How to smooth out top of tiles? (don't want trim)

[letmeeatinpeace]

I've recently had these tiles installed, and would like to smooth the top somehow so I can paint the top the same colour as the wall (I do not want to use tile trim). The tiles are quite 'rugged' hence the jagged line.

I've applied primer. What's the best product / process for smoothing out the surface before painting? Should I use something like polyfilla and then sand it down a bit?

Thanks!

I would think some kind of silicone, like that used around baths, which can be smooth.

IMO, unless you’re very very meticulous, you’ll struggle to get a smooth edge on them. They’ll just look like the tiler didn’t do the job correctly!
How about a piece of trim that you can paint the same colour as the walls?
https://www.diy.com/departments/natural-pine-ovolo-moulding-l-2-4m-w-23mm-t-23mm/5059340070049_BQ.prd

The tiler should have added a plastic trim under the last tile so it hides the ugly rough bit of tile.

I don't want a trim, I want to smooth the top and paint it. I'm patient and good at crafty stuff so reckon I can manage, I just don't know what product is best to use, but I imagine it would be some kind of filler?

you could plaster a sort of smooth transition to the top of the tiles.

OP, given those tiles are rugged, not sure they were designed to be used without a trim. Are you hoping to just smooth the edge surface or level/straighten the overall outline?

We have just had some tiling done and also didn't want metal/plastic trim on the edges. Our tiler used decorators caulk at the top and smoothed it out so it blends into the wall. We plan to paint it when we paint the walls.

Tricky. I hate tile trim and left the top edge of the tiles exposed and just painted the top edge. But our tiles were straight edged.

I suspect decorator’s caulk is your best bet, maybe use a long bit of beading or similar to press it into a straight edge?

I don't like tile trim, but could you use strip wood and paint that?
If not then caulk but you'll probably have to make it a slope rather than 90 degrees flat top?
(Which is why I would chose stripwood as this would feel more intentional

Yes, agreed, I've painted a smooth tile edge before as well. Here, wondering how to make the rugged edge look good painted

I have those tiles.
I don't like trim.

Just buy a tub if ready mixed filler and smooth it on the top of the tiles and remove excess with a wet finger.

Do you know what brand / type of filler you used? I bought some but it was like shaving foam..!

@Gouldstarr - silly question, but does decorators caulk dry pretty hard, or is it rubbery like silicone? And can you paint over it easily? The tiles are the kitchen splashback so I'll be cleaning the top of them quite often, so want something that paint will stick to really well otherwise the cleaning might make the paint peel off, if that makes sense?

If it's a kitchen splashback think about whether you might want a shelf there (even a small one).

Would look much better than anything else, and would solve your problem, as you could just silicon join to the shelf.

@CatherinedeBourgh the kitchen is riddled with shelves already lol, but good idea for another kitchen

Decorators caulk is slightly rubbery, and it is generally designed to be painted over. You can't paint over silicone. We'll, maybe you can, but it'll definitely peel off..

You know, I’d be inclined to leave it as is.

I think there’s a high chance that any filler or caulk will end up coming off in bits over time which will look worse than the current edge - which is bumpy but evenly bumpy iyswim. And you can give the tile edge a good scrub if it collects dirt and splashes whereas you might not want to do that with filler/caulk in case it comes off.

It you want a really sharp and flat finish, find a long piece of thin wood, tile trim or suchlike to use as a former positioned against the tiles.

Stick it to the front of the tiles, (slightly higher) with double sided tape or pads or panel pins into the grout lines. T

hen infill behind with Everbuild One Strike Ready Mixed Filler 450ml / Ronseal / Screwfix do similar. Allow to set. Then a couple of days later gently sand and paint.

Do you know what, I think you're right. I'd rather it be clean, and not have to worry about scrubbing too hard. I'll just do several coats of paint, and hopefully that'll help soften the jagged-ness slightly.

Hmm actually, it looks like you can get primer that's thick, so might look into that.

Ughh fun fun!

I think it was B and Q

If the stuff you have is too runny , spread some on a flat plate and leave it out for a bit , giving it the odd mix. It will firm up

Hello

The finish you have is the finish you are meant to have. They are rustic and will, in my opinion, look odd if you try to smooth them off.

But I will arm you with the information you've requested...

Buy yourself a tub of premixed dual tile adhesive and grout.
You'll want to key up the small strip of wall that you are adhering to above the tiles.
Once you've craftily molded the adhesive and grout mix to your desired shape/taper/whatever, let it set and then paint on a good quality primer (like Zinsser) and pop on your top coat.

I still think it will look odd, but good luck.

Cheers.

Don't see why there is so much objection to trim. That is what it is there for, to get a good finish. You could get a white one that blends in with the paint color so it can hardly be seen.

Edit or even paint it in advance to match the wall paint.