Repainting wall or floor tiles: our advice and everything you need to know - Côté Maison

Many of you can no longer bear the sight of your tiles. Outdated, damaged, your old tiles no longer reflect the image you want to give to your interior decoration. Rest assured, there is a solution to your problem. Other than an endless construction site and an outright demolition of your floor, opt instead for painting on tiles. However, there are a few essentials to know before you start. So as not to be mistaken, here are the tips of a painting pro!

What tiles can I repaint? What equipment should I use and above all how do I go about it? Catherine Giraud, painting assistant at the Central Purchasing Leroy Merlin enlightens us on the points to know before undertaking this work, and guides you in your purchases with a shopping selection...

>> To read also >> Small works: I renovate myself

1. Which tiles can be repainted?

All tiles, without exception, can be repainted. Whether small or large tiles is no problem. With the brushes and paints we have today, it is very easy to cover your tiles. Thanks to the opacifying paints, even the dark tiling no longer opposes resistance. Very often a second coat is needed, but the result is convincing. The most important thing, however, is to adapt your equipment to the tiles you are trying to cover.

>> Read also >> Repainting wall tiles: the 5 steps

2. Use the right equipment to repaint tiles

Many are those who, disappointed, find themselves faced with a result well below their expectations. Even if there are not always miracle solutions, good tools and quality paint allow you to get closer to the expected rendering.

>> To discover also >> Repainting your floor tiles: the 6 mistakes to avoid

To repaint the wall tiles, three solutions can be envisaged: - repaint the tiles directly with a "direct tile" paint - use a colored resin. Note that the range of colors is less important for this type of product. - deposit a specific undercoat that will allow a better grip. It is preferable in terms of outfit and allows you to choose the color you want.

To repaint the tiles on the floor, it's a little more complicated. Two options are available to you: - products to be applied directly to the floor. The joints thus remain visible. - waxed concrete that is applied in a fairly thick layer. All your tiling is then masked.

Before you start your work and your purchases to repaint the tiles, take the time to think carefully about the rendering you want to achieve.

As far as the material is concerned: a repainting roller for the corners and a good roller are necessary.

>> To read also: All our advice for repainting and choosing your paint

3. Repainting tiles: a mission accessible to all

As tile paint remains quite expensive (59.90 euros for 2 litres), you can without hesitation go for the undercoat option. This leaves you the possibility to choose the paint you want. Ideal for a successful color, good hold and an affordable price (from 34.90 euros for 2.5 liters).

Repainting your tiles is not as difficult as it seems. In terms of time, for a kitchen of around 10m2, count one or two days maximum. This is a project that you can easily undertake over a weekend.

>> To read also >> Painting bathroom tiles: the 3 mistakes to avoid

4. Tips and tricks for repainting tiles

Don't hesitate to be generous with the amount of paint, this allows it to be stretched and promotes a better finish. If your biggest fear is about paint hold, go with resin. Extremely reliable, it lasts over time.

Note, it is strongly advised not to use a matt paint in a humid room, around a shower or a sink for example.

If you want to keep your joints visible, don't skimp on the finishes. Using a paint pen, for example, you can revive the shine of your joints in the blink of an eye.

Last thing: it seems obvious, but it is important to remember it. It is essential to follow the instructions given on the paint can. Above all, don't skip any steps, and take your time.

>> To read also >> Repainting your floor tiles: the 6 mistakes to avoid

5. A selection of materials for repainting the tiles

>> See also >> Choosing the right floor for the house