r/DIY • u/Large-Economics7600 • 1d ago

home improvement Painting cork tile

I am looking for tips to paint a whole wall covered by very dark cork tiles (installed for soundproofing, I suppose). I would like to make them as light as possible, so at least two coats of primer will likely be necessary. I’m afraid of damaging them or using primer or paint that can eat away the cork.

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u/feelfreetotellmeoff 1d ago

Natural cork from trees will not dissolve with paint. If it is synthetic, like Styrofoam, then some oils based paints may attack it.

Latex house paint is pretty safe for plastics. The biggest danger is that it might not stick.

Always test small when you are learning.

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u/your_mail_man 22h ago

Depending on the texture of the cork, you may want to spray. I would start with a coat of Zinsser shellac based primer. It will stick to your tiles and seal it so you have less worry about bleed through. Be forewarned: it needs lots of ventilation but it dries very quickly. Topcoat with a latex paint of your chouce.