Painting over ceramic tiles

[dividedby]

I've been painting for a couple years now but I've never once painted ceramic or porcelain, yet my client kinda puts me to the test. Like she said she wants her tiles painted marbley, and I don't know what got into me... but I said I can do it. First step I think is to remove the shiny surface so I'm going to steel wool it? Is that a solid plan? How do I move from there?

 

[HolyMoly]

Steel wool with fine grid sandpaper 220, for even surface. they clean the tiler thoroughly and apply a bonding primer for glossy surfaces. Then go with acrylic or enamel paint for the marble effect. Finish with clear sealer.

 

[DIAGON ALLEY]

Steel wool with fine grid sandpaper 220, for even surface. they clean the tiler thoroughly and apply a bonding primer for glossy surfaces. Then go with acrylic or enamel paint for the marble effect. Finish with clear sealer.

Agree with this. Basic rule of thumb if you're gonna repaint is really clean the surface. Whatever you do, that's the first goal.

 

[MikeyMcDee]

I've been painting for a couple years now but I've never once painted ceramic or porcelain, yet my client kinda puts me to the test. Like she said she wants her tiles painted marbley, and I don't know what got into me... but I said I can do it. First step I think is to remove the shiny surface so I'm going to steel wool it? Is that a solid plan? How do I move from there?

I have to agree with @DIAGON ALLEY, washing those tiles with soap and water as the first step gives them a smoother start!

A colleague also did a marble-style paint starting with a light base color. Once it's dry, he dripped contrasting paint colors onto a bit of water, made gentle swirls, then he carefully laid one tile at a time onto the water to pick up the pattern.

Man, result was impressive!

 

[When You're 15]

I've been painting for a couple years now but I've never once painted ceramic or porcelain, yet my client kinda puts me to the test. Like she said she wants her tiles painted marbley, and I don't know what got into me... but I said I can do it. First step I think is to remove the shiny surface so I'm going to steel wool it? Is that a solid plan? How do I move from there?

Steel wool is a way to start. But @DIAGON ALLEY made some really great points about doing the good old soap and water technique before anything. Just make sure to use a primer made specifically for ceramics too. After that, you can go crazy and channel your inner marble artist. You got this!!!

 

[Pikazzo1]

Clean, prime, paint and seal. These are the 4 steps and how you approach them is up to you. Steel wool or sandpaper will do the trick well, but I'd lean more towards the sand paper. The primer is essential because it's the bond between the surface and the paint. Also, don't forget a good seal to make sure it looks good and stays that way for a long time.