Tile Redo

With the house painting nearly done, we've begun looking at the (many) other projects that need to be completed inside the inn.  One of our top priorities is updating the bathrooms, most of which look like they were last renovated somewhere around 1964.  Think salmon pink, if you are having trouble visualizing.  Of course, it is not just the tub or shower, but most if not all of the walls are tiled, including the half bath.

Tearing out tile is expensive and, since we haven't won the lotto yet, we have been looking at some cheaper options.  Victor stumbled across a product called Spreadstone.  In just 5 (relatively easy) steps, you are supposed to be able to transform tile, floors, and counter tops.  Hmm...well, we've got all three to fix, so why not?  We purchased a tile refinishing kit and got to work.  First, the before shot:

Wait, wait, stop screaming!  I told you it was last touched in 1964.  We figured anything would be better than this, so we started in on the paint.  

 Step one is a "bond coat," which presumably keep the paint from chipping off the tile. This is the main reason you can't just buy a gallon of your favorite color and go to town.  It turns the bathroom a nice, soothing grey.  Better already.

Next up is the "base coat," which turn the bathroom a slightly different gray color.  This is going somewhere, right?

Bonus Action Shot!

Step three involves the "accent coat," which makes the paint look like authentic stone tile, no artistic talent needed!  Er, well, maybe a little.  Do authentic stone tiles have streaks of paint in them?

Now, the "highlight coat." I literally stopped when I opened this can up because I thought they had sent the same color for the both the accent and the highlight.  Nope, turns out these are two different shades of white.  Huh.  Maybe if I was more artistic...

Still with me?  Great, now we get to make things shiny with the clear top coat.  This also presumably keeps the paint from chipping off every time you look at it too harshly.  I had to do it twice because I couldn't see all the spots I missed the first time.  Apparently applying a clear coat evenly is pretty difficult.

And...all done (except, for the sink, mirror, floor, ceiling, light fixture and window).  This is the half bath just off the main dining area, but we have two tiled ensuite bathrooms that need some serious help as well.  The project took several days because of drying time, but only a couple of active hours of work.  What do you guys think of the new look?

We anticipate reopening the Red Leaf River Inn in the Spring of 2015 and hope you will follow along as we renovate and restore this beautiful property in Waynesville, NC.  Find us on Facebook and Google+, follow us on Twitter @RedLeafRiverInn, or visit us at our website.