How to Cover Kitchen Tile

When you finally get so tired of those worn or outdated kitchen wall tiles that you can't stand it anymore, you don't necessarily have to pry them off the wall and re-tile. If the tiles are structurally sound, you can paint over them, transforming the look without nearly as much work. Getting the paint to stick to the tiles can be a challenge, and is helped by coating it all in polyurethane.

Belt sander with extra-rough aluminum oxide sandpaper
Rag
Sealing primer
Paintbrush
Paint
Polyurethane
Fine sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Dull the tiles by running over them with a belt sander and extra-rough aluminum oxide sandpaper. The glaze surface won't come off, but you should be able to get it free of shine.
- 2
  Wipe up the dust with a rag.
- 3
  Cover the whole tile surface (including the grout lines) with sealing primer, using a paintbrush, and going all in one direction. Keep the primer smooth, thin and flat. Let it set overnight.
- 4
  Paint the tiles in the same fashion as you laid the primer, in a thin, even coat. Don't worry if you can see the primer through it; the important thing is to avoid ridges or drips. Let the paint dry for eight hours.
- 5
  Apply a second coat with the same procedure, then a third. Let the third coat set for 24 hours.

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