Covering the surface of a wall or floor can be a quick way to change the look of a room. For instance, laying tile over brick can make a space more modern. However, you may wonder whether you can lay tile over painted brick.
You can easily lay tiles over painted brick using a few implements like thin cement and the tiles you want to use. However, it’s important to smooth out the brick and select suitable tiles to use.
This article explores everything you need to know about laying tile over painted brick, including the steps you should follow and how to choose the tile.
How To Lay Tile Over Painted Brick
To lay tile over brick, you should first protect the surrounding areas and then prep the brick surface.
You may then need to lay a thin layer of cement on the brick to create a smooth surface.
You can then begin to lay down the tile, being sure to cut it to size.
This section includes a step-by-step guide to laying tile over painted brick.
1. Prep the Surface and the Surroundings
Clean the brick using white vinegar to remove any dirt from its surface.
You should also use a wire brush to scrub off any uneven particles on the brick.
If the brick is really rough, use sandpaper for sanding it down and smoothen it.
2. Use Thin-Set Cement
Once you’ve cleaned and smoothened down the brick, use a shovel or trowel to apply a thin layer of cement over the brick.
This will create a smooth working surface and fill in any grout lines.
This step is essential as it’ll make sure the tiles are level when you lay them down.
After laying down one layer of cement, allow it a few hours to dry.
If the grout isn’t filled, lay down another layer and allow it time to dry.
An excellent adhesive to use is the DAP Weldwood Multi-Purpose Ceramic Tile Adhesive (available on Amazon.com). It has been designed for laying down tile and is highly cost-effective.
Related: Pros and Cons of Sealing Grout
3. Install the Full-Sized Tiles
Once you’ve allowed the cement to dry, you can start putting down the tiles.
Most tiles will come with installation instructions.
To lay down tile, you’ll need to make a batch of thin-set cement and lay it down.
Before it dries, place the tile onto the cement and press it in.
To help you lay the tiles, you may want to use a tile spacer, which will maintain an even gap between tiles.
4. Install the Partial Tiles
Once the tiles have been set and dried, you can then cut out partial tiles to cover the remaining painted brick.
To know what size to cut the tile, measure the remaining space to be covered.
Then, use a tile saw to cut the tile and install it onto the brick.
5. Clean and Protect the Tiles
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any leftover cement or adhesive.
You may also want to apply a liquid sealer over the installed tiles to prevent moisture and dirt from getting under the tiles and make them easier to clean.
An excellent liquid sealant is the Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Liquid (available on Amazon.com). It’s easy to dry and can be used on various surfaces – as well as a tile; you can use it on windows, gutters, and skylights.
How To Select the Best Tiles
To get the best results, in addition to following the proper steps, you should also make sure you’re selecting the right kind of tile.
When choosing a tile, you should think about the amount of light in the room, the room’s purpose, and the aesthetic you’re going for.
Here are some of the most popular types of tile:
- Ceramic tile. This tile is durable and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It can be used for various rooms but is especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms because it’s easy to clean. Ceramic tiles will be easy to lay over painted brick.
- Porcelain. Porcelain is more elegant than ceramic and equally easy to clean. Several variants of porcelain resemble natural materials like stone and wood, which add a sophisticated touch to any room. However, it’s more complicated to install than ceramic.
- Marble. Marble is a luxurious tile material that is relatively easy to install. It’s excellent to use in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. However, it’s relatively expensive.
Conclusion
You can lay tile over painted brick as long as you prepare the brick surface by smoothing it over.
Then, you can use thinned cement to lay down the tile.
Finally, cover your tile with a sealant to protect it and improve its durability.
Make sure to select the right type of tile to ensure the best results.
