Can You Use Stick-Down Tile on Painted Concrete?

Moisture

• Stick-down tiles must be applied to a dry surface. Concrete is porous and leaches a great deal of moisture. However, painted concrete is usually sealed, which prevents moisture from escaping. Inspect a painted concrete floor closely for signs of bubbles or peeling paint. These could be indications that moisture is leaking from the concrete. The painted concrete should be properly sealed before attempting to install the tiles.

Sealing

• Priming the concrete will seal the pores in the floor and lock moisture inside. Depending on the surface of the floor, you may also need to use a filler to level out any dips and fill in any other imperfections. The smallest flaws will be visible through the tiles once they are installed. The primer also gives the tile adhesive a surface to which it can bond.

Cleaning

• A clean floor is essential to successfully installing stick-down tiles. Any trace of dirt, dust, debris or grime can interfere with the tile adhesive's ability to form a solid bond. Clean the floor with a solvent intended for use on painted concrete. Check with your local hardware store for recommended products.

Considerations

• If the paint on the concrete floor is peeling or showing signs of wear, avoid the temptation to sandblast it or otherwise try to remove the paint. Many building materials such as concrete and paint may contain asbestos fibers, which can cause health problems and chronic diseases such as mesothelioma. Sandblasting could allow the asbestos fibers to be released into the air. The older the home, the more likely it is to contain asbestos. If the concrete floor is showing signs of moisture, you have the option of putting down a sub-floor on which to adhere the tiles. This would also provide you with the opportunity to add a layer of insulation, which will make the floor more comfortable to walk on by keeping it warmer.