Property

Fake it till you make it

The Gaff Goddess has some tips for freshening up your tiles at little expense

Tile paint is a quick and cheap way to update

Laura de Barra
Sat Apr 9 2022 - 06:00

If you are after a fresh “lewk” in your kitchen, a tile refresh is a great way to update without having to carry out any major works.

The key is to prep like a pro and enjoy it. Updating your tiles is a small, enjoyable task that can really help you transform your space.

Aside from the cupboard doors, your kitchen tiles do a lot of the talking when it comes to the aesthetic so let’s have a look at how you can transform them easily yourself.

Tile decals

These are stickers you can cut to shape to completely cover each tile. Always go for the best quality for your budget to avoid edges peeling and prep well! If you buy decals designed to peel off when you’re done, they are a great option for renters as you don’t have to live with your landlord’s tile taste for your lease. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and come in every colour and pattern you can imagine! If you are into bold interiors, this is a great way to add your own flair without having to permanently commit and you can change it up whenever you like. You can also opt for alternating tiles or strips, it doesn’t have to be a full cover up.

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Grout paint

Changing the colour of grout can really change the vibe of a tiled area. Pinks and yellows are fun, orange and green can be great for mid-century tones, and black or charcoal are always great for an industrial edge. Don’t forget, if you have unglazed tiles, you cannot paint your grout as it will seep into the tile. For this task, again prep is key and go for a paint that you can wash off the tiles if you go over the edge, so you don’t have to rely on a steady hand.

Sheeting

These are thin sheets of faux tiles that you cut to size and can be stuck on over your old tile. Fab for a temporary fix if you are selling your home and want to give the kitchen a lift, or if you plan on changing tiles down the road but want something new for a while beforehand. They are not as durable as tiles, but are an easy and inexpensive update nonetheless.

Tile paint

Tile paint is a quick and cheap way to update, but you need to prep extremely well to avoid bubbling and peeling. This means a good primer before you paint, and if you want maximum durability, go for an oil based paint over it, so cleaning is not an issue. Bear in mind, oil based paints yellow over time, whites won’t stay white and will need topping up. Another note here is that it is almost impossible to paint just the tile and have it look neat. This is why you’ll need to paint the grout too, turning the tiled section into one block of colour. Simply stunning if you go for a chalky pink, or sage green, for example.

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