[Mackasx2]

We live in a block of units which is being upgraded externally. Unfortunately owners could not afford to go the extra distance to replace the dark tiles on the stairs. Someone mentioned that it is possible to paint over the tiles but I have googled relentlessly and can not find anything that would do the job for these high traffic areas as they are glazed/ceramic. I thought that someone on this forum may have a suggestion. Some areas do get wet from the rain. I have attached a couple of pictures.

 

[Windows on Wash]

There will need to be some serious prep there to open up the porosity and strip the glaze off the brick.

Standard paint is not going to hold up for anything on this application.

If the glaze can be stripped without damaging the brick, a penetrating stain would probably be best here.

 

[Mackasx2]

Thank you Windows on Wash for confirming that it will be a big job! Just somebody who knows what they are doing to give me the real situation....much appreciated!

 

[ToolSeeker]

Putting a non-slip tile over them would be a better solution

 

[Mackasx2]

Thanks Toolseeker, that sounds like the best solution.

 

[Gymschu]

The wall tiles can be painted. You would have to thoroughly clean and rinse them well, allow to dry and apply a quality bonding primer like Zinsser's 123. Topcoat with a quality latex paint. As for the stair treads, well, any horizontal surface that takes a beating, won't hold any kind of paint for very long. Tool seeker seems to have the plan for that.

I've painted those type of ceramic coated wall tiles in the manner described and they hold up real well. I did a trucking company storage building with nearly the same exact tiles and it still looks like new after 4 years.

 

[Mackasx2]

Thanks Gymschu but they are floor tiles, that's the problem

 

[Mackasx2]

Thanks everyone for your help