished some time ago (Thanks covid!). Now on to next project upcycling pine chest of drawers!

MitchellMc

Hi @Trish2,

That looks fantastic! You should be immensely proud of the work you have put in as it has really paid off. I'm so glad this worked out for you and I appreciate you following up with some pictures so we can all see the finished project.

We look forward to following along with your pine chest of drawers upcycling project and would encourage you to share it with the community as well.

Many thanks for sharing your results.

Mitchell

Jason

Great job @Trish2. Thanks so much for sharing your completed project. I'm sure it will inspire other members and visitors.

Jason

DonnaL

Trish,

Thank you for posting. You have done just the thing I have been asking about. Love the new colour scheme ... it has made your kitchen look so bright and calm.

Mitchell suggested your post as we are looking at doing the same.

How have you found cleaning the painted tiles?

Any advice in general?

Thanks for sharing your great job.

Donna

Trish2

Hi @DonnaL thanks for the complement re my kitchen tiles. The paint on the tiles is only about 3 months old so hasn't stood the test of time yet. They clean up very well, although I am a household of only 1, but I do cook every day. If I look closely at the tiles behind the cook top I can see some a lone tile that had a pattern on it and it's a bit rough, but honestly, unless you are looking for it you would never know.

Preparation is time consuming of course but once I realised I didn't need to sand as much as I was trying to, it was a bit quicker. I downloaded the instructions from the Dulux site and followed them by the book. You have to remove all the silicone which I found a pain! Painting the tiles was the easiest part and I had plenty of paint left over, so used it up having a go at painting some laminate shelves in the laundry, even though Dulux has a different paint for laminate. (I painted the tiles in in my very small laundry as well). I have a heavy container of dog food stored on one shelf which I slide off twice a day to access it to feed the dog and no scuffs or scratches. I even used up the last bit painting some clay garden pots, I have no idea how they will last outside, but they look good so far! So I hope this helps. Good luck!

DonnaL

Thanks Trish, it gives me some good info to work on. donna

Old-gal24

Go gal @Trish2 Awesome job, bet you feel good that's all over and done with! Well you should do, I know how hard it is when you have physical limitations, things seem to take so much longer. I started a vanity area make over earlier this year then Covid hit and the cold weather, that's when my hands seize up and not much gets done, the mind is willing for sure but sadly the body holds me up. But now the warmer weather is creaping in I'm wanting to complete the last bits I have to do, 1) paint my bathroom tiles, 2) the cabinets. I just came across your post and another one on painting cabinets, so think you have both given me the motivation to get back in and get the last bit done in my vanity area. Thanks to you @trish and @Stevem much appreciated to you both.

This old gal

ps will try and add pics when done.

KevinMall

Well done Trish2 👍👏👏👏 and congratulations on giving it a go.

Ari

What a great improvement @Trish2 ! Thank you for sharing your before and after photos. I've been thinking of doing this and you've encouraged me.

Cheers Ari

MitchellMc

Hi @Ari,

I noticed @Trish2's wonderful project inspired you. I trust your tile make-over would equally inspire our other members if you'd care to share it with us.

Please let us know if you need assistance with it. We're here to help.

Mitchell

AlenaM

Thank you so much for this post!

The sanding has been a concern of mine too.

This has helped in so many ways.

Thankyou!

EricL

Hello @AlenaM

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

It's great that the sanding information has helped you with your project. It sounds like you are painting your tiles as well. If you are, would it be possible for you post a few photos of the painted area? I'm sure our members would be keen to see the transformation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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