Can You Paint Marble Tiles?
If you’re considering renovating your home, you may be wondering if it’s possible to paint marble tiles.
While this isn’t always recommended, it is possible in some cases.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the process of painting marble tiles and provide some tips on how to achieve the best results. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of this DIY project so that you can make an informed decision before getting started.
Let’s begin!
5 Reasons why you should think twice before painting your marble tiles
As you know that painting tiles is possible yet it is not always recommended, let’s see why it is not considered to be the best option by experts:
Hard to clean
Marble is a porous material and if you apply paint directly on its surface, it may absorb the liquid and become more susceptible to staining. It will also become more difficult for you to clean in the future. This can result in some ugly-looking tiles after a few years of usage.
Else, If there’s a possibility of the paint peeling off, it can also turn into a health hazard as it may contain toxic chemicals.
Too shiny
Using marble tiles with a fresh coat of paint on them will give you the look of industrial floors with their polished texture and shine which is not always desirable.
If you’re looking for a more matte look, you might have to apply multiple layers of paint. However, this will take up a lot of time and effort which would have been saved if you had just chosen another material instead.
Easy to damage
Marble is a delicate material that can easily break when subjected to impact or hard pressure. Applying paint on it increases the chances of its breaking even more.
Marble tiles are usually expensive to replace which can be a big problem if they get damaged after painting them.
Moreover, poor sealant on the surface of marble will not allow the paint to cover it evenly, making some parts look darker or inconsistent with the rest of the flooring. This may also result in peeling off of the paint after a few days/weeks.
Possible bad smell
Generally, paints are not recommended to be used on surfaces that experience high levels of humidity or moisture as the chemicals present in them may cause an unpleasant odor. This can be very problematic if you’re applying paint on marble which is already porous and delicate.
So, it is better to avoid using paints on marble tiles if the bathroom or kitchen are closed.
Difficulties in fixing minor cracks
Due to their natural variability, marble tiles are bound to have some minor cracks which can be repaired easily by professionals with proper tools and equipment. However, you won’t be able to fix these cracks yourself as you’ll need a lot of experience to deal with them.
Sometimes, the paint may not adhere properly to the tiles which can further complicate things for you. So, it is better to avoid these issues altogether by hiring professional help instead of trying your hand at painting marble tiles yourself.
A step-by-step guide to painting the marble tiles in the right way!
Now that you know a few reasons why painting tiles is not the best option, let’s move on to some helpful tips and tricks that can help you achieve great results while using this technique.
Decide on the color
The first step of painting marble tiles is deciding on a design for your home. If you have some artistic ability, you’ll want to choose a pattern, pattern, or even a mural for your flooring. If you think you’ll need the help of an expert, do some research online to get inspired by images of floors that have been painted before.
Make sure that your tiles are clean
It is very important to clean them properly before painting them because if any dust particles settle on the surface. You should start by light scrubbing them with water and soap to remove the dirt.
Dry them properly
You should only use a dry cloth for wiping them after cleaning because any moisture can affect the adhesion of paint on marble tiles. This way, you’ll prevent your tiles from getting overgrown with mildew or mold in the future!
Once you’re done with this step, it’s time to move on to preparing the surface properly…
Lightly sand the tiles
If your tiles have a fine sandstone finish, you should lightly sand them first to create a smooth and even surface. However, if your tiles already have a polished look, you don’t need to go any further as the paint will stick to them easily.
Prime the surface
Believe it or not, this step is super important! Now that your flooring is clean and dry, you’ll need to apply an oil-based primer to create an even base for the paint. You should choose a color that is slightly lighter than the one you want to use on the tiles to avoid any problems later on.
Use quality brushes
To get professional results, it’s important to buy high-quality brushes which are suitable for your material. This way, you’ll achieve an even finish without spending hours on the tedious task of painting.
Follow the directions of use
This step is pretty straightforward but make sure to read the instructions carefully before starting with this step!
Last but not least… After all your efforts, you’ll finally be done with painting marble tiles!
How to choose the right paint for marble tiles?
To choose a paint that can be used on marble tiles, you’ll need to look for a product that is made from natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Afterall here are some recommendations for you:
Chalk based paint
Chalk-based paints are water-based and provide great coverage, so your tiles will look great with just one layer. They need to be sealed with wax to give them a protective coating that can prevent stains and absorb liquid.
Silicone paint
The best thing about silicone paint is the fact that it contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can turn out to be harmful to your health.
Epoxy paint
It’s perfect for floors because it is durable and it doesn’t chip or peel.
Latex-based paint
Latex-based paints are really good for interior surfaces as they provide great coverage and the colors look fantastic.
You can also try marble painting kits which include everything you need to get started. They come with detailed instructions that will help you achieve professional results even if this is your first time working on a project like this!
Non-sanded grout
Last but not least, you should consider using non-sanded grout which will make the tiles look seamless without any gaps.
Wrapping up!
In summary, marble tiles can be painted safely if a few precautions are taken into consideration. It can be a great way to add some personality and life to an otherwise boring room!
