Bathroom Paint

Painting Bathroom Tiles

Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

The short answer to the question is "yes". Painting bathroom tile is certainly possible. But I know more information would be helpful, so let's continue. Another question you might have is "Why would you want to paint bathroom tile?" This question is easily answered in one sentence: It's a quick and easy way to redecorate your present tiles without the big mess and expense of removing the old tiles and retiling.

So now let's go over what you need to know in order to paint bathroom tile.

Preparing the surface:

First make sure that you replace any cracked tiles or crumbling grout before you go any farther.

You will need to start your paint job with a thoroughly clean surface. In a bathroom, there are many different unwanted materials that may be coating your old tiles. Each of these must be removed.

• Dirt and soap scum. Clean this off using whatever household cleaner you usually use to clean your bathroom.
  
  
• Lime deposits. If you live in an area that has hard water, lime ( calcium oxide ) can easily build up. Many products are available in your grocery store that will easily remove this.
  
  
• Mold. This common fungus can be removed with a solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
  
  

TSP ( trisodium phosphate ) is a very good all-purpose cleaner that may take care of all the above contaminants. Also, before painting bathroom tile, you need to first remove its gloss from the surface, and TSP does that very easily.

Priming the surface:

Now to paint bathroom tile, you need to sand its surface to make it easier for the paint to adhere. Use a fine-grit paper, so as to get a smooth, unscratched surface. Then carefully clean off any dust with a lint-free cloth.

For priming, use a primer/bonder that is made for adhering to difficult surfaces. You can apply the undercoat evenly, using a brush with synthetic bristles, and let it dry. Don't overfill the brush, and be careful to avoid dripping. Sand again, and again remove the dust.

Painting:

Use an oil-based glossy enamel, which will give you a surface that is hard, durable, and washable. It should also protect the surface from mold and help prevent peeling.

Use a natural-bristle brush, and apply the paint the same way you did the primer. A second coat will give you a longer-lasting finish. Be sure to sand and wipe off the dust between each coat. The grout may be painted a different color with a tiny brush, if you want.

As a final touch, several days after applying the last coat of paint, you can seal it with a thin layer of urethane.

Once done, you should have an attractive new-looking finish. And an added advantage - when you paint bathroom tile, you get a few more years of wear.

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Kara

Posted 195 days ago

I like to think that I do things the "right way" in my home, however we bought a nice home that needed a little bit of TLC, then my husband was laid off so I am currently our only income....Painting over our bathroom tile is going to be an inexpensive way to make our guest bathroom enjoyable to all! I am greatful for this information

Kara

Posted 210 days ago

As a new homeowner, my husband and I are thrilled with all the experiences we have been presented with because finally their happening in OUR home....now that being said, we just got out of the military and some of the jobs we need to do in our new home are going to be quite pricey.....one being an entire bathroom remodel. We can't afford it now but I'm not about to let my main bath sit in limbo while we save!!!! This is our home and we love it and painting our ugly marbled blue shower tub is going to make our bathroom so much more than just "proper"....I guess my defenition of proper just doesn't match yours

Else

Posted 494 days ago

I'm a house painter by trade, and have always preferred exterior painting. The section on preparing the surface really points up that interior painting techniques are a lot more complicated.

Brenton

Posted 553 days ago

Great idea to paint the grout a different color. Not only will that make it look more like real tile. It should make it a lot easier to keep it clean, since paint should wash off more easily than grout.

Abe

Posted 620 days ago

Good point, Jeffrey. But you might also want to paint over tile if you want to give your bathroom a fresh new look, and you just don't have any money for new tiles.

Jeffrey

Posted 620 days ago

Since I am a landlord for several apartments, I have to answer Sharell's comment. I'm not about to do a complete retiling job every time a clumsy tenant moves out. I wouldn't make any profit at all!

Sharell

Posted 620 days ago

I'm surprised that noone has pointed out that the "quick and easy way" to do something is not always the best way. In my house I prefer to do things the "proper way".

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