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Is there any way to change the ceramic tile colour?

16 years ago

I posted my question on Decorating forum and was advised to post here... so here I come:

"We just moved into our brand new house couple of months ago. We love the house, but there are some things I would like to change. For example it has those very light, off white ceramic tiles in the foyer, hall, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and the dining room. The tiles are not our choice (the house was already finished)- kind of cold beige with little brown and greenish kind of blend. The grouts are the real problem here - I don't think they were sealed properly and every little drop or dirt is showing. Scrubbing doesn't really help ... even if it does - it's only for a short while (especially with my two "babies" - 4 & 7 yo). The "heavy traffic" areas are getting darker in between the tiles.... I need help, as I can't really clean the floors every day!!!!;-)

I was hoping that there is something out there (some kind of glaze etc.) that I could put on top of the tiles and the grouts to make the grouts darker. I would LOVE to change the colour of the tiles slightly as well, but I don't know if that's possible without replacing them (which is not an option, unfortunately).

Does anyone know if there is such a "miracle product"? ;-) Please, say there is something out there..... Thank you so much!"

I appreciate all your help...

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Comments (3)

heightskitchen
16 years ago
I'm interested in this as well. What I've learned from perusing many websites is that you absolutely can paint ceramic tile yourself in dry areas. In showers and bathrooms, you might want to pay a professional to do it. I think I will pay a professional to do something with the horrible bright pink tiles in my bathroom.
oruboris
16 years ago
The grout can be colored, and your local tile store has the supplies.

Though the results aren't always great, going with a darker shade of a similar color is more successful than going paler or changing from [say] a brown to a blue.

But I'm a little skeptical that there's any paint that will last long on floor tile: could be wrong, and I'm not a tile pro, but the non-porous, non-reactive nature of tile makes it hard to coat.
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Here's a link to one. Had another in my favorite folder, but Vista crashed and killed it... god bless Bill Gates, and send him some competent programers. Soon. The lost link was for a product that you just mopped on, was supposed to be invisible and last several years in a commercial setting. I don't know how the ones linked below are applied. Haven't tried any of these yet, or talked to anyone who has. If you use one, please let us know how it works out. Oh, should add I'd only use one on a pre-existing floor, not as a way to justify using a tile that is otherwise unsuitably slick. Here is a link that might be useful: no skidding
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Oh my gosh yes! Looks familiar, lol the rug! Love that rug :-) Yes I would be happy to help! It's really not too difficult to accomplish, just takes time! You need to remove any existing dirt, laquer from cabinets first. The product comes in the Rustoleum Transformations kit, but I also used TCP to clean them really good first (can purchase at Home Depot, Lowes). Here's a few more pics (since we have similar taste!)... I also painted my laundry room cabinets, and bookcase/fireplace mantel Expresso to match the kitchen....
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MongoCT
16 years ago
Some wall tiles can be successfully painted. But they look painted.

Floor tile? I wouldn't count on any topical paint or epoxy coating that would hold up to the wear and tear treatment that a floor receives.

As to the grout, consider Aquamix's Grout Colorant.

Great product, it can make black grout white and white grout black. Durable. And it'll seal.

Obviously clean the grout before coloring it.

Mongo

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