Painting tiles in a bathroom can transform the look of the space and make it feel fresh and new. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right project for your bathroom. There are several factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to paint bathroom tiles.
Pros of Painting Bathroom Tiles
Here are some of the potential benefits of painting tiles in a bathroom:
Cost-Effective Update
Painting tiles is an affordable way to update the look of your bathroom compared to re-tiling. Tile paint costs between $25-$35 per gallon which covers approximately 350 square feet. Replacing tile can cost $5-$25 per square foot installed. Painting provides visual impact for a fraction of the cost.
Quick Project
Painting tile is a fast project compared to regrouting or re-tiling. Preparation work takes 1-2 days and painting takes just 1 day. New tile installation is labor intensive, taking 3-5 days. Painting means significantly less downtime in your bathroom.
Color Change
Paint allows you to easily change the color of your existing tile. If you’re bored of your outdated pink or avocado bathroom, paint provides an instant color change. Popular paint colors for bathrooms are white, light grey, taupe and beige.
Coverage of Dated Tile
For bathrooms with outdated or damaged tile that you wish to cover up, paint can provide a brand new look. Painting enables you to cost-effectively update tile rather than go through the hassle of replacing it. Paint covers cracks, chips and discoloration.
Adds Character
Painting tiles can add character and make your bathroom unique compared to typical replacement tile. Paint allows you to get creative, with options like geometric shapes, patterns, borders and accent walls.
Cons of Painting Bathroom Tiles
While painting tile can provide a quick update, there are also some potential downsides:
Doesn’t Solve Underlying Issues
Painting over bathroom tiles is just a cosmetic change – it doesn’t resolve any issues with damaged or poorly installed tile underneath. Any existing problems will remain after painting.
Shorter Lifespan
The lifespan of painted tile is not as long as new tile. With moisture and cleaning, paint may start chipping within 2-5 years versus decades for tile. Proper prep and using high quality paints can extend this.
Moisture Concerns
Bathrooms are prone to high humidity and steam from showers. This moisture can cause paint adhesion issues or make paint peel more quickly. Proper prep and using mold/mildew resistant paint is key.
Grout Still Visible
Unless grout is also painted, it will remain visible between tiles. This can create a disjointed look depending on tile size and grout color. The original grout lines will show through paint over time.
Permanent Change
Painting tile is a permanent change – if you don’t like the finished look, it’s not easily undone. Removing paint from tile is a big challenge. The project should only be done if you are committed to the new color.
What Kind of Tile is Best to Paint?
The following types of tile are good candidates for painting:
- Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles
- Flat or textured tiles
- Small to medium sized tiles
- Tiles in good condition without major cracks or damage
Avoid painting large format tiles like 12×24 inches since paint may not adhere as well with fewer grout lines. Heavily textured tile is also difficult to get paint into all crevices.
Test Paint Adhesion First
Before committing to painting all your bathroom tile, it’s wise to do a test patch in a small, inconspicuous area. Use the prep and painting method you plan to use then check adhesion after 24-48 hours. If paint doesn’t stick or is easy to peel off, your tile is not suitable for painting.
How to Prep and Paint Bathroom Tile
Proper preparation is crucial for getting paint to successfully adhere to tile long-term. Follow these steps:
Clean and Dry Tile
Use a degreasing cleaner or baking soda paste to deeply clean tile and grout to remove any dirt, oils or residues. Rinse thoroughly and allow a minimum 24 hours to fully dry before painting. Eliminate any moisture issues first.
Sand Glossy Tile
Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up any shiny glazed tile. This etching helps the paint adhere better.
Apply Paint Primer
Priming provides added performance for paint on tile. Use a bonding primer or tile primer and apply an even coat over the entire surface. Allow primer to dry per manufacturer’s directions before painting.
Paint Tile Surface
Use a scrub brush or roller and apply two coats of bathroom specific latex paint, allowing proper dry time between coats. Work in 4×4 sections and maintain a wet edge between sections to prevent lap marks.
Consider Painting or Staining Grout
For most seamless results, use a grout pen or paint to match your grout color with the tile. If grout is in good shape, use a grout stain instead for easier application.
Seal Painted Tile
Once paint has fully cured for 24-48 hours, apply 2 coats of water-based polyurethane sealer. This helps protect the finish from moisture and scratches.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint Bathroom Tile?
Here is a breakdown of estimated costs:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tile paint | $30-$50 |
| Primer | $25 |
| Paint supplies (roller, brush, tray, sandpaper) | $30 |
| Grout pen / paint | $10 |
| Sealer | $30 |
| Total for 50 sq ft bathroom | $125-$150 |
For a 50 sq ft bathroom, you can expect to spend $125-$150 for supplies. Pre-mixed tile paint kits are available that include primer, paint and sealer for $50-$100 to simplify purchase.
Professional painting labor typically ranges $300-$800 depending on bathroom size and complexity.
Tile Paint Color Ideas
Popular paint colors for bathroom tile include:
- White – clean, brightens space
- Light grey – modern, soothing
- Beige – warm, subtle
- Taupe – earthy, natural
- Navy – dramatic, sophisticated
- Light blue – tranquil, inviting
- Soft green – relaxing, refreshing
You can paint all tiles the same color or get creative with accent walls, geometrical shapes, borders or using multiple colors.
For small bathrooms, light colors help make the space feel bigger. Darker colors work well in large bathrooms and make a dramatic style statement.
Choose paint with a matte or eggshell finish for tile. Glossy finishes show imperfections and are prone to yellowing from moisture.
Hiring a Professional vs DIY
You can either hire a professional painter or paint your bathroom tile yourself. Here’s a comparison:
| Professional | DIY | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $300-$800 | $125-$150 |
| Experience | Expert skills | Beginner |
| Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Tools | High quality | Basic |
| Results | Even, consistent finish | Potential for uneven look |
Hiring a professional painter ensures an expert prep and paint job using quality tools and materials. However, a DIY project lets you save on cost and customize the finish.
Maintenance for Painted Tile
Painted tile requires some special maintenance considerations:
- Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaners
- Avoid scrubbing painted areas
- Reseal painted tile every 1-2 years
- Spot treat any scuffs or stains right away
- Consider sacrificial rugs outside shower to reduce wear
With proper care, you can help painted bathroom tile last longer before requiring touch ups.
Conclusion
Painting bathroom tile can provide an affordable, DIY-friendly option for updating the look of your bathroom. With proper prep and application, paint can transform even outdated tile. While not as long-lasting at new tile, painted tile can hold up well with care. Consider factors like your existing tile condition, the painting process, costs and color options to decide if painting your bathroom tile is a smart project for your space.
