Replies

1. 
   Lansdown | Jul 07, 2007 02:56am | #1

   Put the paint brush down and walk away from the tile!!

2. 
   user-111700 | Jul 07, 2007 03:18am | #2

   LOL, !! awe come on, I won't tell who told me !Can't it be sanded and painted with an epoxy paint ? Anybody out there ? Give a girl a break, or do I have to break the tile out and replace ? And whats up with epoxy paint ? Is it touchy or what ?

1. 
   Lansdown | Jul 07, 2007 03:21am | #3

   I've been to hotels that do that, yuck. You can by cheap contractor's special 4x4 white tile for almost the cost of paint. Seriously, it won't look very good after a week and will mildew like crazy.

1. 
   user-111700 | Jul 07, 2007 03:31am | #4

   Thanks, your right.

2. 
   McDesign | Jul 07, 2007 04:21am | #5

   I'd certainly try to rough up the surface with some really hard grit sandpaper (I forget what's hard enough to cut well, but it's around).

   Then, mask off and spray paint them from a can; primer first; then 2-4 really light coats.  What can it hurt?

   It will orange peel.

   After it's dry; wet sand with 400, then 600, then 800 and maybe 1200 if you're patient (W/D paper from the car parts store).

   Will be slick as glass and mildew won't hold.

   Hopefully.

   Forrest

3. 
   FastEddie | Jul 07, 2007 04:56am | #6

   When we were house-hunting a year ago, I saw a tub enclosure that had been painted.  Took me several minutes to figure out what they had done.  And I think I saw a discussion here within the last 3-4 weeks about someone who has first hand experience.

   For sure, if the tile and wall are not in excellent condition, you are just putting a bandaid on cancer.  Painting tile is not suitable if you are trying to cover problems. 

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

4. 
   DonCanDo | Jul 07, 2007 05:05am | #7

   This question has come up before.  I have yet to see anyone say that they found a technique that results in a good-looking, durable finish.  I certainly haven't.

   Here's a link to a previous discussion:

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=67715.1

5. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 07, 2007 05:41am | #8

   It might not work within a shower where you need to scrub, but in the rest of the room it can be done.  It won't be as durable as unpainted tile, but it can be fine if you don't want to go through the trouble of replacing the tile.

   At a paint store ask about special primers for glossy surfaces.  Products like BIN or Zinsser may work.  Check the instructions on the can.

6. 
   JeffBuck | Jul 07, 2007 08:29am | #9

   painted as in by a homeowner with a brush ... no.

    

   but refinished by a professional tile refinisher ... yes.

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jul 07, 2007 08:36am | #10

   That's what I was thinking.

   I believe one of the tubs I have was done by a pro outfit.  Looked great untill I dropped a wrench... and a screwdriver... then the same wrench again... and managed to chip away the cream color to expose the pink underneith in a few spots.

   If they can paint a tub that well (I had no idea it was originally pink - confirmed BTW when I replaced the drain gear) I don't see why they can't paint tile with the same level of quality.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

   Also a CRX fanatic!

   Parenting has always been a mix of sage life advice and inexcusable laziness.

1. 
   JeffBuck | Jul 07, 2007 09:44am | #11

   chipping is the main flaw in the system ...

   aside from bad prep work.

    

   that's why most reputable refinishers will not refinish kitchen sinks.

   one dropped pot and their rep is ruined.

    

   tubs are safer as less chance for something hard dropped.

   very common to spray over the tile/grout.

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

7. 
   McDesign | Jul 07, 2007 04:29pm | #12

   Before
   View Image

   After
   View Image

   Course, that's pro done.

   Forrest - not that pro

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/7/2007 9:30 am by McDesign

1. 
   alanj | Jul 09, 2007 05:04am | #13

   No offense meant, but I like the before pic better!!!Obviously I can't see the whole room, which probably explains my probable misperception.Alan