Update Old Floor Tile With Paint!

Intro: Update Old Floor Tile With Paint!

Did you know you can update your outdated tile floor without removing the tile?! I updated our old, brown, dingy and dated tile floor with a floor paint coating system.

No matter how much we cleaned the tiles, they never looked clean. Removing the tile isn't an option right now, so we needed an alternative update.

I painted the tiles a more modern color that we liked, but there are many other colors to choose from. You can even tint the paint to your desired color at the paint desk.

The process was easy, inexpensive, and I'm impressed with the durability. I'm excited to have found this option and to share it with you. Check out the process!

Tip: Catch the full tutorial on my YouTube video!

STEP 1: Prep the Perimeter

First step is to prepare your perimeter.

Tape off your baseboards or cabinets with painters tape to make sure they don't get painted. In our house, we really needed new baseboards so I took this opportunity to just pull the old ones off. I'll paint all the way to the wall and then replace with new baseboards in the end.

STEP 2: Clean the Floor

One of the most important steps in this process is to clean the floor.

I started by vacuuming and moved to a cleaner/degreaser. Krud Kutter did an amazing job. Getting the dirt, grime and grease will help the paint to adhere properly.

We've never been able to get this floor to look clean so this time I decided to go extra and use a scrubber with the cleaner and it worked so well!

After scrubbing, I'd use fresh water and mop it clean.

STEP 3: Let's Paint!

I'm painting my tile, but this system also works on vinyl, laminate, wood, concrete and more!

I chose my base coat in black, but as I mentioned, there are a lot of other pre-mixed options or you can tint to your desired color at the paint desk.

There's no sanding or priming needed before application so I went right in and applied the paint.

I used a paint brush to cut in the perimeter and then rolled the rest with a 3/8" roller for a smooth finish. I painted in sections and started in the back so I could paint myself out. The floor can be gently walked on in 6 hours.

STEP 4: Clear Top Coat

Part 2 of this paint system is the clear top coat. I chose mine in a matte finish.

I again started in the back corner and rolled on the clear coat, only this time I used a 1/4" roller. I worked in sections and this step is just as easy as the first. It goes on milky, but dries totally clear.

The product only recommends one coat, but I'd probably suggest doing two for extra protection. This step needs 24 hours to dry before fully walking on it.

STEP 5: Remove Tape or Add Baseboards

Just about done! Now you can remove the perimeter tape, or in my case, add new baseboards. So nice to see the updated baseboards against the new floor!

STEP 6: All Done!

What an improvement! Check out the before and afters. This paint is the update these old tiles needed.

And before you say it - yes, black can really show dust. But! We have a robot vacuum that comes out daily and keeps the black floor clean. We bought it with this project in mind and it's worked wonderfully :)

Be sure to watch the YouTube video for an even better tutorial.

I'd love to see pics of yours if you decide to make your own! For more projects and tutorials, be sure and visit my YouTube channel and my website. You can also find me on Instagram @makergray.  

Comments

[Entropy]

would this work on linoleum or vinyl tile? I wonder about how it would be to clean-I will not wax floors!

[Yonatan24]

Do you know how long it'll last before starting to wear off? I think it would look ever better with a matte gray look. Nice job.

[Maker Gray]

I dont, but I'm impressed with the durability so far. In a few years, we'll pull up the tile and put down a new floor. I hope this works well for the duration. So far I think it will! Yeah, gray would look great! Thanks!

[TwelveFoot]

I don't suppose this would work on walls? Paint is probably so thick with suck a long drying time that it would just run down?

[Maker Gray]

You know, that's a good question! I did see in the instructions that it can be applied to vertical surfaces. So, I guess so? The paint is really thick. However, if you are looking for shower (or wet room walls) they make a particular product for that.