Glass tile is a lovely way to add gloss and an upscale look to your kitchen or bathroom. Once your glass tile is installed, what happens if you want to change the color? Maybe the color scheme of your kitchen backsplash was fashionable 20 years ago, but now it’s considered out of date.
You can change the color of the glass tile by painting it. You can paint it as long as you know the proper procedure and what materials you need. How successful you will be with painting glass tile may depend on the room where the glass tile is located. Also, be ready for a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
How to Paint Glass Tile in the Bathroom
Some areas (outside of the shower) where you might have glass tile in your bathroom include behind the toilet and the sink backsplash. Let’s go through the steps for painting a glass tile in a non-shower part of your bathroom.
Thoroughly Clean and Inspect the Glass Tile
Take time to fully clean your tiles, ensuring they don’t have any mildew. Dry them off afterward with a soft cloth.
Use Sandpaper to Smooth Out the Tiles
Rubbing the glass tiles with sandpaper will make them more likely to be receptive to primer and paint. After you’ve sanded, carefully wash away all dust and debris. Then dry the tiles before priming.
Apply the Proper Primer
Find a primer formulated for use on glossy surfaces in bathrooms. You need a primer that is mold and mildew-resistant.
Make sure the primer is adhering as it should before proceeding with the rest of the tiles. Once you have finished applying the primer, give it time to dry completely. Check the instructions that come on your primer container to find out how long drying will take.
Apply a Semi-Gloss or Gloss Finish Paint Made for Bathroom Use
Use a paint with a semi-gloss or gloss finish formulated for bathrooms and, most importantly, painting tiles. Some spray formulations will make the process easier. The semi-gloss or gloss finish will preserve the glossy look of your tiles and facilitate cleaning.
You must use a paint formulated explicitly for bathrooms that resists mold and mildew.
Apply the first coat of paint to your tiles and let them completely dry. You should then apply a second coat. Again, give the paint time to dry.
Apply a Clear Sealer
After the paint is completely dry, you should apply a clear sealer. Find a clear sealer product described as appropriate for glass tile. Check the sealer instructions for use and how long it will take to dry.
Don’t skip sealer. If you do, your painted tiles will quickly end up with noticeable damage.
Can You Paint Glass Tile in the Shower?
You can paint glass tile in your shower. However, the shower is the most challenging place to do this.
The reason is apparent: the shower’s moisture levels. The process of painting your shower isn’t more challenging to carry out, but it’s tricky to keep your tiles looking good over the long run.
Paint on glass tiles in the shower will be prone to peeling and fading because of all the water exposed to it. If you paint shower tiles, you’ll undoubtedly have to do touch-ups regularly. As a result, this isn’t a convenient solution.
You Can Paint Glass Tile in the Kitchen
Glass tile is commonly used for kitchen backsplashes. Changing the color of glass tile in the kitchen is more accessible than the bathroom in some ways. After all, you don’t touch your kitchen backsplash nearly as often as you do parts of your bathroom. Also, there aren’t the same moisture levels to deal with.
Like glass tile in other rooms, remember to clean the tile before proceeding with the other steps thoroughly. Use sandpaper to smooth out the tile, and remember to apply primer and let it dry before painting. If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll go with a semi-gloss finish paint made for tiles.
Is Painting Your Glass Floor Tiles Worth It?
Textured glass floor tiles call for a different procedure. The texture is there to help stop you from slipping, especially when the floor is wet.
Additionally, floors take a lot of wear and tear. That is why painting them probably won’t be practical unless you are prepared for frequent touch-ups. It’s also highly inconvenient not being able to walk on the floor when waiting for the paint to dry.
If you paint your floor tiles, make sure to use a strong sealant made for floors. If you’re sure you won’t want to change the color again, you can seal the floor with epoxy so that you will preserve the color and paint on the tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, got some questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
When should you replace your glass tile?
Maybe you’re wondering whether you should paint your glass tile or just replace it. When it comes to cost, painting is much cheaper.
Replacing glass tile is a costly process, and you’ll probably have to hire professionals. You will have to pay for the new glass tile itself as well as the installation service.
How long will it take to paint your glass tile?
This process is time-consuming, mainly because of how long it takes to let primer and paint dry. If you want to paint your glass tile, set aside at least a weekend. It may well take longer. It’s important to remember if you’re painting a bathroom.
If you only have one bathroom in your house, painting your tile may not be practical. Are you planning to paint a glass tile floor? You will have to avoid walking on it for several days.
Yes, you can paint ceramic tile. The process is similar to how you paint glass tile. Some homeowners find that paint on ceramic tile isn’t quite as durable as paint on glass tile. Always use primer and latex or epoxy paint made for tiles.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can change the color of the glass tile by painting it. However, this is a big job, and you will spend a lot of time waiting for the primer and paint layers to dry. Always use a primer and paint suitable for tile.
