Painting Tile: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Sick of looking at those dated tiles every morning? Painting them might seem like an easy fix, but before you grab a paintbrush, there are a few things you need to know.
Painted tiles can peel within six months if the prep work isn't done properly. When done correctly—with thorough preparation and the right products—painting tiles can work as a less expensive alternative to a full retile.

When Painting Tiles is NOT the Solution

Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, you need to ask yourself why you're painting the tiles. If it's because the grout is dirty or there are signs of water damage behind them, painting won't fix the underlying problem.
Painting over lifting tiles or failed waterproofing will only hide the problem temporarily. The paint looked fine for a while, but the real problem was still there, rotting away.
Don't paint your tiles if:

1. Tiles are lifting or coming loose
2. There's visible water damage behind the tiles
3. The waterproofing membrane has failed
4. You're planning to sell your property soon
5. It's a high-traffic shower floor

Before painting, check all plumbing fixtures for leaks. Address any water damage or failed waterproofing with a licensed plumber before attempting to paint.

When Painting Tiles Works

If your tiles are structurally sound and you simply want to update the colour—common with dated tiles from the 1980s—painting offers a new look at a lower expense than demolition, and far less upheaval. It's saved quite a few bathrooms from going into landfill.

Paint your tiles if:

1. They're structurally sound with no lifting or water damage
2. You're prepared for regular touch-ups
3. It's not a high-traffic shower floor
4. You have the time and patience for thorough preparation
5. You understand it's not a permanent solution

The Cost to Paint Tiles vs Retile

Painting tiles is significantly cheaper than a full retile:

• Painting tiles (DIY): $200-$400 for materials (primer, paint, supplies)
• Full retile: $2,000-$5,000+ depending on bathroom size and tile choice
• Professional tile painting: $500-$1,500 for labour

This is a DIY-friendly project if you have the time and patience. However, if you're short on time or the tiles are in a high-traffic shower, consider hiring a professional painter experienced in tile work.

What You'll Need

• Sugar soap for cleaning
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Tile-specific primer available from Bunnings or your local paint supplier
• Two-part epoxy tile paint system specifically designed for wet areas (available at Bunnings and paint specialists)
• Small foam rollers
• Brushes for grout lines
• Painter's tape
• Drop sheets
• Cleaning cloths

Preparation Steps

Preparation is the most important step and where most DIY jobs fail. The tiles need thorough cleaning and sanding before any paint is applied.

1. Clean the tiles thoroughly. The tiles must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper paint adhesion. Any remains of soap scum, body oils or mould will disrupt the correct adhesion of the paint. Sugar soap is your friend here.
2. Sand with 220-grit sandpaper. You must sand them to give the surface some tooth so that paint has something to hold on to. It's backbreaking work and your arms will ache afterward, but avoid it and you'll be repainting in a year.
3. Remove all dust. Wipe down the tiles completely to remove all sanding dust.
4. Apply tile-specific primer. Using the wrong primer will cause paint to crack and peel within weeks, especially in areas with direct water contact. You must use a tile-specific primer. These primers will adhere to shiny surfaces and form a barrier. This is not an area to cut costs.
5. Allow primer to dry completely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on drying time before proceeding to paint.

How to Paint the Tiles

Use a two-part epoxy tile paint system specifically designed for wet areas. These are available at Bunnings and paint specialists. Regular wall paint is not suitable for bathroom use, especially in the shower. Ceramic glazed tile surfaces must be painted with proper epoxy paint, or mould could grow with steady humidity and direct water contact.

Application Technique

Multiple thin coats beat one thick coat every time. Thick paint runs, drips and eventually peels. Smooth surfaces can be covered with small foam rollers; edges and grout lines are best treated with a brush. Paint the grout lines to ensure they blend with the tiles.
Drying time:
Allow each coat to dry for 24 hours before applying the next. After the final coat, wait a minimum of 72 hours before exposing to water. For shower areas, wait 7 days for full cure.
Adequate drying time is essential. Many DIY projects fail at this stage due to rushing. Allow paint to cure completely, not just dry to touch. Follow the manufacturer's instructions religiously.

Preventing Paint Failure

To extend the life of painted tiles:

• Use a squeegee after each shower to remove excess water
• Clean with non-abrasive cleaners only
• Avoid scrubbing painted surfaces with harsh brushes
• Keep the bathroom well ventilated to reduce moisture buildup
• Address any chips or scratches immediately with touch-up paint

How Long Painted Tiles Last
Painted tiles will never be as durable as properly installed new tiles. They're going to require touch-up at some time.

Realistic timeframes:

• Low-splash areas (like bathroom walls away from the shower): 3-5 years
• High-traffic shower areas: may need touch-ups within 12-24 months
• Shower floors: not recommended due to high wear

High-traffic areas with children will require more frequent touch-ups.
If you're planning to sell your property or the tiles are in a rental, painted tiles will typically decrease the value of the space. It's often seen as an inexpensive fix, rather than a proper renovation, by potential buyers and landlords. Just something to consider.

The Bottom Line
Painting bathroom tiles can work as a budget-friendly update if the tiles are structurally sound, you're prepared for thorough preparation, and you understand it's not a permanent solution. But if you're using it to mask bigger problems or expect it to last as long as new tiles, you are probably going to be disappointed. Contact a licensed plumber if you notice signs of water damage or structural issues.
Have you painted tiles in your bathroom? If you're unhappy with painted tiles or encounter problems, let me know via the thumbs down button below.

FAQs

Can you paint over bathroom floor tiles?

Do you need to remove old grout before painting tiles?

Is painting tiles a good idea before selling a property?