Tiles can be a problem when the designs, which once looked good, now look out of date.

You can make boring tiles look trendy again, without the expense of re-tiling, with this simple project suggested by International Paints.

All you will need is some International Tile Primer and High Performance Tile Paint, and in a couple of days your tired old tiles will be transformed!

The quick drying Tile Primer provides a quality basecoat to ensure smooth long lasting adhesion for painting on ceramic tiles. The High Performance Tile Paint provides a high gloss, scratch resistant mirror finish, which is touch dry in two hours and overcoatable in six hours.

There are fifteen complementary colours to choose from in the International Paint range.

Left: Tiles can be given a new lease of life with Tile Paint and imagination

(Images supplied by International Paints)

For this project you will need:

• International Tile Primer
• International High Performance Tile Paint (your chosen colour/s)
• International Grout Pen
• Synthetic Bristle paint brush or roller (for the tile primer)
• Natural Bristle paint brush or roller (for the tile paint)
• Fine grade sand paper
• White spirit
• A roll of low tack masking tape

1. Preparation and Priming

Clean your tiles really well to remove all traces of grease, dirt and limescale, then wait for the tiles to dry completely before applying the Tile Primer.

The Tile Primer is applied using a synthetic brush. Cover all the tiles, edges and grouting and leave to dry for 8 hours. Remember to wash your brush in warm soapy water when you've finished.

Once the Tile Primer is dry, give it a very light sanding to smooth the surface and remove any brush marks, then dust clean.

2. Get painting!

Use your natural bristle brush to apply the base colour of Tile Paint.

Start along the grout lines and then work up and down each tile for a smooth even coat. Leave this to dry for 6 hours and, if neccessary, apply a second coat.

This time wash out your brushes using white spirit.

To create a simple but attractive pattern, you can colour individual tiles by masking selected ones with some low tack masking tape, carefully placed along the grout lines.

Clean your brush thoroughly with white spirit between each different colour application (or use different clean brushes).

Remember to remove the masking tape before the paint is completely dry to prevent tearing the paint film.

Leave the paint to dry completely, for at least 6 hours, before applying a second coat, if neccessary.

3. Finishing touches

Once all the paint is dry, you can use an International Grout Pen to create fresh white grout lines.

Simply depress the nib into the groove and draw along it. You can use a ruler to keep your lines straight, if needed.

The white grout lines make a big difference and create a sharp, geometric pattern which really makes your colours stand out.

4. Hints & Tips

Here are a few final 'hints & tips' to make your Tile Paint project run smoothly...

• Two thin coats of High Performance Tile Paint are better than one thick one.
• When decorating in a bathroom, do not use a bath or shower between applying the Primer and the Tile Paint.
• Use as few strokes as possible and do not over brush the paint once it has been applied.
• Make sure you are working in a well ventilated area which is free from dust as possible.

The great thing about Tile Paint is that you can change your colour scheme whenever you wish, to keep your tiles looking really trendy. Have fun!

For further help or advice about this project, please contact the International Paints customer technical helpline: (U.K.) 01962 - 717001 / 2