Tile flooring, although appreciated for its durability and ease of maintenance, can sometimes seem dated or no longer suit your tastes. Rather than opting for a tedious and costly removal of the old tiles, it is entirely possible to cover them aesthetically and without heavy work. Here’s how to do it.
Options for Covering Tiles
Special Tile Paints
Opting for a special tile paint can be an effective first solution to give a facelift to your tiles without going through excessive work. Please note that these paints are resistant to water and friction, making them an ideal option for wet rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. In addition, they are available in many colors which will allow you to personalize your space according to your desires. Simply apply two coats of this paint to your cleaned and degreased tiles to obtain a most satisfactory result.
Decorative Adhesives or Tile Stickers
Another solution for covering your tiles is to use decorative adhesives. Their installation is disconcertingly simple and they bring a breath of fresh air to your interior decoration. In addition, these stickers are repositionable, you can change the decoration as you wish. Simply clean the surface to be covered well before installation and ensure that it is smooth and without irregularities for optimal adhesion.
Adhesive Tiles or Blades
For those looking for a more durable solution, adhesive tiles or planks are an excellent alternative. They are a suitable option for covering tiles without having to remove the initial covering. Being PVC, they are resistant and easy to maintain, which makes them a wise choice for bathrooms.
How to Install your New Coating
Whatever option you choose to cover your tiles, preparing the surface to be covered is an essential step. Start with a thorough cleaning and degreasing of the tiles. If necessary, you may need to do some light sanding to ensure better adhesion.
For painting, don’t forget to apply an undercoat before finishing painting. For adhesives, make sure you position the sticker correctly before sticking it permanently. As for adhesive strips or tiles, installation on a perfectly flat surface is necessary to avoid air bubbles or premature takeoff.
Precautions to take
It should be noted that the lifespan of these alternatives would probably not be as long as that of traditional tiling. It is also essential to properly prepare the existing tiles to ensure good adhesion and optimal results, and to clean them carefully before any application.
Covering your tiles is therefore far from being an impossible mission. With a little time, patience, and following these tips, you can give your interior a facelift without heavy work while respecting your budget. The choice of one of these solutions will of course depend on your tastes, your budget and the use of the room in question.
