The Complete Guide to Prepping and Painting Glass Tile

Glass tile can be an elegant and unique addition to any space, often adding a touch of modern style. But over time, those once-vibrant glass tiles can start to look dated or dull. Instead of embarking on a full tile replacement project, consider refreshing your glass tile with a new coat of paint. Painting glass tile allows you to change up the color scheme, hide any scratches or damage, and give the space an updated facelift.

While painting glass tile is possible, proper preparation and technique will ensure your new paint job stands the test of time. In this complete guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to paint glass tile successfully.

Determine if Painting is Right for Your Tile

The first step is deciding if painting will work for your particular tile installation. While glass tile in any room can technically be painted, certain areas and tile types will see better results.

Location Considerations

Glass tile on walls in low-moisture areas like bedrooms and living spaces are the best candidates for painting. The paint will adhere and wear well in these locations.

In bathrooms, moisture from showers can lead to bubbling or peeling down the road. And the frequent scuffing of shoes on floor tile will require touch-ups much sooner than wall tile. While painting floors is possible, the finish may degrade more rapidly.

Glass Tile Type

Frosted, textured, and matte glass tiles accept paint better than very smooth, shiny tiles. The porous surface helps the paint adhere properly. Heavily textured tile may require extra coats for full coverage.

Keep in mind that part of glass tile's appeal is its reflective, light-transmitting nature. Paint will mute both these qualities. If maintaining a bright, light space is important, painting may not be the best option.

Durability Considerations

While painting glass tile can provide a temporary facelift, the finish will likely wear faster than unpainted tile. The tile itself is delicate, and adding paint may make it more prone to chipping or scratching. Frequent touch-ups will be needed, especially on floors.

If maximum longevity is critical, replacement may be better than refinishing. But a fresh coat of paint can buy you years of enjoyment from existing tile at just a fraction of the cost.

Choose the Right Paint for the Job

Picking the appropriate type of paint ensures proper adhesion and durability of your new finish.

Paint Options

Look for 100% acrylic paint formulated specifically for use on tile. Avoid enamel paints. Outdoor paints also tend to wear faster than those made for indoor use.

Finish

Semi-gloss or satin paint finishes are ideal for glass tile. The subtle sheen enhances the tile's glassy appearance. Flat paints can look dull and show scuffs readily.

Quantity

Buy enough paint for 2-3 coats to ensure full, even coverage. The tile's texture may absorb more paint than expected. Most projects will require 1-2 quart size cans of paint.

Clean and Prepare the Tile Surface

Proper prep is crucial for successful painting results. Take time to thoroughly clean and treat the tile surface before painting.

Cleaning

Start by washing the tile with an appropriate tile cleaner. Grease, dirt, soap residue, and other contaminants will impede paint adhesion. Rinse any cleaner residue thoroughly.

Etching or Deglossing

If tiles have a shiny or glossy finish, they must be properly abraded for paint to bond well. Use an etching product or fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the glaze.

Spot Treatment

Inspect closely for any damaged areas of grout or tile. Fill chips and cracks with caulk to smooth the surface before painting.

Priming

After cleaning, apply a high-quality tile primer to the surface. This helps the paint stick strongly. Follow primer directions closely.

Application Process for Paint

With the tile fully prepped, you're ready to start painting. Use these techniques for best results:

Multiple Coats

Apply paint in 2-3 thin, even coats. Thicker paint may bubble or pool. Allow the full drying time between coats.

Tools

Use high-quality brushes and mini paint rollers designed for smooth surfaces. Paint sprayers can also be used if desired.

Direction

Paint sections completely, following the grout lines. Overlap edges just slightly to avoid gaps in coverage.

Manufacturer Instructions

Always follow the specific paint product directions for dry time, application tools, and any special tips.

Painting Floors vs. Walls

While the painting technique is largely the same, there are some additional factors to consider based on where your tile is located.

Wall Tile Painting

• Typically easier than floors due to vertical surface
• Able to complete in sections for easier access
• Minimal prep if taping off trims or borders
• Finish lasts longer since less contact wear

Floor Tile Painting

• Must cover floors completely to avoid walking on wet paint
• Taping off borders can be tricky on floor level
• Finish may scuff or wear faster due to foot traffic
• May need periodic touch-ups to maintain appearance

Take your tile location into consideration when planning the paint job.

Achieve Clean Lines with Painter's Tape

No matter where your tile is located, painter's tape can help create super sharp edges between the tile and adjacent surfaces.

Trim and Borders

Apply tape along the trim, baseboard, or countertop edge before starting to paint. Remove it immediately after finishing to reveal ultra crisp borders.

Between Coats

You can also tape off edges between coats. This prevents paint overlap onto surfaces not being refinished.

Touch-ups

Use tape when doing any finish touch-ups as well. Touch up paint may slightly vary from the original coats.

Curing Process and Use

Painted tile requires careful handling during the curing process. And you'll need to allow ample drying time before regular use.

Initial Curing

Avoid walking on freshly painted floors for at least 24 hours. Allow 1-2 days for the paint to initially cure before light use.

Normal Use

Wait 5-7 days before putting furniture on painted floors or using showers again. This prevents damage to the new finish.

Avoid Impacts

Use care when moving appliances or furniture across painted floors. Dropping heavy objects may now crack the tile.

Maintaining the Painted Finish

While durable, painted tile will require some maintenance to look its best long-term.

Gentle Cleaning

Use only damp mopping or soft cloths when cleaning painted tile. Harsh chemicals can damage the paint.

Occasional Touch-ups

Expect to do minor touch-ups, especially on floors or tile in wet areas. This preserves the fresh painted look.

Reapplication

Plan to repaint the entire tile surface every 2-5 years. Actual longevity depends on wear and tear.

Get the highest quality, longest-lasting paint job by following these top tips:

• Clean and prep tile thoroughly before starting
• Apply paint in thin, even coats for best coverage
• Use quality mini rollers and angled brushes
• Allow proper curing time before use
• Touch up paint periodically as needed

The upfront labor invested in prepping and careful painting pays off in a durable, revitalized tile surface that maintains its fresh look for years to come.

Painting tile can transform the look of a space. Equipped with this complete guide, you can prep and paint glass tile successfully. Take your time, use proper materials, and enjoy your refreshed new tile.