Painitng Ceramic Floor Tiles

[jaypeegee]

After doing some research I decided to re paint the ceramic floor tiles in my front entry.

It seems the way to go is to use a really good primer (oil or latex) 2 or 3 coats of oil based paint and end up with a latex urethane (because oil based can add a yellowisg hue).

My contractor/friend certainly used a good primer, but he purchased latex paint instead of oil. I am really worried about the durability and quality of the finish and I wonder if anyone has had experience with painting ceramic floor tiles (with latex).

Under the circumstances what urethane coat would others recommend ?- it has to dry like steel before I will be comfortable that the latex paint is up to the job.

Any suggestions about finishing this project off right would be greatly appreciated...I am selling my house and want it to oth look good and be sustainable.

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[Tool Guy - Kg]

Welcome, jay!

Painting your entryway tiles isn't going to last very long, especially with relatively dirty shoes stompin' on 'em.

Can I ask if the existing tile job is in excellent shape (meaning no loose tiles and no cracks in any of the tiles or grout joints)? I'm not usually a fan of tiling over tile, but when the existing tile job is in perfect condition (like you find with many older mud-set floors), it may be a candidate for such an idea. There's less prep work working this way, so a new tile job wouldn't take you as long....and would last much longer than paint. If this idea intrigues you, let us know and we'll ask you some probing questions to see if it's appropriate for you. :)

[silvercitytile]

this is were the artist comes out of me. i think the front enterance is the most focal point. the fower should be complimented with a with a madailion, or a custom tile inset. its like curb appeal. painting on the tile wont last long. a custom engraving with an outdoor paint like the one used on headstone works fine. i do them all the time.

one of these days i'll learn how to post a pic. :lol1:

[jaypeegee]

Both good ideas thank you very much....unfortunately it is alread painted so I am trying to make the best of the situation. I know painting tiles isn't ideal but I am selling the house and anticipate the buyer will probalyrip out both the tile and the wall to wall carpet (I so lovingly had installed 5 years ago).

Fashions change of course and new owners want to put their own stamp on things. I think my key question is this really. Can anyone recommend a reall good and durable finish coat/urathane/sealer in a low lustre or semi gloss finish that will set like rock and ensure that the fact I have painted the tiles with latex rather than oil based paint won't cause too many problems.

From the research I have done it seems that paiting ceramic floor tiles isn't as poor an option as many would think and it is something people do all the time.....a good interim sollution (especially if you are a poor single mom like me).

[jaypeegee]

Here is a little background on why I am in the situation I am....quite interesting really.

A while back there was a fire in my kitchen during which hot fat was spilt on a piece of carpet that connects my living room with the front entry. This left me with a problem because the carpet was not salvageable. Unfortunately the strip of carpet ran along side my kitchen which has vinyl flooring so I didn't want to introduce yet another type of flooring to replace it. (Would have been easier if I showed a picture I am sure).

Anyway I got creative (I used to be an interior designer) and decided to rip ou the strip of carpet and replace it with ceramic tiles to match (in size and finish) the ceramic tiles in the front entry. This worked beautifully and gave me a consistent finish from the front door into my living room.

The tricky bit was this. The original ceramic I was matching was 18 years old and in a nasty yellowy beige which is no longer available thank God. so we installed white ones and decided on the option of priming and painting all the ceramic to match.

So far it looks beautiful and works like a dream.....I just nead to find the right sealer to finish it all of and give it a durable (baring in mind it won't last years) finish.

I appreciate the advice very much....thank goodnes for forums :bow: