Work as you did with the primer to cover the entire surface. Without a proper cleaning, the materials wont mix effectively. As you begin a new flooring project, you migh. The only problem is, when it comes time to make a change, you might struggle because of the difficulty of tearing the tile out. Before choosing to go that route, make sure that youll still have plenty of clearance for your doors to open and shut. You might even have a difficult time getting the floor to the condition it needs to be before you make the change to the new floor. To try to keep the grout lines from showing through the epoxy, youll need to even the floors height. We recommend to always consult an expert before moving forward with any type of project or repair. Choosing the right type of epoxy is important, but if you choose one that is food safe and highly durable, it can add much to your kitchen or bathroom countertop. 2020 - These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Let me just tell that the cost of repairing a failed surface is much higher. Durability Although we did touch on it briefly, the durability of epoxy countertops is unmatched. It is not often applied to tile because of the long curing time, but doing so is worth the hassle of not constantly worrying about repairs. All rights reserved. Before applying, make sure to sand or diamond ground the tile prior to coating. The most important factor for installing epoxy over tile is the preparation. Many of these offer various benefits and in some cases, can significantly change the way that the floor looks. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. This website uses cookies. The following two tabs change content below. Trying to install epoxy over tile without using a primer is likely going to result in problems, at best. If you want a smooth, glassy surface, then a self-leveling compound may be necessary. Installing epoxy is going to be very time-consuming and it can get messy. The tile needs to be prepared properly, regardless of whether it is cleaning it, sanding it to give it some texture, or floating the tile with a self-leveling compound. Many are cautious when it comes to putting epoxy on tile. Another type of anti-slip flooring is graveled epoxy flooring. Copyright In fact, an epoxy floor is often used in dirty environments, such as in garages, so having it in your dining room is not going to be a problem. Our website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A tile floor is more susceptible to water damage and broken tiles, so a high-quality epoxy coating could make it more durable over the years. An easier and more effective method is to apply an epoxy filler coat on top of the entire surface. And one final point: Before starting this process, inspect the tiles. This tends to be a very decorative option but it is not typically as easy to lay as other types of self-dispersing epoxy. People may consider putting epoxy over a tile countertop for a variety of reasons. Another suggestion is to apply a levelling compound. You dont want to be rushing around trying to find your next tool when the process is started. One option is to sand the tiles to a uniform height. If you try coating the epoxy paint over the tiles without patching the joints, the joints will leave visible (and ugly looking!) So first, sweep the floor, clean it with soap and water, and allow it to dry. In addition, using a clear primer is going to allow you to prep the tile without destroying the color in the process. Even after sanding, some tiles may not be ready for epoxy. Most people would consider putting epoxy over a tile floor but can you use it on tile countertops? If you have a floor that can handle the extra weight and additional height, its an excellent way to have a smooth, level surface so you can apply the epoxy. You may freely link The primer is what allows the epoxy coating to stick to the tile, regardless of whether it is on the floor or the countertop. You will find that it is just as durable as natural stone but it also has the benefit of being more usable. View our Privacy Policy here. 1995-2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. There may be times in which you want to start with a clean slate and for that purpose, you would use a white primer. First of all, if you are going to add a self-leveling compound over existing tile, you are adding a lot of weight to an already heavy floor. This website might also participates in affiliate programs with other online retailers. Make sure you allow the epoxy to cure fully before walking or putting any weight on it. Before beginning, sweep up loose debris, and give the tiles a good scrub. There are important things to consider when putting epoxy over tile. As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. Ease of Use Tile countertops can be difficult to use. Lets consider a few pros and cons of putting epoxy over a tile countertop. Since you are going to be living on the floor day by day, you want to consider those three factors as a very important part of the floor you choose. We will give you the knowledge, tools, and resources to get it done! If any tiles are broken or hollow, you will need to address this problem first. The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. Typically, if the epoxy floor is self-dispersing, it is going to add a lot of strength along with beauty to the floor. Once the epoxy sets, all of the chemicals associated with it are going to be locked in place. Yes, you can lay epoxy over tile. It's important to follow the design of the tile as well as primer the grout. Since they are easy to clean, they also provide a health benefit to the family as well. For the installation process, you will want to have a variety of squeegees and rollers available. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using epoxy over a tile countertop is the fact that you have a very usable surface. It also adds a lot of beauty to the home and can be a custom showpiece you can be proud of. It may be solid to the touch within a day but it might not stand up to abuse for a few days. 7 tips on what causes them and how to avoid them, Epoxy Disasters: Working with clear -coats, Apply a Low Viscosity epoxy primer that will penetrate the tile surface, Apply a filler coat of epoxy coating on the tiles with a. Tile is covered with a smooth finish that prevents anything from getting through to the surface. Hi, DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent That is why it is important for you to choose an epoxy that is appropriate for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Done correctly, placing epoxy over tile can be a quick way to produce attractive results. Not every tile floor is an ideal candidate for an epoxy layer. That is one of the reasons why people use epoxy. People want to avoid the hassle of ripping out the tiles, and ask if there is a quick solution to just apply the epoxy paint over the tiles. In addition, you should have trowels, putty knives, and paint sticks on hand. For example, you can get a terrazzo epoxy if you are going to be laying the floor in a large area. Some floor tiles have glossy materials, which makes it difficult to bond with the epoxy. It may be possible to paint the tile if you want to change the color that shows through the epoxy. Have all of the tools and materials necessary for the job available in advance. There are many reasons why people choose to put epoxy over tile, both on the floor and on the countertop. Maintained by: Cub3d IT Solutions, Why Acrylic Floor Wax is the Best Choice for Your Floors, Why You Should Acid Etch Your Concrete Flooring. Appling epoxy over a hollow structure will not magically fix the problem. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Putting epoxy over the tile also works, you have many decisions to make in this process. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. One workaround is to roughen the surface of the tiles. You should avoid making a sandwiched surface of different types of materials. Begin in the same corner as you did previously, and work slowly using a brush so you avoid streaks. You may not copy the material in whole or in part on this site without permission. You must consider the following factors: Tile surfaces are usually covered with a glazing coat. The surface needs to look rough and scratched. You may end up with a great-looking floor that lasts for years to come! There are other types of epoxy flooring that can be considered as well. After the epoxy sets properly, it can be used without any problem and you might even find that you are cutting and working directly on it. If you are putting down the epoxy flooring in a part of the home that is regularly used, you might want to consider a self-leveling epoxy floor. Finally, have plenty of rags, trash bags, and other items on hand to clean up after yourself. In addition, have utility knives with plenty of blades. Whether youre putting epoxy over the tile floor, or ripping it out and starting from scratch, it works both ways. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. If you have a lot of loose or broken tiles, then it would be better to rip them out first. Therefore you should always sand and grind the surface, until the tile glazing is removed. Finally, finish everything off with the epoxy coating. Epoxy coating is a very strong substance that can be used in a myriad of applications. Rather than having a solid floor that is uniform, it helps to break things up and provides more beauty to the home. Generally speaking, epoxy offers an excellent way to produce a beautiful countertop or floor when you already have tile in place. All information is provided "AS IS." To save yourself the trouble of tearing up the old tile, you might be asking, Can you epoxy over tile floors? You certainly can, but its smart to know what youre getting into before committing to this project. This includes various flakes and even colors that you can choose. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When you are finished you will have four to six coats in total. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. Its also important to consider the type of floor and the way that you want to use it. To learn more about our privacy policy click. Since you can clean it every day, it offers some health benefits for the family as well. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This is typically done to provide an even smoother surface and to stop the grout lines from showing through the epoxy. As long as you prepare things properly ahead of time, the epoxy job will go smoothly and after it cures, it will be ready to use for many years to come. In addition, there may be some repairs that need to take place and this needs to happen before you put the epoxy down. You may see them, but you will not see them in great detail. Be careful that you don't sand too much because you do not want to completely damage the finish. Do not buff the floor, and wait a day or two before walking on it to ensure you don't damage the final result before it cures. Clean Maintenance is a very important part of the flooring in the home. Can we apply epoxy over tiles? Self-leveling epoxy floors are a great choice for use in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where you need to consider daily maintenance. There may also be some who wonder if it is a good idea to put epoxy over a tile countertop. Its an excellent way to cover over the tile and if you make the right choice, it can be just as durable and beautiful, if not more so. People tend to choose tile because it is a very durable surface. You might even want to try going with a combination of colors that provides a beautiful look for the home. When you have completed this task, wipe the tile with a tack cloth to remove the dust. This post may contain affiliate links. Fortunately, it is a fairly straightforward process. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". When you are working with any type of existing tile, you may want to dress it up quickly without having to remove the tile first. Typically, this type of floor or countertop will last for many years. We pursue Google DMCA takedowns aggressively and it will hurt your domain ranking. Over time, your tile foundation might start to shift, or the grout lines may slowly become more obvious. Your email address will not be published. Some tiles also include a sealer. Lets consider the pros and cons of epoxy floor over tile. I have seen people apply an intermediate cementitious layer, only to see it break six months later. The grout can get dirty quickly and they may not provide the flat surface that is necessary for most kitchen use. The joints need filling. Follow the steps below to cover your tile floor and keep it protected. Another thing to consider is the grout lines, which can be contaminated if its in an area of grease or oil, like a kitchen. Some people are concerned about using epoxy as a countertop because they feel as if they are introducing chemicals to the kitchen area. In fact, you may find that it is necessary to cover the tile floor with a self-leveling compound so that all of the grout lines are filled. If youre looking to change the color of the tile, using a white primer will safely allow you to do that. Installation Although there are probably a few things we could discuss when it comes to the downsides of epoxy flooring, the only one that is really worth mentioning is the installation process. Keeping your work area clean will allow the job to go as smoothly as possible. If you choose to epoxy over tile, keep in mind that the results may not last forever. You can apply epoxy over both a tile floor or countertop. It might still come close to some of the less expensive countertop prices but the durability is much higher with epoxy. These cookies do not store any personal information. One other option is to float the tile with a self-leveling compound. If you dont mind the faint outline of the grout line, however, you can just leave them in place. Required fields are marked *, This website uses cookies for the best browsing experience. It is often used as an adhesive and to seal floors, in which case it is often called polyurethane. Since you have a solid floor that is durable, you can easily sweep it, mop it, or scrub it if necessary. A tile floor is especially susceptible to water damage and broken tiles, so an epoxy coating that can prevent this kind of damage is a useful investment. Finally, its smart to take a good look at your grout before making your decision. Epoxy wont stick well to dirty or greasy grout. Work your way across the surface slowly to ensure even coverage and to keep brushstrokes from showing up in the finish. Before this step, you need to clean and prepare the floor, which is always the most important task for putting epoxy on tile. Its always best to start with a clean work surface. I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projects and I enjoy sharing about my experiences while working on different projects. Allow each layer to dry before applying another. Your doors and entryways may still align smoothly with the floor. It provides a usable, beautiful, and livable surface for the entire home. You want three layers of paint, so don't worry if the first does not cover the tile completely. Allow the top coat to dry, and then sand it with 220-grit sandpaper. 2022 Epoxy-Coat. Begin at one of the corners, and apply an even coat of primer over the entire floor. marks. The tops of your tiles are probably higher than the surrounding grout. A quick guide, Self Leveling epoxy floors: 5 frequently asked questions, Applying epoxy paint on soft uneven concrete, The Differences between Roller Applied and Self Leveling Epoxy, Five reasons why you should always be priming your epoxy floors, Bubbles in Epoxy Floor ? On the other hand, an epoxy countertop is a flat, smooth surface that is extremely durable. The clear primer allows for the epoxy coating to adhere to the floor without destroying the color of the tile.