what is the best paint for a terra cotta tile floor in a home. terra
cotta is redish, paint will be white. i want it to last. do i need a
primer, and/or a sealer?why do you recommend?

Hi, 5861 !


What you probably want is patio paint. Patio paint (which is also
available in small quantities for folk art work) is described by Time
Out 4 Me at:

http://www.timeout4me.com.au/99.htm

"Permanent and weatherproof acrylic paints for outdoor decorating on
concrete, wood, and terra cotta. Patio Paint is formulated for water
resistance and excellent adhesion in changing temperatures. Patio
Paint solves the weathering and adhesion problems regular paints have
on concrete, terra cotta and other outdoor surfaces.
Painting Surfaces:· Concrete · Terra Cotta · Wood · Masonry · Stucco ·
Stone · Ceramic bisque · Cast aluminum · Styrofoam
Features and Advantages:· Easy to use - one step · No sealing or
varnishing necessary · Weatherproof · Will not crack or peel · Scuff
resistant · Non-toxic · Water-based for easy cleanup."

Deco Art Patio Paints are generally available and Anything Crafts say:
"Patio paint has been formulated specifically to adhere to concrete
and can be used statuary patios masonry stucco driveways terra cotta
plaster wood and ceramic bisque. Patio Paint is weather proof and fade
resistant. It is slightly thinner than traditional acrylic paints.
Patio Paints slightly permeates the surface and will not rub or flake
off. All colors are intermixable and a sealer is built into the paint
so a finish coat is not needed. "
Source:
http://www.anythingcrafts.com/prodspecs.php?sku=BJA507

Deco Art's own site is at:
http://www.decoart.com
They have lists of online and bricks and mortar retailers, as well as
advice on projects, and you can email them with any questions you may
have.
Their patio paints also come in textures.

Another brand , Kelly Patio Paint, is available online from Pool and
Spa at:

http://www.poolandspa.com/catalog/product000844000055.cfm

It is water based and non-slip. Not available in white.
Ask your local pool supplies place for anything similar.

Patio paint does not require a sealer as it soaks into the terracotta.
however, if you think that one day you, or a new owner of your home,
might want to restore the terracotta then do use a sealer first so
that the paint can be removed.
Perxonally I would also check with my local realtor to make sure I was
not going to diminish the value of my property by painting over such a
feature. If so - and if I really hated the terracotta - then I'd go
for covering it with a rug or vinyl, depending on the use of the room.


In Australia the product you would want is paving paint and it is
available from White Knight Paints.


http://www.whiteknightpaints.com.au/s02_products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductId=88

"White Knight Paving Paint is a fast drying, heavy-duty floor and
paving paint. Its hardwearing semi-gloss finish will resist scuffing
and marking to give new life to interior and exterior surfaces.
- Available in 65 Fashion Colours
- Touch Dry in 30 Min
- Tough Semi Gloss Finish
- Resist Scuffing"

A similar product is available from:
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~luxpaint/paving.htm

They might be prepared to export.

Good luck with your project.


Search terms:

paving paint
patio paint
painting terracotta

thank you for all your help.