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The easiest ways for painting ceramic tile

Publish date
7th May 2025
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Whether you’re refreshing old ceramic tiles, painting a new ceramic tile floor, or giving ceramic furniture a new look, using the correct approach ensures long lasting results.  

If you're looking for an expert how-to guide for painting tiles that aren't ceramic, why not check out our comprehensive how to paint tiles page? Or, get inspired for you next home project and browse through our full collection of how-to guides. 

Understanding common issues when painting ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are manufactured with a kiln-fired glaze that creates an ultra-smooth, glass-like surface. This glazed finish is specifically designed to repel water, stains, and dirt, which unfortunately means it also repels paint. Standard paints simply sit on top of the ceramic glaze rather than bonding to it, resulting in a finish that chips, flakes, or peels away with minimal contact.

The non-porous nature of ceramic means there are no microscopic pores for paint to grip onto, unlike wood or plaster surfaces. Without proper preparation, including thorough sanding to break the glaze and using a specialised bonding primer, paint adhesion on ceramic tiles will always be compromised. This is why ceramic tiles that haven't been adequately prepared often show paint failure within weeks of application.

Painted ceramic tiles face unique durability challenges, particularly in high-use spaces. Ceramic floor tiles endure constant foot traffic, whilst ceramic kitchen backsplashes suffer repeated splashes and cleaning. Without a robust sealing system, your painted ceramic finish is vulnerable to:

  • Physical wear: Daily contact gradually wears away paint from ceramic surfaces, especially on edges and corners where hands frequently touch
  • Scratching: Ceramic's hard surface means any impact directly affects the paint layer above it, causing visible scratches and scuffs
  • Cleaning damage: Regular cleaning with standard bathroom or kitchen cleaners can degrade inadequately sealed paint on ceramic tiles
  • Thermal stress: Ceramic expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can cause poorly adhered paint to crack or separate

The solution lies in using heavy-duty, ceramic-specific sealants, typically polyurethane or epoxy-based products, applied in multiple coats. For ceramic floor tiles, a minimum of three sealant coats is essential, whilst ceramic wall tiles require at least two coats for adequate protection.

Ceramic tiles are most commonly found in moisture-rich environments like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces, where constant humidity and water exposure pose serious threats to painted finishes. Understanding how moisture affects painted ceramic helps you take appropriate protective measures.

In Bathroom Ceramic Tiles: Shower areas and bath surrounds face direct water spray daily, plus steam exposure that penetrates even well-sealed paint over time. Painted ceramic tiles in bathrooms require:

  • Waterproof, mould-resistant paint formulations
  • Multiple coats of marine-grade or bathroom-specific sealant
  • Extended curing time (7-10 days) before water exposure
  • Regular inspection for any breaches in the seal

In Kitchen Ceramic Tiles: Splash backs behind sinks and cookers endure water splashes, cooking grease, and heat exposure. The combination of moisture and heat is particularly challenging for painted ceramic, as it can cause the paint to soften and eventually lift from the ceramic surface. Kitchen ceramic tiles need heat-resistant paint and frequent resealing in high-splash zones.

In Outdoor Ceramic Applications: Ceramic garden pots, outdoor tiles, or decorative pieces face the harshest conditions, e.g. rain, frost, UV exposure, and temperature extremes. Painting outdoor ceramic requires exterior-grade products and the understanding that the finish may need refreshing every 1-2 years.

paint ceramic tiles

3 tips for painting ceramic

Surface preparation is the foundation of successful ceramic tile painting. Ceramic's glazed, non-porous finish actively resists paint, making thorough preparation essential. Begin by deep cleaning your ceramic tiles with sugar soap to remove all grease, soap scum, and contaminants, then rinse and dry completely.

Next, lightly sand the entire ceramic surface using 220-grit sandpaper with circular motions; this dulls the glaze and creates microscopic texture for paint to grip. The sanded ceramic should appear matte rather than glossy. After removing all dust, apply a bonding primer specifically formulated for ceramic and glossy surfaces. Standard primers won't adequately bond to ceramic's non-porous glaze. Apply two thin coats of ceramic-specific primer with a foam roller, allowing 24 hours drying time between coats.

Not all paints suit ceramic tiles - you need formulations designed for non-porous surfaces. For ceramic floor tiles, epoxy paint offers the durability needed for foot traffic, providing exceptional hardness and chemical resistance. For ceramic wall tiles in bathrooms and kitchens, tile-specific acrylic enamel provides excellent moisture resistance and easy cleaning properties. Decorative ceramic items benefit from ceramic-specific spray paints that provide smooth, even coverage.

Expect to apply 2-3 coats minimum on ceramic tiles, with additional coats needed when covering dark colours or patterns. Ceramic's non-absorbent surface means paint builds in layers rather than soaking in, so patience is essential. Use a Harris Ultimate Gloss Foam Roller on flat ceramic surfaces or a Harris Ultimate Gloss Paint Brush for the smoothest finish in smaller areas, and allow adequate drying time between coats (4-6 hours for acrylics, 8-12 hours for oil-based paints on ceramic).

Sealing transforms painted ceramic from vulnerable to durable. Apply a clear, water-resistant sealant specifically rated for your ceramic tile location - heavy-duty polyurethane for ceramic floors, waterproof formulations for bathroom ceramic tiles, and heat-resistant options for kitchen ceramic backsplashes.

Apply 2-4 thin coats depending on usage (ceramic floors need 3-4 coats, wall tiles need 2-3), allowing 24 hours drying between applications. Crucially, wait 72 hours minimum after final paint coat before sealing ceramic, and allow 7-10 days full curing before exposing sealed ceramic bathroom tiles to water. Proper sealing protects painted ceramic from moisture, scratches, and daily wear, extending your finish from months to years. Expect to reseal high-use ceramic areas every 2-3 years to maintain protection.

paint ceramic tiles
How to guide

How to paint on ceramic

Learn the secrets to smooth, pro-quality ceramic painting in our latest guide!

Read guide

5 minute read

Before and after

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FAQs

Yes, you can paint over glossy ceramic tiles, but proper surface preparation is crucial for the paint to adhere effectively. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tiles to remove any dirt, grease, or soap residue. Next, lightly sand the glossy surface to create a rough texture, which helps the paint bond better. Applying a suitable primer designed for tiles can further enhance adhesion and ensure a long-lasting finish.

For painting ceramic tiles, it's best to use epoxy or enamel paints, as they offer durability and resistance to moisture. Epoxy paints are particularly suitable for areas with high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens. Always ensure the paint is compatible with the primer used and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and curing times.

To safeguard painted tiles from chipping, fading, or moisture damage, apply a clear, water-based polyurethane sealant after the paint has fully cured. This topcoat adds an extra layer of protection, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Regular maintenance, such as gentle cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners, will also help prolong the life of the painted surface.

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