Some surfaces simply reject normal paint. Glazed tiles, glass, melamine, laminate, uPVC and galvanised metal are smooth and non-porous, so paint has nothing to grip and will peel or scratch off. The answer is a dedicated adhesion primer – and Tikkurila's Otex range is one of the most trusted on the market. It is even approved for marine use (MED/IMO), which tells you how well it bonds.
Otex vs Otex Akva: which one do you need?
There are two versions, and both grip the same difficult surfaces.
| Otex Adhesion Primer | Otex Akva | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Solvent-based alkyd | Water based |
| Smell | Solvent smell | Mild odour |
| Dust / touch dry | About 1 hour | About 1 hour |
| Ready for topcoat | Next day (overcoat within 48 h) | About 5 hours |
| Coverage | 8–10 m²/L | 6–8 m²/L |
| Topcoats | Water- or solvent-based | Water-based (e.g. Helmi, Everal Aqua) |
| VOC | Max 500 g/L | Max 140 g/L |
| Best for | Toughest jobs, metal, some exterior use | Kitchen cupboard makeovers, interiors |
For most home projects – especially kitchen cupboards and tiles indoors – we recommend Otex Akva because it is low odour and you can topcoat the same day. Choose solvent-based Otex for metalwork, for traditional alkyd topcoats such as Miranol, or where you need the strongest possible bond.
What surfaces can Otex primer be used on?
- glazed ceramic tiles
- glass
- melamine and laminate (including kitchen cupboard doors)
- uPVC and other rigid plastics
- aluminium and galvanised steel
- old alkyd or acid-cured paint
- wood, MDF and chipboard
How to paint tiles with Otex
Painting tiles is a great way to refresh a kitchen splashback or a dated bathroom wall without re-tiling. For areas that get wet or are directly behind a hob, ask us first – very high-wear or high-heat areas may need a specialist system.
1. Clean
Scrub the tiles and grout with a strong degreaser or sugar soap to remove grease, soap scum and limescale. Rinse well and let everything dry completely.
2. Key the surface
Lightly sand the glaze with a fine abrasive to dull it. Wipe away all dust.
3. Prime with Otex
Apply one even coat of Otex or Otex Akva with a brush or fine foam roller. Otex levels well, so you get a smooth base.
4. Topcoat
Once dry, apply two coats of a durable topcoat. Over Otex Akva we recommend Helmi 30 or Everal Aqua Semi Matt 40.
How to paint laminate kitchen cupboards
Remove the doors, degrease, sand lightly, then prime with Otex Akva and finish with two coats of Helmi. Our guide to the best paint for kitchen cabinets explains the topcoat stage in detail.
Tikkurila Otex technical specifications
| Otex Adhesion Primer | Specification |
|---|---|
| Finish | Full matt |
| Coverage | 8–10 m²/L |
| Dust dry | About 1 hour |
| Recoatable | Next day; overcoat within 48 hours |
| Thinning | White spirit |
| Minimum application temperature | 5°C, humidity below 80% |
| Approvals | MED/IMO marine approved |
| Colours | White, or mixed to order |
| Otex Akva | Specification |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt |
| Coverage | 6–8 m²/L |
| Touch dry | About 1 hour |
| Recoatable | 2 hours (primer); 5 hours (topcoat) |
| Minimum application temperature | 8°C, humidity below 80% |
| Approvals | MED approved, M1 rated |
| Colours | White, or tinted to light shades |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sand tiles before priming with Otex?
A light sand to dull the glaze is strongly recommended. Combined with thorough degreasing, it gives the most reliable bond.
Can I paint over Otex with emulsion?
Yes. Both Otex primers can be overcoated with wall paints as well as trim and furniture paints.
Can Otex be tinted?
Yes. Otex can be mixed to order, and Otex Akva can be tinted to light shades – useful when your topcoat is a strong colour.
Is Otex suitable outdoors?
Solvent-based Otex can be used for some exterior jobs. Otex Akva is mainly for interiors. Ask us about your specific project.
Buy Tikkurila Otex primers from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Tikkurila Otex primers to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.