What Kind Of Paint To Use On Ceramic Floor Tiles? Home Cosmetica
You may be looking for the right kind of paint you need to use on your ceramic floor tiles. If you’re thinking so, then you’re in the right place. I’m Thomas Taylor, and today our topic is what kind of paint to use on ceramic floor tiles.
Painting porous materials such as drywall and wood is an easy task. But, when it comes to painting ceramic tiles, you have to do a lot of things. Choosing the right paint is one of them, and of course, it should be as per your preference.
Besides, painting ceramic tiles needs some preparations. Glazed ceramic tiles don’t bond the paint well due to their non-sticky, glassy surfaces. So, you have to sand and scuff the surfaces, and then use a primer before applying the paint on them.
If you know how to paint ceramic tile perfectly, it won’t be enough for you. You need to have a clear understanding of the types of paints and the best option among them. In case you really don’t know about them, we’re here to help you find the right type of paint.
Can You Paint Ceramic Floor Tile?
Painting ceramic floor tiles is an easier job as you’re thinking. It wants you to follow a few simple steps using some high-quality tools and materials. Therefore, you can definitely paint floor tiles as well as tiles on the walls and backsplashes.
A painted floor can not only handle substantial wear and tear, but it can also save the expense of installing new tiles. To get the best results, you have to sand, clean, and prime the ceramic tiles first before applying the paint. Doing these things can enhance the durability of the paint.
What Kind of Paint to Use on Ceramic Floor Tiles

Ceramic floor tiles need easy-to-stick gloss or semi-gloss paint. If you’re going to paint your tiles, you should apply a good quality primer at first, and then use heavy-duty paint. Finally, coat your tiles with chalk paint to get excellent results.
When it comes to opting for the right paint, we recommend you purchase enamel paint. It’s quite durable and stain-resistant, and so it can last for a long time. On the other hand, you should avoid latex paint. It doesn’t suit the tile painting project.
Types of Paints
There are two types of paints that you can apply to your ceramic floor tiles. They’re alkyd paint and oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is stickier than alkyd paint. It doesn’t mean that you have to choose only oil-based paint. You should always remember what your requirements are.

#Alkyd Paint: This paint usually sticks once, and you can easily remove the paint if you want. When you’re going to paint alkyd paint on your tiles, make sure that you use a damp cloth between coats of the paint so that the paint can properly stick to the surface.
#Oil-based Paint: Oil-based paint sticks better to the tile surface than alkyd paint. If you want to get the best glossy finish, make sure that you put multiple coats. Since the paint is oil-based and most tiles are glazed, you have to apply a primer to ensure an accurate stick.
How to Paint Ceramic Tile
Painting ceramic tiles require a few certain steps. But, before starting painting, you have to gather some tools and materials. Here we’ve provided a list of essential pieces of equipment. Pick the necessary items depending on your requirements.

- Ceramic Tile Paint
- Chalk Paint
- Polyurethane
- Foam Roller
- Synthetic Paint Brush
- Painter’s Tape
- Custom Stencil
- Thin Craft Paint Brush
- Medium Grit Sandpaper
- Bonding Primer
Once you’ve collected necessary materials and tools, you’re now ready to paint ceramic floor tiles. Here we’re going to provide you with some basic steps below. If you want to know the entire process elaborately, you can read “how to paint ceramic tile in kitchen? [read here]
- Thoroughly clean the tiles and grout by using water and a soft cloth.
- Make sure that you open windows and turn fans on for proper ventilation.
- Divide the entire tile floor into small sections.
- Apply the primer to the tiles and grout with a roller or brush.
- Wait until the primer is thoroughly dry.
- Once the primer has dried, paint the floor tiles thoroughly.
- Keep the paint for 48 hours so that it can completely dry.
- Paint again and wait for 48 more hours to dry.
- Apply urethane to the entire surface at least three times and give the urethane time to dry in between.
How to Remove Paints from Ceramic Tiles
If you want to remove the paint from your floor tiles, just apply a solution of warm water and vinegar or a “commercial paint remover” to the tiles with a cloth. After that, remove the paint using another damp, clean cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Does painting tile floors last?
It entirely depends on how well you paint your floor tiles. Honestly speaking, tile paints won’t last as you’re expecting and may cause maintenance issues.
02. What is the best paint to use on ceramic tile?
You’ll find several best paints to use on your ceramic tiles. But, if you want to know our recommendation, we’ll tell you to choose “Rust-Oleum Gloss White Protective Enamel Paint.” It comes with top-quality features and helps you decorate your house beautifully.
03. How do you cover a ceramic tile floor?
You can cover your old ceramic tile floor with a tile varnish. Resin is also a good solution for those who want to create a uniform surface by removing joints.
Conclusion
After all, you’ve already known what kind of paint to use on ceramic floor tiles. However, we recommend you choose oil-based paint due to its stickier characteristics. If you have any prior experience in choosing tile paints, you can share it with us and contribute to this guide.