Do you have outdated backsplash in your kitchen, or perhaps a dated tile mantle in your living room? We can help you update and modernize them!
In this tutorial we'll teach you how to paint tile with any color of Country Chic Paint to make sure you get great adhesion.
Step 1) Clean Your Tiles
Since tile tends to be a very smooth, non-porous surface, there are some surface prep steps that need to be taken to make sure your paint sticks very well and lasts for years to come.
The first thing you'll want to do is give your tile a good cleaning. We generally recommend cleaning with something gentle like a vinegar/water solution. No matter what cleaning solution you choose to use, make sure you finish by wiping your tiles down with just plain water afterwards to remove any leftover residue that might prevent the paint from adhering well. Make sure your tile is nice and dry before you move onto the next step.
Step 2) Apply Clear Bonding Primer
Although Country Chic Paint has great adhesive qualities on its own, tile is a very slippery, smooth surface to work with, so paint has a harder time gripping onto it than a more porous surface. In order to give the paint something to really grab onto, start by applying 1-2 coats of Clear Bonding Primer.
How to Apply Clear Bonding Primer
- Our favorite tools for applying Clear Bonding Primer are Painting Sponges and Oval Paint Brushes.
- Apply one thin coat and allow it to dry for 1-2 hours.
- If necessary, apply a second coat to ensure full coverage.
- Allow your final coat to dry for 2-3 hours before continuing onto the next step.
Step 3) Paint Your Tile
You can use any color of Country Chic Paint to paint your tiles, but we chose a deep blue called Starstruck for this example.
How to Apply Paint to Tile
- As you can see from our photos, our favorite application tool for this step is an Oval Paint Brush, however you can also use a Painting Sponge to ensure nice, thin paint coats.
- Apply one thin coat and allow it to dry for 1-2 hours (or until fully dry to the touch).
- If necessary, apply a second coat to ensure full coverage.
- Allow your final paint coat to dry for AT LEAST 24 hours before continuing onto the next step.
Step 4) Seal with Clear Coat
This last step is optional, but we do highly recommend it for any projects that will get regular wear and tear and/or will require regular cleaning, such as kitchen backsplash.
If the tile you painted is likely to be touched or bumped a lot or will need to be cleaned regularly, you'll want to use Clear Coat to add some extra protection to make the finish very durable and long-lasting.
How to Apply Clear Coat to Painted Tile
- Stir your jar of Clear Coat very well for at least 2 minutes. DO NOT SHAKE! Shaking Clear Coat will incorporate bubbles that you don't want in your finish.
- Our favorite application tools for this step is are either an Oval Paint Brush or a Painting Sponge to ensure nice, thin coats.
- Make sure your paint has dried for AT LEAST 24 hours before you apply Clear Coat. If it hasn't dried for long enough you'll see a streaky finish when your top coat is applied.
- Apply one thin coat of Clear Coat.
- To achieve a smooth, streak-free finish, apply Clear Coat in long, smooth strokes working in one direction. Be careful not to overwork the product by going over the same area more than once as you apply it. Work in the shortest direction across your surface and always keep a wet edge.
- Allow it to dry for 2-3 hours (or until fully dry to the touch).
- We recommend applying 2-3 coats to ensure optimal protection.
Clear Coat takes 3-4 weeks to fully cure, so just be gentle if you're using the surface sooner than that, and avoid cleaning for at least one week. For even more detailed instructions on applying Clear Coat, visit this tutorial. Did you enjoy this tutorial? Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get access to all of our instructional videos!
We would love to hear what projects you’re working on, so make sure to leave a comment or post a picture of your project to our Facebook page or Instagram (@countrychicpaint)!
