Best Tile Paint For Bathroom? Top 42 Best Answers

use tile paint? With this handy tip, you don’t have to grout!

Tiling your bathroom, kitchen, or utility room can be an incredibly expensive and time-consuming job. That’s why tile paint was invented!

But did you know you can repaint your tiles AND your grout?

With the humble grout pen you can achieve an excellent grout pattern without having to grout between the tiles.

Grouting between tiles is a nightmare! First you have to chisel out the old grout, then you have to carefully pour in the new grout and try to achieve the finish that the professional tiler managed to get in the first place. For an amateur, it can be incredibly frustrating work.

With the grout pen, you can get the beautifully smooth original grout by covering it with a fresh coat of chalk-based grout. Check out the results in the image below!

You don’t have to keep the original color either, if your new tile color is orange, why not choose a stylish grey? With six different grout colors to choose from, you can really make your new tile color stand out.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, Rainbow Chalk Grout Sticks contain anti-mold and mildew properties to keep grout looking fresher for longer, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom or floor!

How to use your grout sticks with tile paint

If you use the tile paint to cover all the tiles, the results are just as great and the method is just as easy.

Simply paint your tiles, wait for them to dry and then apply the grout pen. No need to worry about painting over the joints, just apply your pen when the paint is dry.

If you opt for intricate designs instead of a blanket, the same method applies. First paint, then grout pencil.

Read our full guide to using the Rainbow Grout Pen here.

The key takeaway is that you don’t have to be rich or a professional to have an amazing-looking kitchen, bathroom, or utility room if you use some tile paint and a few grout sticks.

Get your grout pen now!

To get your pen, simply select the nib size you want below, then select your color in the product box!

Joint pencils 5 mm tip €3.50 incl. VAT VAT Color Pick a color Beige Black Brown Cream Dark Gray Gray Ivory Light Gray Terracotta White Winter Gray Clear Beige Black Brown Cream Dark Gray Gray Ivory Light Gray Terracotta White Winter Gray Grout Pens 5mm Tip Quantity Add to cart

Painting tiles is a quick, effective and inexpensive alternative to replacing old tiles.

A special tile color will give your kitchen and bathroom tiles a great finish for at least a few years, especially if you avoid areas that are exposed to water like showers or behind kitchen sinks. Try a clear coat to extend the life of a painted title.

Floor tiles look great the first time they are painted, but they can quickly become unkempt in high-traffic areas where they get a lot of traffic.

To get the best results, here are all the tips, tricks and knowledge you need to give your tiles a new lease of life and a professional finish.

(MORE: Best Grout Cleaners)

What you need to paint tiles

First, your tile painting tool list:

to brush

brush cleaner

reel and reel tray

sandpaper

painter’s tape or masking tape

Sponge, scourer and bowl

cleaning solution

primer

tile color

tile grout

preparation

Before you think about painting an area, make sure you prepare it properly. Clear the area of ​​any objects that are in the way and next clean the tiles.

Tiles must be absolutely free of dirt, grime and grease. Use a standard kitchen/bathroom cleaner and a scouring pad – or steel wool – to get the tiles as clean as possible.

Don’t forget to clean the grout as well. Rinse with warm water to remove any cleaner residue and dry. The cleaner the surface, the better the paint will adhere to the tiles. The same principle applies when preparing floor tiles or outdoor tiles.

(MORE: Best Bathroom Flooring Options)

Painting the grout and tiles gives a completely solid color wall (Image credit: Getty Images)

Repair, sand and clean tiles

If your tiles have crazing or chips, use an epoxy like Gorilla Epoxy (opens in a new tab) to fill them in and wait for them to dry. If grout is missing, pour in tile grout and wait for it to set.

The next step is to sand the surface of the tiles to roughen the glaze for better adhesion – it is best to use 120-220 grit sandpaper.

If you have a hand sander, use it to speed up the process and ensure a more even finish. Brush the tiles and vacuum up dust, then take a damp cloth and wipe the tiles and adjacent surfaces and wait for them to dry.

Use masking tape or painter’s tape to protect all surfaces where they meet the tiles. You can also cover flat surfaces, such as kitchen countertops, with newspaper, plastic wrap, or dust-proof sheeting for added protection.

Finally, give the tiles a final quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt and allow to dry.

application

TOP TIP #1 For a longer lasting tile makeover in a kitchen or bathroom, tile small areas where the color won’t last too long, such as a bathroom tile. e.g. showers. Paint large areas where tile will not be exposed to water or heavy traffic.

To ensure that the paint adheres well to the tiles, it is best to first apply a primer. This isn’t strictly necessary, but will result in a much more durable and longer-lasting finish.

A shellac-based primer such as Zinsser B-I-N shellac-based primer sealer (opens in a new tab) is ideal for this. This works on glossy surfaces and dries quickly to the touch, but takes around 24 hours to fully dry.

If you’re using a brush to paint your tiles, use a 2-4 inch brush. First work into the joints and then paint the tiles. If you want a smoother finish, use a short-pile or foam roller. First use a 1-2 inch brush to coat the grout before rolling, then once the primer is dry give a quick light sand to prepare the tiles for the next coat.

(MORE: Best Bathroom Color)

For the best finish, add new grout after painting your tiles (Image credit: Getty Images)

Grout: paint or grout?

TOP TIP #2 If you want to add a pattern to your floor tiles, use a stencil to create the pattern you want. It’s more time consuming than just painting a floor, but the result will be worth it. Test out a pattern on a tile-sized piece of cardboard – to test your painting skills – and see how the pattern looks on your floor.

Realistically, you won’t be able to avoid painting the grout. This would be cumbersome and very time consuming.

However, there are a few options if you want to keep the original color of the grout.

The quick fix is ​​to use a grout after you’re done painting (although this doesn’t give as good a finish as grouting). The alternative is to remove old grout before painting the tiles and then re-grout. Be sure to allow sufficient time for the final top coat to dry. This is time consuming but gives the best finish.

A specific tile color is required to achieve the best finish and there are a few that are worth trying. For indoor projects try:

Try Zinsser AllCoat Exterior (opens in new tab) for outdoor projects.

All of these colors are available in white, but if you would like a different color please look at each range to see what is available. When painting floor tiles, try something durable, such as B. Leyland Trade Heavy Duty Floor Paint (opens in new tab).

Clean tiles regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge (Image credit: Getty Images)

A general rule for painting anything is to start at the top and work your way down. This will ensure no drips get onto your newly painted areas.

When painting floor tiles, start in a corner and work your way to the door. If you’re painting white on white – or a darker color on white – you may only need one coat. Wait until it’s completely dry (average drying time is about four hours) and make your judgement.

If you feel another coat is needed, apply as before. If you’re painting white over a darker color, you’ll likely need at least two coats – again, judge by one coat.

maintenance

A painted tile does not have the surface strength of a standard glazed tile. Therefore, use non-abrasive liquid detergents such as washing-up liquid in warm water and a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning. Simply wipe over the tiles and dry.

Do this regularly to keep your painted tiles looking good and increasing their longevity.

If possible, avoid abrasive powder cleaners, strong detergents and abrasive sponge pads, wire wool and brushes. These shorten the life of the paint and can cause your tiles to peel.

The process of removing and installing new tile during a home remodeling, renovation, or remodeling can be downright grueling. Tile is the kind of stuff that’s built to last, and changing it takes a lot of time and effort. No one wants to spend hours chipping off existing tile and leveling the underlying surface, only to embark on the delicate and difficult endeavor of carefully installing the new material. However, there is another option, and it may sound a little crazy, but it could not only save you time but also a lot of money. Paint It!

Well, painting tiles is not the same as just throwing a coat of paint on your walls. If you don’t follow the steps properly and take the time to prepare the tile well, your paint could peel in just a few months. Also, it’s not necessarily wise to paint all the tiles. Paint on tiles that are in areas where they will be exposed to a lot of moisture, like showers or splashing water, is not likely to last long. Excessive moisture on painted tiles can cause chipping and flaking in less time than usual. Additionally, painting tile floors in high-traffic areas can result in premature paint wear such as fading and abrasion. However, if you think you might want to paint your existing tile instead of trying to replace it, read on for some tips on how to do it.

The first step, like painting anything, is to clean, clean, clean the surface. This is especially important on tiles that have had ample opportunity to accumulate dirt, such as in your bathroom. It’s important to scrub away any buildup on the tile, but also making sure the grout is clean before painting. Using TSP, Trisodium Phosphate, is a very effective way to remove hard-to-clean dirt from surfaces, but as always, make sure you wear the proper protective gear as TSP is a harsh chemical for skin, mucous membranes, and the fumes are harmful to breathe.

Once the tile is clean, you’ll need to repair any imperfections in chipped or cracked tiles with a two-part epoxy. Just make sure any fills or repairs are level with the surrounding tile so it will maintain a consistent look after painting. Then you should sand the tile to create a slightly rough surface for the primer to adhere to. Use a very fine sandpaper, 400 grit or higher, as the purpose of this is not to completely remove the glaze, just scraping enough to hold the color. Of course, after sanding the surface, you’ll want to clean it again to remove any dust or sand that’s left behind.

A little over six months ago I painted my ENTIRE bathroom – the tile floors, the grout, the shower, stenciled the walls, even painted the side of the tub and the splashback. I promised an honest 6 month update so here we are the good, bad and ugly! Here’s what worked and what didn’t.

Overall, this project was a huge success, but I’m getting nitpicky here and will share all the little details that most DIYers would love to skip. Nothing was sponsored so I have nothing to hide!

floor tile

Project: Let’s start with the floor. I coated every other tile with primer and then with Behr Light French Gray oil finish. I sealed it with polyacrylic.

I also painted the grout with watered down floor and porch paint the same color.

6 months later: I couldn’t be happier with this result. After daily traffic, it is exactly as it was since I first painted it. The only small, small detail is those slight scratches (above) where I stand to get ready and wash my face every morning and night.

Bathtub side panel and splash guard

Project: I used Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal oil based enamel on the (yellowing) side panel of the plastic tub and on the backsplash. I didn’t use primer as kids don’t use it and it’s not touched often.

6 month update: This has held up perfectly. And I’m a bather, since then many a bath has been taken!

I did the same for my 5 year old daughter’s bathroom (in ombré coral!) and hers has held up great too, apart from a few scratches from plastic toys. However, I primed them with primer first.

shower tile

Project: I primed the entire shower with primer and then painted the walls with white oil paint and the floor with Kendall Charcoal oil paint. Next I stenciled the walls with different colors and put a clear layer of polyacrylic over the walls to protect the stencil.

6 Month Update: Here’s where things aren’t so glamorous and what I should have done differently.

There is a small spot on the floor that has peeled off. I remember seeing this little spot that wasn’t coated with primer enough after my paint was put away. I got tired of painting and let it go. That was a mistake! The good news is that there is no sign of further delamination and this means that the primer, if applied correctly!, will do the job. The rest of the floor is good to go.

Second, the shelf couldn’t stand soap scum from product bottles and sit wet. There are different scrubs. If I were to do it again I wouldn’t have painted the top of the shelf.

And that’s very picky, but I want to mention it anyway. The polyacrylic over the stencil yellowed very slightly where too many coats were applied or were not applied evenly. You know that feeling when you press down on a sponge roller and the ends have light lines where the paint is thicker? That’s what I’m talking about.

However, overall the shower looks so much better than before and actually holds up better than I thought after daily showers!

Conclusion

In summary, I am still so happy with this project! It completely transformed this bathroom, giving it a new lease of life and personality. That gives us several years to save up for a remodel. Remember that painting tiles is not the same as factory tiles. It won’t last forever, but it’s a great temporary solution for very little money!

If I were to do it again, I would make sure the primer was applied evenly and well. And I would skip painting the top of the shower shelf. Otherwise the project is going very well!

I used a sponge brush and touched up the stains on the shower floor and they are good as new!

cleaning

Oh, one more word about cleaning! I simply use a small amount of dish soap and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to clean the painted tiles. The finish is glossy and easy to clean.

Update to my update

I painted the two notches with a sponge brush and three months later you can’t even see where they were!

Let me know if you have any questions or if you have painted tiles yourself. I’d love to hear how it went and if you have any tips!

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

If you’ve recently moved into an older home, you might be fixing things and wondering, “How can I cover up those ugly or damaged bathroom wall tiles?” Fear not – we are here to give you lots of ideas including some temporary solutions that you can use in a rented house or apartment. Read on to get inspired!

There are many ways to dress up bathroom tiles. The most important thing to remember is that your solutions need to be waterproof. Even if they don’t get wet directly from your sink or shower, they still have to endure a lot of condensation created by the humidity in your shower. Here are a few ideas:

Paint them with waterproof paint like epoxy.

Cover them with a shower curtain.

Install a shower liner or surround kit.

Attach wall stickers that can be used in a high humidity environment.

Attach beadboard panels painted with waterproof paint.

Hopefully this short list gives you a good idea of ​​some options to try, but if you need more detailed guidance, you’re in luck! We’re going to look at each of these ideas in this article and answer some questions you may have.

Use waterproof paint

If you’re able to make a permanent change, color is one of your best options. This can bring new life to tiles that are scratched, stained or of an outdated color. You could even take this opportunity to add a fun pattern, such as B. a chessboard!

When painting your tiles, be sure to use waterproof paint that’s formulated to stick to smooth surfaces – latex and epoxy are the best options. All of these colors are available in matte, gloss or satin so you can achieve the perfect look. You can even find paint that will help prevent mold from developing! Alternatively, you can choose any color and add a waterproof seal over it.

Follow a few simple steps when painting your tiles:

Use a special tool to remove the grout and scrub the tiles thoroughly to remove soap scum or mold. Exfoliating extensively will ensure you have a smooth, clean surface to paint on.

Paint the tiles with a primer specially formulated for tiles and allow to dry thoroughly – you cannot use the tub during this time.

After the paint dries, sand it down lightly to create a textured surface that will make it easier for the next coat of paint to adhere.

Apply as many coats of your chosen color as needed to achieve the look you want and allow to dry.

When the paint has dried, reapply grout for the finishing touch.

Also read our article Can bathroom tiles be painted? (How To) for more detailed instructions.

Check out this waterproof latex paint on Amazon.

Check out this waterproof epoxy sealant on Amazon.

Check out this mold and mildew resistant primer on Amazon.

Cover with a shower curtain

Check out this patterned shower curtain on Amazon.

For a quick, temporary fix that’s perfect for a rented house, try hanging a shower curtain. Install a curtain rod made from a waterproof material like plastic and add an attractive, waterproof shower curtain insert with a smooth finish. You can attach Velcro strips to the edges of the curtain lining to make it stick more firmly to the wall. Just make sure to choose a velcro that is easy to remove when you move!

Install a shower liner or surround kit

Click here to view this shower surround kit on Amazon.

A shower liner is a piece of rigid plastic or PVC that is perfectly molded to the shower and should be professionally installed. This is a good option if your tiles are seriously damaged, but you may prefer a cheaper option than replacing all the tiles. It’s also a quick way to get the look of a new bathroom without having to demolish the existing room. Besides, it can also cover water damage on walls.

If you want to install a full shower pan that covers both the walls and the tub, you’ll need to hire professionals, but you can install a surround kit (also known as bathroom wall panels) yourself. This is a piece of plastic or PVC that just covers the walls rather than adding a layer to the entire tub.

Since shower liners and surround kits are used to cover the wall, there are a few things you need to keep in mind for your safety:

Make sure any mold has been completely removed. Simply covering up mold won’t help solve the problem and could actually make it worse. To remove small amounts of mold, you can scrub the wall with bleach mixed with water and then apply a coat of anti-mold and anti-mildew paint.

If moisture gets trapped between the wall and the shower liner, it can lead to mold growth. Verify gasket security if your liner is being installed professionally, and be sure to use the best adhesive possible if installing a surround kit yourself.

Attach wall stickers

Click here to view these waterproof wall decals on Amazon.

Wall decals are another classic quick fix for rental units with subpar walls. You can find wall decals made specifically for high humidity rooms, so be sure to select these to maintain the new look of your space.

To apply your new wall decals, clean the walls thoroughly and let them dry; Apply the stickers, being careful to avoid air bubbles. and allow the glue to set for at least 24 hours before using the shower.

Attach beadboard panels

Click here to view this beadboard trim kit on Amazon.

Beadboard is a classic wall covering made of many narrow strips of wood. It’s a popular choice for wall coverings in the kitchen and living room, but did you know you can use it in the bathroom too? Pre-treat your beadboard panels with waterproof paint before installation – you can use the tips from our advice on covering tiles with waterproof paint. You should also finish the edges with grout to ensure no moisture can get trapped between the panels and the wall and cause mold or mildew stains.

Are bathroom wall panels better than tiles?

The preference for bathroom wall panels over ceramic tiles is mostly a personal choice, so we’ll give you a list of pros and cons for each and let you make your own decision!

Benefits of Bathroom Wall Panels

The smooth, seamless construction makes wall panels completely waterproof.

They are easier to clean and maintain than tiles.

If you want a sleek, modern look, they are a perfect choice.

They are quick and easy to install over existing tiles.

bathroom wall panel Cons

They can cause mold and mold stains if not installed properly.

Plastic can crack and stain faster than ceramic tile.

tile professionals

Tiles create a classic, timeless look.

Ceramic is completely waterproof and a more natural, eco-friendly option than the plastic typically used for wall panels.

You can create unique, creative patterns and designs with tiles of different colors.

tile cons

Tile can be messy and difficult to install.

Grout degrades over time, making walls less waterproof.

Tiles can appear outdated.

Click here to view these classic subway style tiles on Amazon.

If you decide to go with tile, be sure to read our article Should a bathroom be fully tiled? to determine if you’d rather use them exclusively in the shower or throughout the bathroom.

What is the best material for bathroom walls?

An essential component when choosing a material for your bathroom walls is ensuring that it is waterproof. This can include:

ceramic tiles. These are a popular choice due to their smooth, waterproof finish and timeless design. Just be sure to use joint compound to fill in the gaps!

acrylic panels. Wall panels are usually made from plastic or acrylic panels that provide a seamless, watertight environment for your shower.

Stone. If you have the budget, stone is a luxurious, waterproof material that will add a beautiful, natural vibe to your bathroom.

Paint on drywall. Using waterproof paint like latex or epoxy can transform any surface, even porous drywall, into perfect conditions for a shower or bath.

Can you use laminate flooring on bathroom walls?

Click here to view this laminate flooring on Amazon.

Your choices have just opened up – yes, you can install laminate flooring on bathroom walls! This is a great way to instantly add a rustic vibe with fully waterproof imitation wood. There are just a few things to note:

The installation process is very similar to installing laminate flooring over your floors and involves permanently attaching the flooring to your walls with glue and nails.

You will need to carefully measure and cut the material to fit your bath or shower.

Allow the flooring to acclimate to the humidity and temperature in your bathroom to avoid nasty surprises when the wood expands or contracts. Take the wood out of its box and leave it in the bathroom for several days.

An expansion gap of about 1/4 inch around the wall is required to prevent the flooring from warping as it expands in response to bathroom humidity.

Click here to view this laminate flooring installation kit on Amazon.

We hope you find this article helpful. If you can think of other ways to cover bathroom tiles, leave us a comment to let us know!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Do you have a bathroom with outdated tiles? Maybe it’s a less than desirable color? Green, pink or blue of the 70s? Or maybe a dark brown?

Did you know that the tile in your bathroom can be painted?

Renting it out can cost thousands and I don’t know about you… but that’s NOT in my budget. BUT did you know that you can paint it yourself?

Yes…YOU can paint your bathroom tiles and give them a fresh, updated look, all on a budget. It cost me less than $50 in paint to redo my shower pan and tile.

want to know how

I’ll tell you what I did. What didn’t work and what worked, and some tips along the way.

BEFORE

First, I always like to share the BEFORE. Well, while my tile wasn’t bad (I’ve seen and had worse in previous homes), it wasn’t the bright, fresh look I wanted for my bathroom. So when I started my bathroom refresh, I knew giving the tub and tile a fresh look was on the list.

Supplies are needed:

Tub & Tile Paint Kit, Roll On Version (I would get 2-3 kits)

Painter’s tape, I prefer this brand

drop cloth

Respirator for paint spray projects

6 inch foam roller, get at least 2-3 extra spare rollers (you will need to use a new one each shift)

Brush for incising as needed (don’t spend much on one…you’ll have to throw it away when you’re done)

With any project, I always tell you that the most important thing is the prep work. So I’ll say it again. PREPARATION IS KEY. Follow ALL directions to prepare your area you wish to paint. I reserved a day for the preparation and painted the next day. You need to remove the old gasket. Clean, sand and clean again. Then you need to mask off any areas you don’t want the paint to get on – including faucets, drains and gargoyles.

Now I’m the type who likes a quick and easy fix, but of course I want it to last a long time. So spray paint is always my first choice. It dries quickly and gives the “instant gratification” of a new look quickly. So I bought 2 cans of tub and tile spray. It wasn’t enough. I went and bought 3 more. Certainly I felt like a total of 5 cans would have covered my shower walls and bathtub. Well it did….sort of.

Now I have to stop and tell you a few things about this tub and tile color. Both the spray version and the roll-on version smell. I don’t mean just a little bit. I mean A LOT. It smells like spray paint on crack. So you need to properly ventilate the room you will be working in… use the exhaust fan, open the windows and you definitely need to wear a respirator.

The spray version also requires more prep work…the overspray goes EVERYWHERE…I mean EVERYWHERE…leaving a film on anything in its path. Check out how I taped and sheeted my bathroom in preparation for the spray.

The spray also runs and leaves drips if you get a little sluggish in one spot. Another problem I found with using the spray was that due to the overspray I had a hard time seeing what you had covered and what needed grout…think a spray paint that lingers longer than normal. So after five cans and a very smelly bathroom, the cover was still very stained and left a slightly rough surface. So instead of getting more spray with possibly little improvement in coverage, I ordered the roll-on kit.

I found the opacity to be very patchy with the spray version.

I had to wait a week for the package. During this time we didn’t use the shower area. So before using the roll on kit I didn’t have that much prep work. I lightly sanded the surface to smooth out the rough, grainy texture left over from the spray, then cleaned again with my TSP replacement. I taped the edges of the shower, floor, side panels and also around any faucets etc that I didn’t want to get paint on.

I followed the instructions on the back of the can when mixing. It is a two component paint… the paint and the epoxy, making it durable and perfect for use in wet areas. I opened both cans, poured the small can of epoxy into the larger can of paint and stirred well.

Here’s another tip I learned to share with you. After stirring the product, leave it on for about 3 minutes. I didn’t wait and the paint was VERY liquid and didn’t cover well initially. But I found that after a few minutes the color started to thicken and the coverage was great! I worked my way left to right, worked top to bottom on the side, then went into the middle area, then finished the right wall and finally painted the tub.

TIP: I used a regular bobble roller, so my final product had a slightly textured finish. If I do it again I will use a foam roller for a smoother end product.

After the first coat was applied, I waited an hour according to the directions and then applied a second coat. I used a new roller for each layer. The paint gets thicker as it cures longer, so the roller cover really wasn’t reusable. Good thing the roll covers are not very expensive.

I applied the second layer in the same way as the first. Since I had previously used the spray version, it only took me two coats to get full coverage. I was able to get two full coats out of one kit. However, if you’re doing this project…I recommend NOT messing with the spray version. I would get at least two or three kits. It’s always better to have more and only return what you don’t use. Nobody likes to stop in the middle of a project and have to go to the store to buy more supplies.

Now the tin says to cure for 3 full days before full use. I waited 4 days. A little more time just means more time to heal, right?

Let’s look at a little before and after.

before

To

Once the paint has set according to the directions you will need to go back and re-caulk any edges, cracks and crevices where you previously removed the old caulking. (I hadn’t caulked mine when I took these pictures.)

One last tip. Painting your tub makes the surface VERY slippery (I learned the hard way). You may need to install non-slip shower mats or use a bathtub mat.

I hope you found this helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

Come back soon for more projects, DIY, home decor and everything in between.

vintage bathroom. You are out there. Some people love them, others hate them. In fact, there are entire websites dedicated to them. Old dated tiles seem to hold up remarkably well, which means even if you hate the color, ripping it out can be hard to justify. After all, replacing your bathroom tile can cost thousands of dollars. This drives some people to look for alternative solutions.

Can you paint shower tiles?

Yes, you can paint shower tiles, although you’ll get the best results if you paint tiles in areas of your bathroom with less moisture, such as in the bathroom. B. the splash guard over the sink and the tiles behind the toilet. The key to painting ceramic tile properly is preparation. By roughening the surface of the tile, you create a surface for the paint to bond to.

preparation

Begin by cleaning the tile. If the tile has mold or mildew, use the strongest detergent you can find to get rid of the fungus. You’ll have the best luck with bleach-based products that are specifically designed for cleaning shower tiles.

After the tile has been cleaned and the mold growth removed, use 220 grit sandpaper and a random orbit sander to remove the glaze layer from the top of the tile. You can also do this by hand, but it will take longer and you may not do your job as thoroughly.

After sanding, clean the tiles again to remove dust created during sanding. Use a damp sponge for this part.

painting process

When the surface is ready, paint the tile with a primer designed to adhere to ceramic surfaces. You may need to go to a paint supply store to obtain this material. Paint the tile in two coats, allowing the primer to dry between coats. For the smoothest possible finish, use a paint gun instead of a brush.

Once that’s done and the primer is dry, paint the shower tile with a two-part epoxy paint designed for tile and other ceramic surfaces. Epoxy paint only comes in pastel colors, which can be limiting, but it’s also the best paint for high humidity areas. When painting tile parts of the bathroom far from the shower, you can use an oil-based paint.

Disadvantages

There are a few downsides to painting tiles. The grout and tile will all be one color. Additionally, a painted surface simply isn’t as durable as a ceramic tile surface. So when you paint the tile in your bathroom, you have to repeat the process periodically when the paint starts to wear off. How many times you have to repeat it depends on how well the paint holds up.

All in all, painting your shower tiles is an inexpensive DIY way to get rid of your pink, avocado or sky blue bathroom. Visit this website for more information on painting your tile. Call Terry’s Plumbing for more information on the bathroom update.

A Rustoleum Floor Tile Color Review After One Year!

A year ago I was sharing how to paint a tile floor when we were painting our pink tile floor on our covered back porch that we use as our workshop.

Since sharing this post, I’ve received countless questions about the durability of the painted tile and how it’s holding up!

Will painting floor tiles last? Well it’s been a year and I’m ready to give a totally honest review!

Here’s a recap of the before and after of our painted tile floor:

BEFORE PAINTING THE TILE FLOOR

AFTER PAINTING THE TILE FLOOR

Note that I also painted bathroom tiles. In this post you can see how to paint tile floors in a bathroom and the 6 month update on those painted bathroom tiles!

Before I dive into the full year in review, there are a few key factors that need to be addressed first.

Note that this post contains some affiliate links. You can find more information in my information here.

Floor tile color used – A Rustoleum floor tile color on test

This will be a review of the Rustoleum floor tile paint as I used Rustoleum floor paint and interior floor finish in Windsor Gray.

Although I shared in my tile floor painting tutorial, there are different types and brands of floor tile paint that can be used. In fact, I’m very curious to try another brand to see how it compares to the Rustoleum.

Number of top coats used

We only applied one coat of the Rustoleum top coat over the painted floor tile because we were short on time when completing the project.

Rustoleum only requires one coat of top coat but recommends using a second coat for added durability. Looking back, I wish we had taken the time to apply the second coat of top coat.

Traffic volume on painted tile floors

The painted tile floor in our workshop is subjected to an inordinate amount of floor traffic, much more than the average interior. So we really put this floor tile color to the test over the past year!

Our workshop is used for all of our DIY furniture builds, which means there are always large amounts of wood stacked on the floor and our mobile DIY workbench with sturdy casters constantly being moved around the room (as is our pegboard for tool storage). on wheels).

Also, the room is used as outdoor toy storage for our son. And it’s connected to our shed and our backyard, so we’re constantly going in and out of that space with our dirty, wet shoes and puppy paws.

We will definitely have a garage in our next home haha!

Cleaning the painted tile floor

Because this room is our workshop, the floor tiles are not cleaned as well or as often as our interior floors. We basically just sweep it.

But for this review, we took the time to give it a thorough cleaning to really assess its condition. I started by sweeping up the dirt and then vacuuming the tiles.

Next, Brandon and I wiped down the tiles using a mild detergent mixed with water according to the Rustoleum floor tile cleaning instructions.

You can see how we cleaned our painted tile floor in the year-old painted tile floor review video here!

Will painting floor tiles last?

The short answer is yes, painting floor tiles will hold up even if the floor is subjected to excessive stress! However, there are definitely some points to consider!

Overall, standing and looking at the room as a whole, the lacquered floor tile looks good and no major issues can be identified.

But if you take a closer look, there are several small nicks, scratches and chips.

There is noticeable wear in the high traffic areas of the tile, particularly around the edges of the tile. There is also a darker discoloration of the tile in certain places.

In the less frequented areas of the room, the lacquered tile looks very good with hardly any chips or scratches.

Video review:

Be sure to check out my review video on YouTube! After a year you can see the room and the painted tile better!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel here!

Would I paint tiles again?

Yes, I would paint the tile floor again depending on a few factors. Overall, here’s my recommendation for when tile floors should be painted.

If you need a short-term, inexpensive solution to ugly, outdated floors in a high-traffic space, painting tile floors is a great option! It’s definitely not as durable as real floor tiles or any other type of flooring, so I recommend it as a short-term solution.

For a low-traffic room, this can be a longer-term solution for updating your flooring. But remember it will still chip because it’s still paint!

Painting our tile floor only cost us about $100. If we had used real tiles it would have cost a lot more and been a very labor intensive project. If we rented the tiling, it would be significantly more expensive!

Cost savings and the simplicity of this project are definitely the biggest advantages! Check out the pros and cons of painting tile floors in my original post for a few other considerations.

What would I do differently when repainting a tile floor?

As I said, if I were to recoat my tile floor with the Rustoleum I would definitely use a second coat of the top coat. Maybe even a third coat!

Also, I would make sure to stay away from the painted floor for a full 7 days after applying the top coat. We didn’t use the room much for the first 7 days, however the flooring was more prone to chipping and even light foot traffic caused some chipping.

I hope this year-long Rustoleum floor tile paint review has been helpful and answers your question, does floor tile painting hold up?

If you haven’t read the tutorial yet, be sure to check out how to paint a tile floor and how to paint a tile floor in a bathroom.

Follow on Instagram and YouTube for all the DIY projects I’m working on!

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Here we are discussing the question, can you change the color of the tile without replacing it?

Tile-like ceramic is a durable and long-lasting choice when it comes to flooring. That being said, it can mean that once you’ve decided on a tile design, you want to stick with it. Also, since they’re a more expensive option, you don’t want to replace them.

So if you are interested in a new look, can you change the color of your tile without replacing it?

How can I change the color of my tiles?

If you want to change the color of your ceramic tiles, there are a few ways to do it. First, let’s look at a basic step-by-step process.

Start by cleaning your tiles thoroughly, then take the time to sand them. Sanding the tile will help the pigment bind to it once you’ve added it. You should also take a moment now to mask off your grout lines so they don’t get stained as well.

Before you apply the paint, you should use a primer. There are primers specially made for ceramics that you can rely on. After that, you should apply your paint or epoxy resin and let it dry.

Once you’ve applied all the layers you need, you can let the paint cure for a few days and add a top coat of polyurethane to finish.

Using a stencil to paint over floor tiles

The method we just looked at is useful, but the steps are aimed at painting entire tiles at once. In other words, it’s a good choice if you want a solid color floor.

On the other hand, if you want something more elaborate, you are not meant to bother with hand painting. Instead, it’s a good idea to try a stencil.

The only difference in usage is that you want to place the stencil where you want it before you start working.

It’s a good idea to take the time to tape the stencil down for the best results. That way it won’t shift while you work.

Video on painting tile floors with a stencil:

Can you dye tiles a different color?

Yes! If you prefer to stain your tile instead of painting it, that’s definitely an option. These come in a variety of different colors and options, but they are inherently limited to darkening your tile.

Apart from that, there are many advantages to staining tiles. For example, you can use different stains together to create a multicolored appearance.

This can be particularly useful when you want to create a natural stone-like look without replacing your tile. However, you can also use it for a variety of other aesthetic goals.

Can you change the color of the tile without removing it?

As we have already mentioned, tiling is an investment of time and money. So it makes sense that you probably wouldn’t want to take on a project as big as removing or even replacing your tile floor entirely.

The good news is that you don’t have to remove your tile floors to change their color. If you’re going to paint or stain your tile floors, you don’t have to pull them up, although you do need to stay away from them long enough for the floor to dry and harden completely.

Can you change the color of ceramic tiles?

Yes, you can change the color of your ceramic tiles. As we mentioned earlier, there are several ways to change the color of your tiles.

This means you can experiment with a variety of different colors and tile patterns through mediums such as stains and paints.

As we mentioned earlier, you can also take advantage of these methods without worrying about removing or replacing your tile. This can save you a lot of time, money and effort in the long run compared to replacing your ceramic tiles.

How to paint ceramic tiles

Before you begin, you need to prepare the area. Thoroughly clean the surface of the tiles with a tile cleaner. Remove excess dirt, soap residue or grease from the tile surface.

Then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a plastic sponge to remove the accumulated materials.

Mold can be removed with a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply the solution and then clean the area with plain water.

Now that the area is clean and dry, use masking tape to protect the areas you don’t want to paint. If you are painting backsplashes or bathroom wall tiles, consider installing drop panels to protect the flooring.

Repair cracked grout with new grout sealer before applying paint as it will be more difficult to apply afterwards.

Lightly sand the area with 240 grit sandpaper. This helps with paint adhesion when painting. After sanding, rinse the surface again with water and allow the surface to dry completely.

Apply a tile primer to prepare the tile before applying paint. Types of primer with Microban is formulated to protect against mildew and mold stains.

Use a roller pan to apply the primer to the tiles with a mini microfiber roller. Apply one coat while working on a few tiles at a time. Start with a zig zag pattern and then use the roller from top to bottom to get good coverage of the foundation. To ensure full coverage of the foundation, use a brush to remove any missing areas.

Depending on the climate, the primer dries in about 2 to 4 hours. After it’s completely dry, apply a light sanding with 240 grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a cloth and you’re ready to apply the tile paint.

When applying the tile paint you must use 2 coats of paint with a light sanding between coats. Use a paint roller to apply the paint and use a brush for hard-to-reach areas. When applying the paint, it is better to use 2 thinner coats of paint than 1 thick coat.

Apply the paint in a zigzag formation, then use the paint roller from top to bottom while focusing on a small area at a time.

After about 6 hours your paint should be completely dry. Now lightly sand the paint with 600 grit sandpaper. Wipe off excess dust with a towel.

At this point you should apply a 2nd coat of paint. Continue with a zig zag application of paint ending with a top down motion with the paint roller to ensure a smooth finish.

After painting, it can take up to a week for your tile paint to fully cure. Avoid thorough cleaning during this time to allow the paint to fully cure.

How to paint ceramic tile walls:

How to paint ceramic tile floors:

What kind of paint do you use on ceramic tile floors?

When painting something, it’s important to make sure you have the right color on hand. Otherwise you risk the paint not adhering properly to the surface or even damaging the material you are painting.

This risk also exists when painting ceramic tiles. To avoid a coat of paint that will do more harm than good, invest in options like lacquer, latex, or acrylic latex paint.

Remember that these colors should only be applied after a primer has been applied and completely dried. In this way the paint will bond properly with the surface.

post-treatment

cleaning

Your brushes can be cleaned with white spirit or brush cleaner.

Once the paint has dried you can clean your tiles as usual. Don’t worry about scrubbing too hard, the paint is very durable and will stand up to cleaning.

If you regularly scrub moldy patches off your bathroom walls, consider repainting the bathroom, perhaps for your next big DIY project. But do you need waterproof bathroom paint? Is there such a thing?

Waterproof bathroom paint is used on non-porous fixtures such as tiles and sinks. Other types of bathroom paint are waterproof, but not completely waterproof. Mold and mildew resistant primers and semi-gloss wall paints are available that can effectively repel moisture.

Telltale gray corners on the walls and above the shower can spoil the overall look of your bathroom. Luckily, there are many exciting bathroom paint options that can quickly and easily transform your bathroom walls and make you wonder why you didn’t paint them sooner.

Is there waterproof bathroom paint?

First, let’s clarify what kind of paint keeps your bathroom mildew-free and sparkling clean.

There are fully waterproof paints, but they are typically used to seal tiles, bathtubs or the bottom of swimming pools.

Surfaces like tile and pools require an epoxy-acrylic formula like the Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit. This durable, high quality waterproof paint can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer. The result is a smooth porcelain or tile surface.

Or try Ekopel products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. You can get this epoxy waterproof kit for your sink or shower tray, and you can get this kit for your bathtub. And you can get this Ekopel 2K waterproof kit for your bathtub.

If you’re looking to change the color of your bathtub, be sure to check out my post on the subject.

The best waterproof primers and paints for bathrooms

The paint you need for your bathroom walls, ceiling and trim is not 100% waterproof, but it is water resistant and may contain mildew and mildew resistant additives.

Here are some great waterproof primers and paints that can help ward off mold and mildew.

Kilz primer for kitchen and bath

After fixing mold and mildew problems, give your bathroom walls a thorough cleaning. Then coat the walls with a mildew resistant primer like Kilz Kitchen and Bathroom. This creates a mold-resistant film between your wall surface and the surface paint.

In addition to preventing mold from forming on your bathroom walls, using a mildew resistant primer will ensure a smooth finish.

See it on Amazon

Rust-Oleum Mold and Mildew Resistant Interior Paint

If you are looking for a reliable brand with an extensive range of waterproof paints for your bathroom, Rust-Oleum should be your first port of call. The brand offers a wide range of mold resistant paints for the bathroom including this semi-gloss mold and mildew proof paint.

See it on Amazon

Bathroom paint do’s and don’ts

Choosing the right finish for the painted walls in your bathroom will likely be a fine balance between the paint’s water resistance (in other words, how shiny it is) and mildew resistance. Matte surfaces always look inviting, but they may not stand up to a lot of moisture or cleaning.

Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to consider when choosing bathroom paint:

DO NOT paint over existing mold

Remember that mold forms a barrier between the coat of paint and the wall surface. Although it may look better for a few weeks or even months, the masking paint will soon start peeling or peeling and the patch of mold you were trying to mask will rear its ugly face.

Instead, get rid of the problem the right way. Read Bathroom Mold: A Battle Plan to Destroy It.

Use glossy paint wherever you can

The higher the gloss, the more waterproof it is. However, this is sometimes easier said than done. High gloss walls can be a little showy, although high gloss paint is easier to clean and withstands humid conditions better than a matte finish, you might refuse to use it on bathroom walls.

However, there are more surfaces in the bathroom than just your walls, so at least use something like Diamond Brite Latex Gloss Enamel on bathroom cabinets and crown molding. The finished surface withstands high humidity and cleaning is a breeze as the smooth, glossy surface can be easily wiped clean.

Don’t forget the bathroom ceiling!

With all the focus on the fixtures and walls when painting, it’s easy to forget about the bathroom ceiling! This is probably the most difficult area to clean, and it will trap most of the warm moisture, so choose a semi-gloss paint like Rust-Oleum Perma-White. The best thing about this particular paint is that it has a mildew resistant finish, ideal for bathroom walls and ceilings.

Unless you decide on a bathroom-specific color, the happy medium for most bathroom walls is a semi-gloss color. This gives you the moisture resistance most bathrooms require without being overly shiny.

8 steps to applying waterproof paint to a bathtub, sink and shower

You want your shower, bath and sink to be 100% waterproof. You therefore need a product that has been specially formulated to give worn surfaces a high quality waterproof gloss finish.

Note that this process takes more than a few hours and requires a bit of effort, but the transformation can be spectacular. Let’s get into that in a moment.

Surfaces such as tiles and pools require an epoxy-acrylic formula. While you’ll need to read the product-specific step-by-step preparation and mixing instructions before you begin, here are some summarized notes on the process so you know what to expect before you begin.

1. CLEAN

The surfaces to be processed must be clean. I mean ULTRA clean. There is no way you can paint dirt or limescale with epoxy paint and get a good result. So grab a scouring pad, bleach, and a product like Lime-A-Way that dissolves common water buildup.

2. DRY

Once you are sure the surfaces you want to paint are completely clean, allow them to dry. Ban all family members from using the bathroom you are working on so they don’t use it and undo all your cleaning.

3. SAND

Tile and bathtub surfaces are often very smooth, but the fresh new finish you’re applying needs a rough surface to adhere permanently. Sand everything with 400 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface and remove existing shine. (If you find that 400 grit is too fine, start with 120 grit to roughen it and finish with 400 grit to smooth the surface.)

4. REMOVE DUST

Sanding always creates dust so vacuum, dust and open the windows but make sure the surfaces you will be working on are completely free of any dust residue before applying the paint.

5. VOLUME

Carefully tape off the areas you are going to paint. The solution is fairly runny, and you want to be able to apply it safely without worrying about it dripping onto the floor or getting into unintended areas.

6. VENTILATION

Now grab some gloves and a mask. open the windows Leave the fan running in the bathroom or set up a portable fan. This is no ordinary paint and the smell is extremely strong. Don’t underestimate this because you don’t want to rush the job just to get done so you can escape the strong chemical smell.

7. APPLY

Follow the mixing instructions and get to work applying your new waterproof finish. You must wait an hour before applying a second coat for full coverage.

8. DRY (again)

Make sure the newly painted bathroom is off-limits for at least 3 days to allow the treated surfaces to dry completely to become waterproof.

This product produces a high gloss slippery finish. So if the bottom of your bathtub was previously rough and worn, you may need to be a little careful when stepping in after you’ve refinished it.

Help your bathroom paint last longer

No bathroom paint will last long if the space isn’t properly ventilated. Check that your exhaust fan is working and that all vents that allow air to circulate are open. Read my post on smart bathroom fans with humidity sensors that can really help curb a mold or mildew problem.

Simple tricks like opening the window after a hot shower can also go a long way in keeping mold at bay. If you have a really big problem with ventilation, consider installing a bathroom skylight. Read my post all about the pros and cons of skylights in the bathroom.

No matter what color you use in your bathroom, you still need to watch out for mold in the bathroom. Learn how to find mold in the bathroom before it’s visible to the naked eye and how to get rid of it once you spot it.

So what kind of color is best for bathrooms?

Waterproof paint can be applied to non-porous bathroom surfaces like sinks or tiles, but most other types of paint are only water resistant.

Lacquer with a high gloss finish offers the best water resistance. But a satin finish along with adequate ventilation can go a long way in keeping mold and mildew at bay.

Repainting your bathroom might not be the most exciting renovation project imaginable, but giving it a waterproof coating will make it a lot easier to clean and keep it looking fresh and welcoming.

And if you’re debating whether tile or paint is best for your bathroom, be sure to read: Tile or Paint Bathroom? The clear winner. You will be surprised.

Oh, and one more thing, if you’re about to have an expensive bathroom makeover, fill out the form below and I’ll send you a PDF of Genius Designer Hacks that can literally save you thousands of dollars.

While you can paint ceramic tile walls, do not paint a ceramic tile floor as it will not hold.

Painting over ceramic tile walls:

Sand the surface of the tile with 100 grit sandpaper.

Wipe the tile to clean and remove sanding dust.

Coat the tile with primer.

After the primer has dried, paint the walls with epoxy paint.

Watch this video to learn more.

Further information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: Julie asks, “Is it possible to paint the ceramic tile walls in my bathroom?”

Yes, you can successfully paint ceramic tile walls in your bathroom, but I wouldn’t recommend painting the floor. It just won’t last.

And you can really update the look of a bathroom, especially if you have some of the old color tiles like pink or avocado, but in this case the blue tiles work pretty well here. The homeowner did a great job on this bathroom.

But if you decide to paint, here are the steps to go through. First, use 100 grit sandpaper and sand the surface of the tiles throughout the bathroom. Then wipe it down to clean it thoroughly.

Follow that with an adhesion primer. Paint that over the entire surface. Then apply a coat of epoxy paint and you’ll see a dramatic difference in your bathroom.

But one thing that’s going to be a little different is, you know, one of the nice things about ceramic is that the grout really accentuates the look of that tile. Once you paint it you lose that effect.

A Rustoleum Floor Tile Color Review After One Year!

A year ago I was sharing how to paint a tile floor when we were painting our pink tile floor on our covered back porch that we use as our workshop.

Since sharing this post, I’ve received countless questions about the durability of the painted tile and how it’s holding up!

Will painting floor tiles last? Well it’s been a year and I’m ready to give a totally honest review!

Here’s a recap of the before and after of our painted tile floor:

BEFORE PAINTING THE TILE FLOOR

AFTER PAINTING THE TILE FLOOR

Note that I also painted bathroom tiles. In this post you can see how to paint tile floors in a bathroom and the 6 month update on those painted bathroom tiles!

Before I dive into the full year in review, there are a few key factors that need to be addressed first.

Note that this post contains some affiliate links. You can find more information in my information here.

Floor tile color used – A Rustoleum floor tile color on test

This will be a review of the Rustoleum floor tile paint as I used Rustoleum floor paint and interior floor finish in Windsor Gray.

Although I shared in my tile floor painting tutorial, there are different types and brands of floor tile paint that can be used. In fact, I’m very curious to try another brand to see how it compares to the Rustoleum.

Number of top coats used

We only applied one coat of the Rustoleum top coat over the painted floor tile because we were short on time when completing the project.

Rustoleum only requires one coat of top coat but recommends using a second coat for added durability. Looking back, I wish we had taken the time to apply the second coat of top coat.

Traffic volume on painted tile floors

The painted tile floor in our workshop is subjected to an inordinate amount of floor traffic, much more than the average interior. So we really put this floor tile color to the test over the past year!

Our workshop is used for all of our DIY furniture builds, which means there are always large amounts of wood stacked on the floor and our mobile DIY workbench with sturdy casters constantly being moved around the room (as is our pegboard for tool storage). on wheels).

Also, the room is used as outdoor toy storage for our son. And it’s connected to our shed and our backyard, so we’re constantly going in and out of that space with our dirty, wet shoes and puppy paws.

We will definitely have a garage in our next home haha!

Cleaning the painted tile floor

Because this room is our workshop, the floor tiles are not cleaned as well or as often as our interior floors. We basically just sweep it.

But for this review, we took the time to give it a thorough cleaning to really assess its condition. I started by sweeping up the dirt and then vacuuming the tiles.

Next, Brandon and I wiped down the tiles using a mild detergent mixed with water according to the Rustoleum floor tile cleaning instructions.

You can see how we cleaned our painted tile floor in the year-old painted tile floor review video here!

Will painting floor tiles last?

The short answer is yes, painting floor tiles will hold up even if the floor is subjected to excessive stress! However, there are definitely some points to consider!

Overall, standing and looking at the room as a whole, the lacquered floor tile looks good and no major issues can be identified.

But if you take a closer look, there are several small nicks, scratches and chips.

There is noticeable wear in the high traffic areas of the tile, particularly around the edges of the tile. There is also a darker discoloration of the tile in certain places.

In the less frequented areas of the room, the lacquered tile looks very good with hardly any chips or scratches.

Video review:

Be sure to check out my review video on YouTube! After a year you can see the room and the painted tile better!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel here!

Would I paint tiles again?

Yes, I would paint the tile floor again depending on a few factors. Overall, here’s my recommendation for when tile floors should be painted.

If you need a short-term, inexpensive solution to ugly, outdated floors in a high-traffic space, painting tile floors is a great option! It’s definitely not as durable as real floor tiles or any other type of flooring, so I recommend it as a short-term solution.

For a low-traffic room, this can be a longer-term solution for updating your flooring. But remember it will still chip because it’s still paint!

Painting our tile floor only cost us about $100. If we had used real tiles it would have cost a lot more and been a very labor intensive project. If we rented the tiling, it would be significantly more expensive!

Cost savings and the simplicity of this project are definitely the biggest advantages! Check out the pros and cons of painting tile floors in my original post for a few other considerations.

What would I do differently when repainting a tile floor?

As I said, if I were to recoat my tile floor with the Rustoleum I would definitely use a second coat of the top coat. Maybe even a third coat!

Also, I would make sure to stay away from the painted floor for a full 7 days after applying the top coat. We didn’t use the room much for the first 7 days, however the flooring was more prone to chipping and even light foot traffic caused some chipping.

I hope this year-long Rustoleum floor tile paint review has been helpful and answers your question, does floor tile painting hold up?

If you haven’t read the tutorial yet, be sure to check out how to paint a tile floor and how to paint a tile floor in a bathroom.

Follow on Instagram and YouTube for all the DIY projects I’m working on!

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Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

If you’ve recently moved into an older home, you might be fixing things and wondering, “How can I cover up those ugly or damaged bathroom wall tiles?” Fear not – we are here to give you lots of ideas including some temporary solutions that you can use in a rented house or apartment. Read on to get inspired!

There are many ways to dress up bathroom tiles. The most important thing to remember is that your solutions need to be waterproof. Even if they don’t get wet directly from your sink or shower, they still have to endure a lot of condensation created by the humidity in your shower. Here are a few ideas:

Paint them with waterproof paint like epoxy.

Cover them with a shower curtain.

Install a shower liner or surround kit.

Attach wall stickers that can be used in a high humidity environment.

Attach beadboard panels painted with waterproof paint.

Hopefully this short list gives you a good idea of ​​some options to try, but if you need more detailed guidance, you’re in luck! We’re going to look at each of these ideas in this article and answer some questions you may have.

Use waterproof paint

If you’re able to make a permanent change, color is one of your best options. This can bring new life to tiles that are scratched, stained or of an outdated color. You could even take this opportunity to add a fun pattern, such as B. a chessboard!

When painting your tiles, be sure to use waterproof paint that’s formulated to stick to smooth surfaces – latex and epoxy are the best options. All of these colors are available in matte, gloss or satin so you can achieve the perfect look. You can even find paint that will help prevent mold from developing! Alternatively, you can choose any color and add a waterproof seal over it.

Follow a few simple steps when painting your tiles:

Use a special tool to remove the grout and scrub the tiles thoroughly to remove soap scum or mold. Exfoliating extensively will ensure you have a smooth, clean surface to paint on.

Paint the tiles with a primer specially formulated for tiles and allow to dry thoroughly – you cannot use the tub during this time.

After the paint dries, sand it down lightly to create a textured surface that will make it easier for the next coat of paint to adhere.

Apply as many coats of your chosen color as needed to achieve the look you want and allow to dry.

When the paint has dried, reapply grout for the finishing touch.

Also read our article Can bathroom tiles be painted? (How To) for more detailed instructions.

Check out this waterproof latex paint on Amazon.

Check out this waterproof epoxy sealant on Amazon.

Check out this mold and mildew resistant primer on Amazon.

Cover with a shower curtain

Check out this patterned shower curtain on Amazon.

For a quick, temporary fix that’s perfect for a rented house, try hanging a shower curtain. Install a curtain rod made from a waterproof material like plastic and add an attractive, waterproof shower curtain insert with a smooth finish. You can attach Velcro strips to the edges of the curtain lining to make it stick more firmly to the wall. Just make sure to choose a velcro that is easy to remove when you move!

Install a shower liner or surround kit

Click here to view this shower surround kit on Amazon.

A shower liner is a piece of rigid plastic or PVC that is perfectly molded to the shower and should be professionally installed. This is a good option if your tiles are seriously damaged, but you may prefer a cheaper option than replacing all the tiles. It’s also a quick way to get the look of a new bathroom without having to demolish the existing room. Besides, it can also cover water damage on walls.

If you want to install a full shower pan that covers both the walls and the tub, you’ll need to hire professionals, but you can install a surround kit (also known as bathroom wall panels) yourself. This is a piece of plastic or PVC that just covers the walls rather than adding a layer to the entire tub.

Since shower liners and surround kits are used to cover the wall, there are a few things you need to keep in mind for your safety:

Make sure any mold has been completely removed. Simply covering up mold won’t help solve the problem and could actually make it worse. To remove small amounts of mold, you can scrub the wall with bleach mixed with water and then apply a coat of anti-mold and anti-mildew paint.

If moisture gets trapped between the wall and the shower liner, it can lead to mold growth. Verify gasket security if your liner is being installed professionally, and be sure to use the best adhesive possible if installing a surround kit yourself.

Attach wall stickers

Click here to view these waterproof wall decals on Amazon.

Wall decals are another classic quick fix for rental units with subpar walls. You can find wall decals made specifically for high humidity rooms, so be sure to select these to maintain the new look of your space.

To apply your new wall decals, clean the walls thoroughly and let them dry; Apply the stickers, being careful to avoid air bubbles. and allow the glue to set for at least 24 hours before using the shower.

Attach beadboard panels

Click here to view this beadboard trim kit on Amazon.

Beadboard is a classic wall covering made of many narrow strips of wood. It’s a popular choice for wall coverings in the kitchen and living room, but did you know you can use it in the bathroom too? Pre-treat your beadboard panels with waterproof paint before installation – you can use the tips from our advice on covering tiles with waterproof paint. You should also finish the edges with grout to ensure no moisture can get trapped between the panels and the wall and cause mold or mildew stains.

Are bathroom wall panels better than tiles?

The preference for bathroom wall panels over ceramic tiles is mostly a personal choice, so we’ll give you a list of pros and cons for each and let you make your own decision!

Benefits of Bathroom Wall Panels

The smooth, seamless construction makes wall panels completely waterproof.

They are easier to clean and maintain than tiles.

If you want a sleek, modern look, they are a perfect choice.

They are quick and easy to install over existing tiles.

bathroom wall panel Cons

They can cause mold and mold stains if not installed properly.

Plastic can crack and stain faster than ceramic tile.

tile professionals

Tiles create a classic, timeless look.

Ceramic is completely waterproof and a more natural, eco-friendly option than the plastic typically used for wall panels.

You can create unique, creative patterns and designs with tiles of different colors.

tile cons

Tile can be messy and difficult to install.

Grout degrades over time, making walls less waterproof.

Tiles can appear outdated.

Click here to view these classic subway style tiles on Amazon.

If you decide to go with tile, be sure to read our article Should a bathroom be fully tiled? to determine if you’d rather use them exclusively in the shower or throughout the bathroom.

What is the best material for bathroom walls?

An essential component when choosing a material for your bathroom walls is ensuring that it is waterproof. This can include:

ceramic tiles. These are a popular choice due to their smooth, waterproof finish and timeless design. Just be sure to use joint compound to fill in the gaps!

acrylic panels. Wall panels are usually made from plastic or acrylic panels that provide a seamless, watertight environment for your shower.

Stone. If you have the budget, stone is a luxurious, waterproof material that will add a beautiful, natural vibe to your bathroom.

Paint on drywall. Using waterproof paint like latex or epoxy can transform any surface, even porous drywall, into perfect conditions for a shower or bath.

Can you use laminate flooring on bathroom walls?

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Your choices have just opened up – yes, you can install laminate flooring on bathroom walls! This is a great way to instantly add a rustic vibe with fully waterproof imitation wood. There are just a few things to note:

The installation process is very similar to installing laminate flooring over your floors and involves permanently attaching the flooring to your walls with glue and nails.

You will need to carefully measure and cut the material to fit your bath or shower.

Allow the flooring to acclimate to the humidity and temperature in your bathroom to avoid nasty surprises when the wood expands or contracts. Take the wood out of its box and leave it in the bathroom for several days.

An expansion gap of about 1/4 inch around the wall is required to prevent the flooring from warping as it expands in response to bathroom humidity.

Click here to view this laminate flooring installation kit on Amazon.

We hope you find this article helpful. If you can think of other ways to cover bathroom tiles, leave us a comment to let us know!