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How to paint kitchen tiles?

Hi everyone, I’d love to paint my kitchen tiles but not sure where to start and how to best go about it. Eventually we will be doing a kitchen reno but it’s low on the list!

So would love a little project to focus on! I would love to go for a green colour.. obviously the grout would would have to be done too.. is this something I should just paint over or will I have to re-grout etc? Have attached a similar green colour id be liking to use! Thanks in advance!

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Jewelleryrescue

Hi @laurendouglas

I will point you towards a Tile Paint that has a similar light green colour in its range that says it will dry brush stroke free in a gloss

There are other tile paint to just search bunnings for " tile paints"

Basically wash the tiles down let them dry and paint away after masking the whole bench so the loose paint drips don't make a mess.

Paint the tile and grout x 2 coats allowing 2 hours between coats on a warm day. Add a 3rd coat if you wish for luck.

laurendouglas

Thanks so much! Would you recommend re-grouting.. I feel like it would look odd all painted but obviously would be a bit more work and I have no experience in grouting!

Thanks again!

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @laurendouglas

No need to regrout unless the grout is missing bits and that is an easy fix before you paint.

I hear you re: your thoughts about covering the grout with paint too. I think it will be ok once your used to it. OR

Consider using one of those baby rollers a foam roller if you are gentle and don't push the roller in to hard so only the tops of the tile will be painted leaving the grout lines original. Technique run the roller on a diagonal to the grout lines this will help not to dip in and paint them by mistake.

If you have a 5mm artist brush dipped in water as a back up. If any paint gets into the grout lines is the paint is water based and will brush out the grout lines if you do it as it happens.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @laurendouglas. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about painting tiles.

@Jewelleryrescue has provided some fantastic advice. Most people do tend to paint over the grout when updating tiles, as it’s the easiest approach. However, with your chosen green colour, painting over the grout could make the tiles look like a single painted surface rather than individual tiles. If you prefer to maintain the look of distinct tiles, you might consider painting the tiles themselves and then using a grout paint to whiten or refresh the grout lines afterward.

This method will take a little more effort but could give you a more polished and professional finish. You’d need to carefully mask the grout lines or use a steady hand with a small brush to avoid accidental paint overlap. After the tile paint has dried and cured, apply the grout paint for a crisp, clean contrast.

Either way, this project sounds like a fantastic way to refresh your kitchen and bring in a pop of colour while you wait for your full renovation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

laurendouglas

Thank you! I got the primer and paint today so I’m excited but now unsure about the grout situation. The Bunnings employee recommended a grout pen (which sounded great at the time) which I purchased. Now looking into it and at reviews, most people have said it’s a waste of money and a terrible product.

Now I’m worried it’ll completely my ruin my look after all my hard work with the painting.. and once I paint over the grout, there’s no going back!

MitchellMc

It's a difficult situation, @laurendouglas, and I can't see a great option to resolve it.

As mentioned, you could try using a roller to paint only the face of the tiles and not the grout, though I suspect you'll miss the edges of the tiles and need to paint them by hand.

Grout pens are used to whiten grout lines, not recreate them after painting. Potentially, if you use a straight edge, you could recreate them after painting. However, if you were to try and do this free-hand, they might look a bit wonky.

Mitchell

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