Help with painting ceramic tiles

[froggy|situation]

I'll be fixing up our family's rental property and considering painting the ceramic backsplash in the kitchen for a quick update. I'm curious if prepping the tiles with a scouring pad, cleaning thoroughly and priming before a urethane topcoat will hold up to tenant use. Any ideas to keep it durable without spending a fortune?

 

[BootScoot45]

I'll be fixing up our family's rental property and considering painting the ceramic backsplash in the kitchen for a quick update. I'm curious if prepping the tiles with a scouring pad, cleaning thoroughly and priming before a urethane topcoat will hold up to tenant use. Any ideas to keep it durable without spending a fortune?

well, if you want to paint the ceramic backlash, you require an epoxy tile paint. apply it correctly and it will last long, but I must warn you, it wouldn't be cheap

 

[ShadesOfGrey]

hmm..maybe a decent idea, but I'm not sure how long it'll really last under the wear and tear of tenants. The prep steps are good but urethane might not hold up as well as you'd hope, especially in a kitchen. I mean, you could try it, but the reality is that it might chip or peel over time. Maybe look into a specialty tile paint that's more durable for this kind of thing and erm...I hate to say it, but it might not be the long term solution you're hoping for

 

[froggy|situation]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Using epoxy tile paint might be worth investing in for better durability.

I also appreciate the reminder regarding urethane. I'll surely look into specialty tile paints for a stronger finish.

 

[Marcella]

I'll be fixing up our family's rental property and considering painting the ceramic backsplash in the kitchen for a quick update. I'm curious if prepping the tiles with a scouring pad, cleaning thoroughly and priming before a urethane topcoat will hold up to tenant use. Any ideas to keep it durable without spending a fortune?

First thing you need to do is clean HARD. Use a degreaser before scuffing the tiles with 220 grit sandpaper. For the tile, use Zinsser Bonds and then later add enamel paint. Urethane is gonna help you with the scratches. Make sure you add coats!!! Make it fully dry before you add on a layer. Don't mess up. That's the easiest way to cut costs.

 

[froggy|situation]

Just wanted to give an update on the backsplash painting. The job's done and the kitchen looks miles better. Thanks for the detailed prep and product advice on using Zinsser Bonds and the enamel/urethane combo. It was a real guiding light.

Out of the suggestions, the advice about Zinsser Bonds, enamel, and a urethane topcoat offered the most practical way forward for the rental property. While epoxy is incredibly durable, it's a steeper climb budgetwise. And as @ShadesOfGrey wisely hinted, just a simple urethane topcoat on its own wouldn't likely go the distance. This chosen method gave us the best balance for tenant durability without costing an arm and a leg.