How to Paint Checkered Pattern on Tile: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

 

A Porch Transformation That Started With One Creative Idea

This project has a story behind it—and honestly, it’s one of my favorites.

My client had this large tiled bench built years ago to cover a planter. It served its purpose… but over time, it just became one of those things you don’t really notice anymore.

Now here’s where it gets fun…

She LOVES the MacKenzie-Childs style—that bold, artistic mix of plaid, stripes, checkers, and polka dots. It’s playful, it’s unexpected, and it always makes a statement.

Then she asked me…

“Would you paint all of that on this?”

The good news is, I’ve painted plenty of tile floors and surfaces over the years, so I already knew exactly how to approach it.

And that’s exactly what we created.

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through how to paint one of the most popular (and foundational) patterns in this design…

Because once you learn this…

You can create just about anything.

A Massive Bench with Endless Possibilities

When you first look at this space, the first thing you notice is this massive, tiled bench.

It was originally built to cover a planter, and while it served its purpose, it had become one of those features that just blended into the background over time.

But not for long.

Before we picked up a single brush, we had to come up with a plan.

Because with a structure this large—and with a design inspired by the MacKenzie-Childs style—we weren’t just painting one pattern…

We were layering multiple patterns:

• Checkerboard
• Plaid
• Stripes
• Polka dots

So the first step was deciding where each pattern would go.

That’s when the real fun began.

Tools Needed for How to Paint Checkered Pattern on Tile

Low-tack tape

Electric sander

150 grit sandpaper

TSP

Black paint (latex house paint)

White paint(latex house paint)

Sealer

Sponge Roller &Tray

Artist brush

Paint brush

How to Paint a Checkerboard Pattern on Tile (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1 – Prep Your Tile Surface Properly

Sand the tile  with 150 grit sandpaper to remove the sheen

Clean the tile with TSP

Paint the tile with Gripper Primer

Step 2 – Tape Off Your Horizontal Lines

Now that your surface is prepped and your base coat is down, it’s time to start laying out your pattern.

This step is all about creating structure.

Start by applying your painter’s tape horizontally across the surface. These lines will guide your checkered pattern and help keep everything consistent—especially on a surface with multiple levels like this one.

Before you place your tape, take a minute to measure from top to bottom.

This will help you determine the width of your sections, so your pattern stays even and balanced across the entire piece.

👉 Here’s a pro tip:
Don’t just eyeball it. Even small inconsistencies will show once the pattern is complete.

Once you have your measurements:

• Mark your spacing
• Apply your tape in straight, even rows
• Press the edges down firmly to prevent paint bleed

This step might feel a little tedious, but it’s what sets you up for those clean, crisp lines later.

And trust me…

This is where the magic starts to take shape.

Step 3 – Add Vertical Tape to Create the Checkered Pattern

Now it’s time to turn those horizontal lines into an actual checkered pattern.

Start by applying your painter’s tape vertically, going across the horizontal rows you just created.

To keep everything consistent, I used 2-inch tape as my guide for spacing. This makes it easy to keep your squares uniform without overthinking it.

Once all your vertical tape is in place…

👉 Go back and remove every other strip of tape.

This is what creates the alternating pattern that forms your checks.

What you’re left with is a perfectly spaced layout where:

• One section will stay your base color
• The next section will be painted

👉 Pro tip:
Step back and look at your pattern before moving on. This is your chance to catch any spacing issues before paint goes on.

At this point, you’ll start to see the checkered design taking shape—and this is where it gets exciting.

Step 4 – Seal the Tape (This Is the Secret to Clean Lines)

Before you even think about adding your black paint, there’s one step you don’t want to skip.

This is the trade secret I want to share with you!

Lightly brush your base coat (white) over the edges of the tape.

Yes… You’re painting over the tape on purpose.

What this does is create a seal along the edges so that when you apply your black paint, it won’t bleed underneath.

👉 Any paint that sneaks under the tape will be the same color as your base—so your lines stay clean and crisp.

Use a light hand here:

• Don’t overload your brush
• Just skim over the surface
• Focus on the tape edges

Then let it dry completely before moving on.

Trust me… this one step is the difference between a professional finish and a frustrating one.

Step 5 – Paint the Black Squares

Now for the fun part—bringing your checkered pattern to life.

Once your sealed edges are dry, go in and apply your black paint to the exposed sections.

Use:

• A small brush or mini roller
• Thin, even coats
• Controlled strokes (especially around edges)

👉 Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. It’s better to do two light coats than one heavy one.

Because you’re working over tile and around grout lines, take your time and make sure you’re getting full coverage without buildup.

Once everything is painted…

Let it sit just until it’s slightly tacky—not fully dry.

Step 6 – Remove the Tape for Crisp, Clean Lines

Now comes the most satisfying part.

Carefully peel back your tape at an angle.

And just like that…

You’ll reveal those sharp, clean lines that make the whole design pop.

Step 7 – Build the True Checkered Pattern

Now this is the step where your checkered pattern really comes to life.

Once your black paint is completely dry, it’s time to shift the pattern and create that classic checkerboard look.

Start by applying a low-tack blue painter’s tape horizontally—but this time, place it directly over the black squares you just painted.

This is what creates that alternating effect.

👉 What you’re doing here is offsetting the pattern so the next set of squares lands in the opposite position.

Take your time:

• Line your tape up carefully with your existing rows
• Follow the same spacing you used before
• Press the edges down firmly

Using low-tack tape is important here because you don’t want to pull up your previous paint layer.

Once everything is taped off, step back and take a look.

You’ll start to see that true checkerboard layout forming—and this is where it really starts to feel like a finished design.

Step 8 – Tape Vertically Again to Complete the Pattern

Now go back and apply the low-tack blue tape vertically, just like you did in the first step.

This part is important because it lines everything up and finishes out the checkerboard pattern.

Use the same spacing as before so your squares stay consistent. Once the vertical tape is in place, you’ll start to see the second set of checks mapped out.

👉 The goal here is to mirror the layout from the first round, but in the opposite sections.

Take your time and make sure:

• Your tape lines up evenly
• Your spacing stays consistent
• The edges are pressed down well

Because once this step is done, you’re ready to seal it again and paint in the remaining squares to complete the full checkered design.

Step 9 – Seal the Tape Again (This Time Use a Clear Sealer)

Before you apply your final round of black paint, you’ll want to seal your tape one more time—but this time, we’re doing it a little differently.

Instead of using your base color, apply a light coat of clear sealer over the tape edges.

👉 This is key.

Because at this stage, if you used your white base again, you’d risk getting white bleed-through onto your black squares—and that would take away from those clean, crisp lines you’ve already created.

Using a clear sealer allows you to:

• Seal the tape edges
• Prevent paint bleed
• Protect the layers you’ve already completed

Use a light hand here:

• Brush gently over the tape edges
• Don’t over-apply
• Let it dry completely before moving on

This step keeps everything sharp and professional-looking as you finish out the pattern.

Step 10 – Paint the Remaining Squares and Reveal the Finished Checkerboard

Now for the final step—and this is where it all comes together.

Once your clear sealer is completely dry, go in and paint the remaining exposed sections black to complete your checkerboard pattern.

Use:

• A small brush or mini roller
• Thin, even coats
• A light hand around edges

👉 Just like before, it’s better to apply two light coats than one heavy one. This will give you a smooth, even finish without buildup.

Take your time and make sure you’re getting full coverage—especially over grout lines and edges.

Once everything is painted, let it sit until the paint is slightly tacky, not fully dry.

Final Reveal – Remove the Tape

Now for the best part.

Slowly peel back your tape at an angle…

And just like that—you’ll reveal your full black and white checkered pattern.

Step 11 – Touch Up Any Bleed-Through for a Perfect Finish

Before you call it done, take a step back and really look at your work.

Sometimes—especially on tile or around edges—you might notice a little bleed-through here and there. Totally normal.

The good news?

It’s an easy fix.

Use a small artist brush and go back in with your paint to clean up any edges:

• White for any spots that need sharpening
• Black where coverage needs to be deepened

👉 Take your time with this step. These small touch-ups are what take your project from “DIY” to clean, professional finish.

Focus on:

• Corners
• Edges along tape lines
• Areas near grout lines

Once you’re done, step back one more time…

And now you’ll see it—those crisp, clean lines that make the whole checkerboard pop.

Step 12 – Seal the Tile for Long-Lasting Protection

Now that your design is complete, it’s time to protect it.

This step is what ensures your hard work lasts—not just for a few months, but for years.

Apply a high-quality clear sealer over the entire surface.

For this project, I used a sealer that’s designed for garage floors.

And here was my thinking…

👉 If it’s strong enough for a car to drive on it, it’s definitely strong enough for this.

That means you’re getting:

• Maximum durability
• Scratch resistance
• Easy-to-clean surface

Apply:

• Thin, even coats
• Follow recommended dry times between coats
• Build up layers for added protection

Take your time with this step—this is what locks everything in.

And just like that…

What started as a plain tiled surface is now a bold, custom, MacKenzie-Childs inspired statement piece that’s built to last 💛

 

Start Simple, Then Let Your Creativity Take Over

What I love most about this project is that it didn’t start with something new…

It started with what was already there—and a creative idea to make it better.

We took a bench that had faded into the background and turned it into a bold, joyful, MacKenzie-Childs inspired statement piece that instantly makes people smile.

Once you learn how to paint a checkered pattern on tile, you’ve got the foundation to create just about anything—plaid, stripes, polka dots… all of it builds from this.

So if you’ve been looking at a space in your home (maybe your bathroom floor) and thinking it needs something…

This is your sign.

👉 If you loved this project and want more step-by-step tutorials, pro tips, and creative ideas you can actually use—make sure you sign up for my weekly blog.

 

Here are some additional projects you may like as well

How to paint a Buffalo Plaid Painting Technique

Mackenzie Childs Inspired Mirror

How to Paint Old Outdated Tile to look Fresh and New

 

Until next time… keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary—one brushstroke at a time. 🎨✨

Cheryl