Can You Paint Outdoor Tiles? 6 Things You Should Know

If you’re working on your new porch or patio, you may want to customize your project by painting your outdoor tiles. You can make them look however you want as long as you follow these steps.

Can You Paint Outdoor Tiles?

Painting outdoor tiles is a simple project that can give your porch or patio a brand-new look in no time. Painting tiles allows you to breathe new life into your outdoor living spaces without paying more to replace them. It’s a cost-efficient and easy project, making it suitable for beginners. 

The best way to paint your outdoor tiles is first to give the surface a deep clean using a pressure washer. From there, you can use a roller with an extension to paint over the surface. You can also use a smaller brush to add more details to the tiles. Lastly, consider using stencils to make adding different patches of color to the tiles easier.

You must choose outdoor paint since other types won’t last long. The pigment won’t bond with the surface and could easily wash away the next time it rains. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from at home improvement stores.

While this project is simple, it takes a lot of patience since you’ll spend a lot of time waiting for the tile to dry after washing it and between coats of paint.

Types of Paint for Outdoor Tiles

Before doing anything else, you’ll want to ensure you have the right paint. You’ll need to use paints designed explicitly for outdoor tiles. Otherwise, the color is sure to fade and wash away with time. 

First, make sure you know exactly what material you will paint. Most outdoor tiles consist of stone, concrete, or brick. From there, you’ll want to check for outdoor paints that bond with those surfaces.

The paint container should say that the paint is made for use on your patio’s material. You must choose a long-lasting waterproof color to get the best possible results.

In short, ordinary paints won’t work for this project— the color will run and wear off quickly, especially if it’s in an area with a lot of foot traffic.

What Paints Can Stick to Tile?

A few different types of paint can bond to outdoor tiles. For the best results, you’ll need to make sure you’re using paints like latex and enamel that stick to various materials and are durable enough for outdoor use. 

● Latex Paints

Latex paints are acrylic based and can easily stick to many types of tile. It’s very weather resistant and remains flexible when dry, allowing it to move with the tiles as the temperature changes. This feature makes it less likely to chip.

You’ll want to consider what material your tiles consist of. Since concrete expands much more than ceramic, the malleability of latex paints makes them better suited for concrete tiles.

● Enamel Paints

Enamel paints are much more durable but less flexible than latex paints. They’re oil-based, so they have a much harder finish but take much longer to dry. You’d need to wait much longer between coats when applying enamel paint. However, enamel paint will hold up much better in areas with a lot of foot traffic.

No matter which of these two types of paint, you must ensure that it’s rated for outdoor use on the packaging.

Steps For Painting Outdoor Concrete Tiles

It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a straightforward project once you begin. Here’s what you can do to paint your outdoor concrete tiles.

• Step 1. Clean: Start sweeping the tile and using a pressure washer on the correct settings to remove debris. You can soak the surface with a tile cleanser if the tiles are especially dirty. Lastly, use a grout brush to clean the tiles.
• Step 2. Dry: You must wait at least 24 hours for the tiles to dry completely. Since concrete is very porous, it holds onto water for a long time. If it doesn’t evaporate entirely, it could ruin your paint job.
• Step 3. Prepare the paint: Pour the paint into a paint tray that fits a roller brush. You should have a separate tray and brush for each shade of color you plan on using.
• Step 4. Paint the tile: Roll the brush in the tray to coat it with paint. Then, roll the brush over the concrete. You want to make sure you don’t miss any spaces. A smaller brush is great for getting in crevices or painting tiny details.
• Step 5. Try a stencil: You can also use stencils to create designs in the concrete. Simply wait for your first layer of paint to dry thoroughly, place the stencil over the surface, and use painter’s tape to keep it in place. The design remains when you put your next coat of paint over the concrete.
• Step 6. Apply a second coat: Give the concrete several hours, or even a full day, to dry and add another layer of paint over it.
• Step 7. Seal the paint: Finally, applying a finish to the dry pigment is a good idea. Doing so prevents the paint from chipping off later. Simply use the sealant by spraying or painting it over the tiles. You’ll need to ensure it’s weatherproof and made for outdoor surfaces first.
• Step 8. Wait: You won’t want to walk on the tile for about 48 hours, so it has plenty of time to cure.

Is It a Good Idea To Paint Tiles?

Painting your tiles can be a great idea. As long as you take your time, you can get outstanding results. Plus, you can choose colors that match your home’s exterior or outdoor furniture, so there are a lot of opportunities to get creative. 

Painting your tiles is also much more cost-efficient than replacing them. Having tile flooring installed quickly becomes expensive, especially if you want a large area updated. On top of paying for the replacement tiles, you’d also need to factor in labor costs to have contractors remove the old ones.
You could save hundreds of dollars by painting your tiles to update them instead of replacing them.