Hey friends, is your bathroom tile floor a little tired and dated? Painting tile can be a quick, budget-friendly way to give your bathroom a fresh look. As an interior designer who has helped many clients transform their bathrooms over the years, I’m excited to walk you through painting tile from start to finish. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about tile painting!
Contents
Why Paint Your Bathroom Tile?
Painting over existing tile has so many benefits:
- It’s budget-friendly. While replacing tiles can be expensive, a few cans of paint and supplies can transform your space for less than $100.
- It’s fast. Prepping and painting tile takes just a weekend instead of the lengthy timeline and mess of a total tile replacement.
- It allows you to change the color. Are you tired of those outdated mauve tiles? Paint can update your bathroom’s color scheme.
- It can update the look. Painting over tile can give it a new finish – think glossy, matte, metallic, or even a faux pattern or texture.
- It makes small bathrooms feel more significant. The right bright light color can make a bathroom more open and spacious.
Painting tile floors and walls can give a bathroom an instant facelift. Before you call the contractors, try DIY painting – you might fall in love with the transformed space!
What You’ll Need
Like any good DIY project, having the right tools and supplies is vital. Here’s what you’ll need to paint your bathroom tile:
- Paint designed for tile. Look for epoxy or specialized acrylic paints designed for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
- Primer. Choose a primer specifically made for tile and masonry surfaces. This helps the paint adhere properly.
- Paintbrushes and rollers: Angled brushes are great for painting around edges and corners, while rollers with long handles quickly work in large areas.
- Sandpaper. Lightly sanding glossy tile helps the primer and paint bond.
- Painter’s tape. For protecting trim, baseboards, and walls from the paint.
- Plastic sheets. To cover counters, floors, and other surfaces from splatters and spills.
- Cleaning supplies. Mild detergent, towels, and scrub brushes are used to prep the tile.
- Drop cloths. For protecting floors and surfaces from paint drips.
- Paint tray. To hold and distribute the paint and primer evenly.
- Stir sticks. Mixing the paint and primer thoroughly before and during use.
- Rags. For wiping up messes and drips quickly.
- Gloves, safety goggles, and a mask are necessary to protect your hands, eyes, and lungs while sanding and painting. Safety first!
Before you start painting, gather all your supplies in one place. This DIY will require some time and elbow grease, so come prepared!
Prep Your Tile for Painting
Prepping your tile is one of the most essential steps for getting great results. Follow these tips to ensure the paint adheres appropriately:
1. Clean the tile thoroughly. Mix warm water and dish soap in a bucket, grab a scrub brush, and scrub away any soap scum, grime, or mildew. Rinse with clean water and let dry thoroughly.
2. Fill any chips or cracks. Use a silicone tile sealant to fill damaged areas so they don’t detract from your finished look.
3. Lightly sand the tiles. This roughens up the surface for better paint adhesion. Pay special attention to any glossy or smooth tiles.
4. Remove caulking or grout. Cut away old caulk and re-grout any necessary areas with a grout repair compound. Let it cure fully.
5. Use painter’s tape. Apply tape around the trim, baseboards, and edges you don’t want painting. This keeps them pain-free.
6. Lay down plastic sheets. Cover counters, floors, and other surfaces to protect them from paint splatters and drips.
7. Wipe away any remaining dust. Before painting, give the tiles one final wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris.
Taking the time to prep your tile correctly will ensure the paint sticks and stays put. After all, no one wants their hard work to peel or chip later on!
Apply Primer to the Tile
Primer is essential for helping the paint properly adhere to the tile and creating a smooth, professional finish.
Choose the suitable tile primer. Look for one made explicitly for painted tile floors and walls. My go-to is a mold-resistant latex tile primer.
Use a paintbrush for edges and corners. Using an angled sash brush, carefully apply primer to inside corners, along baseboards, and on vertical surfaces.
Roll on primer over large areas. Use a long-handled roller in a tray to coat large tile areas quickly and evenly. Work in 3 x 3 ft sections.
Apply thin, even coats. Multiple thinner coats are better than one thick, heavy coat, which can pool and leave an uneven finish.
Let the primer dry completely. Then, give it at least 24 hours to fully cure before adding your topcoat of paint. This will ensure proper adhesion.
Priming is a crucial first step that prepares the tile to accept the paint color beautifully. Don’t be tempted to skip this step!
Painting Your Tile Floor and Walls
You’ve prepped and primed, so now it’s time for the fun part – choosing colors and painting your tile!
Pick Your Paint
For bathrooms, I recommend moisture-resistant acrylic or epoxy paints. The glossy finish makes surfaces easy to clean and repel water.
Match your topcoat paint to the primer. Most tile primers are white or gray, so choose a coordinating paint, usually lighter colors.
Complement your color scheme. Pick a shade that works with your cabinets, walls, and accessories for a pulled-together look.
Consider the mood you want to create. Excellent greens and blues are tranquil, while warm peach and yellow tones create an energetic vibe.
Consider lighting. Darker colors can make a windowless bathroom feel closed in, while lighter shades keep it feeling open and airy.
Check the finish. Matte or satin finishes hide flaws, while glossy paint adds shine. Eggshell is a nice compromise with a subtle sheen.
Painting Techniques
Time to start painting! Here are some pro tips:
1. Stir the paint well before and during use. This keeps the pigment evenly distributed.
2. Apply using a roller or brush. Use angled sash brushes for hard-to-reach corners and edges. Rollers work well on flat expanses of tile.
3. Work in 3 x 3 sections. Paint a small section at a time to avoid lap marks and touch-ups. Maintain a wet edge between sections.
4. Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing proper drying time between coats. Thin coats help hide flaws and create a smooth look.
5. Inspect the paint for drips or missed spots and use a small brush to correct them while it is still wet.
6. Remove the painter’s tape Once the final coat is dry. If any paint seeps underneath, touch it with a small brush before removing the tape.
7. Allow the paint to cure fully, usually 3-7 days. Avoid walking on floor tile or placing items on freshly painted walls during this time.
You can achieve a smooth, flawless painted tile finish with patience and these techniques. Take your time, and don’t rush the process.
Add Interest With Stencils or Tile Decals
To kick your painted bathroom tile up a notch, consider adding some fun details:
Stencils, available in reusable plastic or disposable paper, allow you to create striking patterns such as stripes, geometric shapes, or medallions.
Tile decals made of waterproof vinyl or ceramic add long-lasting decorative accents. They are great for wall borders, inline designs, or backsplashes.
Paint or apply decals to just one wall to create a statement wall, an eye-catching focal point.
Introduce metallics or shimmer with stencils or decals with a shiny, reflective finish. This adds glam and luxury.
Complement your tile shape with stencils or decals designed for squares, hexagons, subway tiles, or other unique dimensions.
Depending on your style, incorporate themes like organic shapes, sea life, or Moroccan patterns.
Don’t be afraid to play with paint finishes and add-ons! The correct details can give your bathroom a playful personality.
Caring for Your Painted Tile
Now that your tile floor and walls look fab, you’ll want to keep them that way! Follow these maintenance tips:
- Use a gentle cleanser and soft-bristled brush when cleaning. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing can damage the paint.
- Re-seal grout lines every 1-2 years to prevent staining and moisture damage.
- Promptly clean up spills to avoid permanent stains.
- Placemats by sinks or tubs to protect floors from dripping water and splashes.
- Use furniture pads and coasters under any furniture legs or objects on painted walls.
- Inspect for damage and promptly touch up any chips to prevent moisture from seeping underneath the paint.
With the proper care, your painted bathroom tile can look fresh for years before needing another coat. Enjoy your brand-new look!
Troubleshooting Common Paint Problems
Painting tile floors and walls is a tricky technique to master. If you run into any issues, take a breath and troubleshoot:
Is the paint peeling or chipping? Adequate drying time between coats and using the appropriate primer are essential for proper paint adhesion.
Streaky or uneven look? Applying the paint too thick can cause drips and texture issues. Use a roller and thin coats for an even finish.
Paint not sticking to glossy tile? Lightly sanding first gives the paint something to grip.
Do you have painted grout that is getting stained? Be sure to seal the grout properly after painting. Apply a penetrating grout sealer.
Are brush marks visible? When using a brush, feather out the edges of each stroke to blend it with the surrounding paint.
Are lap marks or touch-up areas visible? To avoid lap marks, maintain a wet edge when painting in sections and overlap each section.
With patience and TLC, you can work through any painting issues. The results will be worth it!
Parting Thoughts
Well, friends, we’ve walked through the entire process of painting bathroom tile, from prep to cleanup. While it takes some time and elbow grease, the cost savings and ability to customize your space make it worthwhile.
Here are a few final tips before you get started on your bathroom’s stunning makeover:
- Set aside an entire weekend with no distractions for your painting project.
- Check forecasted weather – avoid painting right before rain or high humidity.
- Ventilate the room well and take breaks if you feel dizzy from fumes.
- Be patient with the process and allow adequate drying time between steps.
- Work carefully and slowly for the most professional-looking finish.
These tips empower you to DIY paint your outdated bathroom tiles. There’s nothing more satisfying than stepping back to admire your fresh, new space. As always, I’d love to see your tile transformations – share photos of your makeover with me! I can’t wait to cheer you on. Happy painting!
