Can You Paint Quarry Tiles?
Is your kitchen in need of a little refreshment? Are the tiles on the floor looking a bit worse for wear? If so, you might be considering giving them a fresh lick of paint. But is it possible to paint quarry tiles without ruining them?
In this blog post, we take a look at the best way to go about painting quarry tiles, and whether or not it’s a job you can do yourself. Read on to find out more!
Quarry flooring is not suited for ordinary latex coatings. If you want the final finish to stick securely onto these porous surfaces then prime them with a masonry primer manufactured specifically designed to accommodate nonporous materials like yours!
This will stop the paint from being soaked into your quarry tiles.
Things To Consider For Painting The Quarry Tiles
Here are some tips to help you paint your quarry tiles successfully:
- Use high-quality masonry paint with good coverage for an even finish.
- Make sure your tiles are clean and dry before you begin, removing any dust and dirt with a damp cloth.
- If using patterned or textured paint, make sure your quarry tiles are completely smooth so the surface is level and there’s no risk of trapping pockets of air underneath.
- Be aware that painting quarry tiles will change their look. This is one of the reasons why many people prefer to use quarry tiles for bathrooms and kitchens, as they always look fresh and clean.
- Make sure you wear protective clothing (safety glasses, gloves etc.) when painting your quarry tiles; be aware that this process may create small amounts of dust or fumes.
What Kind of Paint Should You Use For Painting Quarry Tiles?
Most of the time, ordinary paint isn’t suitable for painting quarry tiles. Water-based paints will soak into porous surfaces like quarry tiles and they won’t be usable after a short while.
Oil-based masonry paint is your best bet for giving your quarry flooring a makeover. You can expect this type of paint to last for years, as long as you’ve primed your tiles correctly. If you want a textured finish, make sure the paint you use is suitable before applying it.
A Step-by-step Guide To Paint Quarry Tiles
In order to paint quarry tiles in the right way you have to follow the following steps:
1. Removing of Loose Grout
Remove any loose grout using a grout saw and bucket before you start to paint your quarry tiles; this will also make it easier to clean up after you’re done!
2. Washing The Floor
Give the floor a good wash, starting with a high-pressure jet washer if possible, or just a wet vacuum cleaner. Be sure to remove as much dust as possible before you begin painting the tiles.
3. Time To Prime The Tiles
Now that your quarry tiles are dry, it’s time to prime them – choose a masonry primer that is appropriate for use on nonporous surfaces such as quarry tiles. Apply this using a good-quality brush, brushing it on over the whole area.
4. Applying The Paint on Tiles
Let your primer dry for a few hours before you apply a thin coat of oil-based masonry paint with a roller, paying particular attention to any cracks or grooves like grout lines on your quarry tiles. Let this dry overnight.
5. Applying 2nd Layer of Paint
If you need to touch up any areas after the first coat, apply a second layer using a good-quality brush. Be careful to avoid brushing against the grain of the quarry tiles if you want an even finish!
6. Apply 3rd Layer
Apply your third and final coat once everything has dried completely. You should have a lovely, fresh new look for your quarry tiles!
4-Ways To Paint Quarry Tiles
You have the option of using the following 4 methods to paint quarry tiles depending upon your requirement:
1. Brushing on Masonry Paint
This method is best used for painting smaller areas, but the paint is very easy to apply.
2. Using a Roller
The paint can be quickly rolled onto larger surfaces with this method and if you’re careful it will give an even finish.
3. Spraying Masonry Paint
If you want to cover large areas in very little time, using a spray gun is the best method of application.
4. Using a Paint Pad
You might choose to use a paint pad on your quarry tiles for very large areas, such as walls or floors. This will give an even finish and is quick and easy to use.
Is Painting Tiles a Good Idea?
Possibly, but before you paint your quarry tiles, find out as much as you can about them and what they’re made of. If they’re made from porcelain or another hardwearing tile then painting them could be a good idea – just make sure that you’ve used high-quality masonry paint and follow our step-by-step guide!
How Long Will Your Painted Tiles Last?
Masonry paint is designed to last a long time so if you use this type of paint and get the application right, your tiles could look fresh for years.
Benefits of Painting Quarry Tiles
There are many benefits of painting your quarry tiles, not least the fact that it may help to revive them and save you the cost of replacing them.
It might also be a good idea if they’re looking dirty or dingy. For example, painting them green can give an unkempt lawn a more manicured look. If you maintain your painted quarry tiles on a regular basis then they’ll last for longer than if they weren’t painted in the first place.
How much does painting quarry tiles cost?
A good oil-based masonry paint doesn’t come cheap but you get what you pay for! The price will depend on the size of the area you’re painting.
What are your alternatives?
If keeping things simple is what you’re aiming for then painting patterns or pictures on your quarry tiles may be a nice way to add a personal touch.
Another option is laying stickers onto the surface of your tiles. This can be done in a variety of patterns and designs, giving you that polished look without having to apply paint over the entire flooring area.
A third alternative is using resin or epoxy paint to coat your quarry tiles. These paints are extremely hardwearing and durable, meaning they’ll last you for years. However, because of this durability, they can be quite expensive when compared to other types of paint.
Conclusion
As long as you do your research and follow the instructions correctly, you will be able to paint quarry tiles in no time!
Be sure to wear protective clothing and someone ask for help if you are not sure of anything. Make sure you consider all the stuff we have mentioned in our article because although you can paint quarry tiles, it is not as simple as it seems and to paint quarry tiles properly for a long-lasting result you have to be a little bit careful.
