How to paint bathroom tiles: A quick DIY guide

Do you have an ugly bathroom tile that ruins the aesthetics of your space? Don't worry - there's an easy solution to that! When it comes to bathroom DIY projects, not many think of learning how to paint bathroom tiles. What they don't know is a new coat of paint on bathroom tiles can completely transform the space.

Learn how to paint tiles in the bathroom with this guide. Whether you want to know how to paint shower tiles for a new look or how to paint bathroom wall tiles, these key tips can give your interiors that refreshing, beautiful look.

Deciding on your new look

If your bathroom is starting to look outdated or damaged, learning how to paint bathroom tile is a much cheaper option than replacing them. The most popular tile materials are often ceramic, porcelain, natural stones, or quarry tiles, often sold in various solid colors or patterns. 

If you want something different from this to take control of your bathroom design or update your space to suit newer fashions, paint is key. You can lighten the look, darken it, or apply a pattern to fit any bathroom aesthetic. Best of all, once you know how to paint bathroom wall and floor tiles, you can easily repaint as your tastes change.

Consider the interior design of your bathroom. When choosing your new color, it is important to remember that brighter paint colors suit space-limited bathrooms the best. Darker paint is well-suited to larger spaces, as it absorbs light and can make a small bathroom look more contracted.

Start with the bathroom walls when deciding on the color scheme. This can help you find complementary shades with your bathroom floor tile. This can minimize the guesswork when it's time to paint floor tiles. If you have a modern shower stall or accent tiles, choose a color that will highlight its contemporary appeal.

Bathroom surfaces that shouldn't be painted

Can you paint bathroom tiles? Definitely. You can paint the following types of tiles: 

• Ceramic

• Porcelain

• Most natural stone

• Unglazed quarry tile

You should not paint glazed quarry tile, as it does not bond well with the paint. Your new paint job will last the longest on surfaces with low exposure to moisture (which is hard in a bathroom), but the flooring, walls, and backsplashes are all suitable. 

The less suitable spaces can be tiled countertops, tub surrounds, or wall tiles surrounding the shower area, as they are in contact with a lot of water. This may cause paint to prematurely fade, peel, or blister. If this does occur, it's not the end of the world. You can just touch up or re-apply with a fresh coat.

Matching the paint to the tile material and surface

If you are painting ceramic, porcelain, or unglazed quarry tile, your best bet is either latex or epoxy paint in the pre-mixed or ready-to-mix varieties. Latex paint is generally less toxic and does not smell as intensely. You can also spend a little bit more money on a mildew-proof variety, which negates the effects of heavy moisture exposure. 

If you are painting wetter areas like backsplashes, countertops, tub surroundings, and shower surfaces, go for epoxy paint. Epoxy cures into a harder coat that is more durable and resistant to moisture and everyday wear and tear. You can even find an epoxy specifically designed for tubs and tiles.

When painting natural stone tiles, acrylic latex paint specially formulated for interior masonry or stucco is the best play. You can find this paint in various sheens, from flat to high-gloss. Just keep in mind that the glossier the finish, the more slippery the tile. Flat and matte sheens provide the most traction, while semi-gloss and high-gloss can create a slip-prone surface, so avoid them on shower floors for safety.

How to paint bathroom tile

There are four or five stages to consider when learning how to paint bathroom tile: 

1. Surface preparation

2. Priming

3. Painting

4. Pattern application (if applicable)

5. Sealing

When planning, consider how long your bathroom will be out of commission, so you can determine the dry time of the primers, paints, and sealers. All of these will vary depending on the types used. If you are painting a pattern, its complexity will also determine your project’s duration.

Step 1: Surface preparation 

Sand, vacuum, and scrub the old tile and grout lines to prepare them for the new paint job. This action will remove dirt and grime, giving you a clean canvas.

Step 2: Priming 

This step is essential to ensure your tile is receptive to the paint. It will be best to use epoxy or urethane primer for porcelain or ceramic tiles or a masonry primer for natural stone or unglazed quarry tiles. 

Follow the specific primer’s application instructions and pay careful attention to its dry time. Painting over sticky primer leads to disaster.

Step 3: Painting the bathroom tile 

Once your primer is dry, you can use a roller or a large brush to start painting large swaths on the tile. If you have more patience, you can brush individual tiles by “cutting in” around the edges. If you do this, however, you’ll need an angled brush to avoid painting the grout lines. 

Your process will depend on whether or not you plan to paint the grout, a large area, or just a few accent tiles. The paint can take around two or more days to dry, during which you’ll need to avoid touching it or using the bathroom – so keep that in mind before you begin.

Step 4: Applying a pattern (optional)

If you decide to paint a pattern, wait for the tiles to be fully cured, then tape your pre-bought or homemade stencil to the area you want to pattern. Go over the stencil with a roller and wait out the full dry time before removing the stencil.

Step 5: Sealing 

The final step involves the application of a sealer that protects the painted bathroom tile from grime, scuff marks, and scratches. Use a clear sealer of the following type:

• Urethane for ceramic or porcelain

• Masonry for natural stone or quarry tile

Once again, you’ll need to wait for the full required drying time before you begin to use the bathroom. You be unable to use your bathroom anywhere from two to several days. Make sure you clear everything you need from the bathroom before you start!

Painted bathroom tile maintenance

Maintenance is important if you want to keep that long-lasting finish on painted tiles. While the sealer helps in retaining the colors of the tiles and fending off abrasive dirt, be sure to mop, sweep, or vacuum regularly. Laying bathroom mats can also help in preventing scuff marks in high-traffic areas. If there's slight damage on the tiles, use a small artist's brush to re-apply paint and re-seal the surface.

Need more help with bathroom painting? We've got Taskers offering painting services! As experienced bathroom painters, they have the tools and skills to transform your entire bathroom and give it a refreshing look.