We all know that painting walls can totally change a room in an instant, so why not try this nifty trick on other surfaces? A statement floor can really pack a punch but can be costly to replace especially if covering a large area with new tiles, but don’t let your wallet deter you. Update a boring titled floor for a fraction of the cost by painting it or using decorative stencils. It’s a budget-friendly home alternative, and a creative way to add some personality to a bathroom, kitchen or any other space in your home with tile flooring.
What you’ll need
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper or a handheld sander
- Paint brush and roller (foam roller is a good choice for stencilling)
- Primer paint
- Chalk paint or all-surface paint (that’s suitable for titles)
- Stencil
- Paint sealer
- Sealant
- Cleaning supplies (degreaser)
How To Paint
- Give the tiles a good clean to remove any dirt, dust and grease. Thoroughly dry.
- Lightly sand the floor, this will help the primer and paint grip to the surface.
- Give the floor another clean post sanding and wipe away any grit. Don’t be tempted to skip this step as the grit will show up in the paint and ruin the finish.
- Tape around baseboard, skirting and furniture.
- Use a roller or paint brush to prime the tiles using a good quality bonding primer. Don’t paint yourself into a corner, so start away from the door. It’s also a good idea to go around the edges first, ensuring to get into all the nocks and crannies.
- After the first coat of primer is dry, apply a second coat.
- Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
- Once dry apply a thin layer of low gloss paint sealer and allow to fully dry.
- Remove the tape using a Stanley knife to avoid any paint peeling off with the tape.
How To Stencil
- Give the tiles a good clean and dry as per step 1 above.
- Lightly sand the floor as per step 2 above and then re-clean as per step 3 above.
- Apply primer paint to the tiles you will be stencilling. Allow to dry and apply a base coat if you wish.
- Once the base coat is dry, begin stencilling. Tape down the stencil over the tile.
- Use a small roller to cover the area. Take your time to ensure all areas are evenly covered. Remove the stencil before the paint starts to dry.
- Clean and dry the stencil between each use, to avoid ruining the finish.
- Once all the required floor tiles are stencilled, protect by covering with a hard-wearing sealant or low gloss sealer.
Top Tip 1: Stencilling around edges or uneven corners is tricky, so try buying an extra stencil and cutting it to size.
Top Tip 2: Seal around edges of titles near walls, showers etc this helps further waterproof the area and also provides a clean neat, professional finish. White or transparent sealant works well.
More How To Guides & Ideas To Update Your Home
Furnishing Your Home On Budget
Maximise Your Space – Small Living Room Ideas