Painting over ceramic tiles?? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

theworx · 07-05-2006, 09:17 PM

Hey guys, just putting together a price on a small reno to be done to a small restaurant in a mall foodcourt. Just wondering if there is a product to prime and paint a couple rows of shiny ceramic wall tiles (they are accent tiles and to remove and replace the tiles would be a huge cost). We're trying to keep this quote as low as possible (the owner has a limited budget not to mention the millwork involved will allmost blow his whole budget). Would really like to get this job, any ideas???

**ProWallGuy** · 07-05-2006, 10:24 PM

Scuff sand them, clean off, prime with XIM solvent -based clear primer. Then paint 2 coats acrylic enamel.

**slickshift** · 07-06-2006, 05:50 AM

Down here that would not be legal in any food prep area
I'd check your local regs before continuing

theworx · 07-06-2006, 07:54 PM

Thanx Slick, I'll look into that. But don't see a problem if half the walls in the food prep area are just painted drywall. I could see a problem if the paint peeled a couple of years after doing it. I'll check it out though!!! And thanx for your advice ProWall!!!

Jonesey · 07-07-2006, 03:11 PM

The brown zinnser works well over ceramic tiles. I'd recommend a good quality alkyd to go over that. Latex finishes, even the 100% acrylic tend to accept too much dirt.

If you're concerned about food stains, try the red label zinnser. It's shellac based so will cover most food stains and hold them out.

Remember to sand to prep. 220 or higher on a palm sander works well. That zinnser will stick to just about anything.