How to Paint Tile Countertops / Before and After

Our basement was ugly, or at least I thought so. I recently posted about how I painted our 70’s style stone wall to brighten things up.  It helped tremendously, but I didn’t stop there! Today I’m going to show you how to paint tile countertops if you happen to have less-than-appealing tile-topped counters like we did!

Tutorial to Paint Tile Countertops, Grout and All

The Basement Bar area and tile countertops prior to makeover:

Perhaps I’m a bit dramatic when I discuss my eye sore of a basement prior to all of our latest makeovers.  But, I assure you, after you take a look at some of the pictures, I think you will understand.

See more painting project posts here.

BROWN COUNTERS BEFORE THE UPDATE:

We have been in a house wide sweep of getting rid of all the dark brown that had taken over our home. Like nearly everyone else in America, I have repainted most of my spaces gray.

Even though it is a trend that might not last for ever, I’m loving the change.

Our home is so much brighter, yet I still feel like each space is so cozy.  Nothing like a little hygge living!

Below shows the updated wall, but old dark brown decor and countertop

Part of the renovation process entailed repainting all of the basement cabinets.  In the post, I discuss how unhappy I was with my initial chalk paint choice.  But, I still think chalk paint is a great option for painting cabinets if you don’t have the time or patience to spare.

Just be sure you do your research and select a good quality paint, otherwise you will have to go back and fix it! That kind of defeats the time-saving aspect!

As you can see in the photo below, the initial paint I used was a disaster! If you want to read about that entire process, read the cabinet painting post.

Bad chalk paint:

I did end up repainting the bar with Benjamin Moore Advance paint in semi-gloss.  I had it color matched with the other cabinetry.  You’ll see updated pictures in a moment…so much better!

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How to Paint Tile Countertops:

The process was actually pretty simple.  I spread this project over several weeks, really just due to life happening around us.  Since this space was our basement, we could close it off without needing to clean up the mess in between steps.

BUT, if you are completing this project in a more frequently used space, I would suggest allowing about a week to complete.

Also know it is best to use painter’s tape to tape off areas where you do NOT want paint, such as around your sink, backsplash, or any other tile surface that you will not be painting.

It’s also crucial to clean any grime or grease from the countertops prior to starting. Use soap and water (or stronger products as needed) and scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse well and dry prior to painting.

1. Sand countertops slightly.

I did not spend a lot of time with this.  Just sand the surface to allow the primer to stick well.

A fine grit sandpaper should be sufficient to prep the surface and provide tooth to better take paint. Be sure to vacuum and clean the dust off of the tile after you complete your sanding, prior to painting!

2. Apply one coat of the INSL-X STIX primer.

I really loved this stuff.  It was a primer I’d read a lot about, but had never used before. It adhered well to the tile and gave a good surface for the paint.

Apply on the ceramic tile with a high quality nylon paintbrush or synthetic nap roller cover.  I used a brush for the edges and roller for the main body.

Allow 24 hours dry time prior to painting next step.

I mentioned Glad Press N Seal in my supplies list.  This is something I use every time I paint! Cover the paint tray with the Press N Seal, then when you are finished painting, you can toss that and save your tray!

As you can see in the below photo, I reuse an old disposable tray each time.  A real money and time saver if you do a lot of painting (I definitely do!).

First application of the STIX Primer:

Selfie of me in my mask! I’m priming the bar too.

3.  Paint two coats of Benjamin Moore Corotech High Performance Pre-Catalyzed Waterborne Wall Epoxy.

Semi-gloss, white is what I selected for painting the countertops.

Two thin coats and some minor touch-ups were done.  The can indicates a second coat can be done within a couple of hours.  But, I waited several days as I completed this project as I had time in my schedule.

Below: First coat of Corotech on right (counter with only the primer on left)

This stuff is really thick.  I thought it was a bit like pudding consistency! 

After shots of painted countertops

After two coats of Corotech:

For dramatic effect, take a look at the basement bar before ANY of my updates!

BASEMENT BEFORE:

BASEMENT BAR AREA AFTER:

As I’m sure you noticed, lots of other updates were done to makeover this bar space.

A few other basement updates:

• New lights, Sennett 1-Light pendant from Wayfair (LOVE them!)
• Shelves (How to Install Rustic Shelves using Dry Wall Anchors)
• Painted Bar Stools using Annie Sloan French Linen chalk paint
• Painted bar (I used Benjamin Moore Advance paint in semi-gloss, color matched to other cabinets)
• Changed outdated decor on feature wall
• Painted stone and stucco
• Stenciled tile floors (Wow! I love this, but man, it was a ton of work.)

More After Photos of Basement Bar Makeover:

Up close of bar countertop:

Jason, my husband, and I made the heavy duty rustic shelves. Or I should say, I made them and he hung them! They were incredibly inexpensive and totally worth it!

Rustic Shelves: 

Another beauty shot of our updated bar / countertops:

One word of caution, the countertops have tiny chips in a few places. Be sure to give them plenty of curing time prior to use in hopes of avoiding this.

I will likely have my family use coasters as much as possible to keep them in good shape! Either way, it’s definitely an improvement.

Now you know how to paint your tile countertops!

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Have a great day and I hope you enjoy your new painted tile should you decide to go for it;-)

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