Our own certified remodeler and vice president here at Schloegel Design Remodel, Debbie Allmon, was recently featured in the Kansas City Star, answering a reader’s questions about Mexican tile. The reader’s asked:
When my house was built, Mexican tile was put in the front hall, in concrete, over a subfloor. It was then painted with what I think is a white acrylic paint. I would like to make a change. Could the paint be stripped to return to its former Mexican tile color? Could I paint over the white paint with a concrete paint? Could this tile be removed and replaced with a ceramic tile floor? I don’t know if I could do any of this work myself but would appreciate knowing whom to contact for further assistance and information.
Debbie gave this reader some great advice about the tough design predicament.
You could attempt to strip the paint from the tile and grout, though I am doubtful you could get the floor back to its original Mexican tile color. Not knowing if a sealer was used before the floor was painted causes concern about the success of stripping the paint. Another factor is that the grout may have absorbed the paint, and you would not be able to strip the grout. You could test a chemical stripping product in an inconspicuous spot on the floor (if there is one) to see if it works. I would not recommend directly painting over the white paint because the new paint may not adhere to the old. And if the existing paint is failing, you can expect the problem to transfer to the new paint. Your floor could be removed and replaced with a ceramic tile floor, which I think is your best option for look and longevity.
Debbie also recommended checking www.remodelingkc.com to see contractors listed by area and specialty. And of course, Schloegel Design Remodel can always help with home design and renovation projects in the Kansas City area! To read the rest of the article, visit the article on the Kansas City Star.
photo by Sharon Mollerus (CC)