Can Bathroom Tiles Be Painted?

If you're looking to refresh the look of your bathroom, can you paint your tiles a different colour? We investigate...

If you're looking to refresh the look of your bathroom without a major renovation, painting your tiles is a great option. But can you really paint bathroom tiles? And if so, how do you do it?

Can bathroom tiles be painted?

This is a question many homeowners ask. The short answer is yes, you can paint bathroom tiles. However, it's important to do it properly to ensure a lasting finish. Here's what you need to know…

Can bathroom tiles be painted? A step-by-step guide

1. Choose the right paint

Not all paints are created equal. You'll need a bathroom paint that is specifically designed for bathroom tiles. Look for a paint that is moisture-resistant, durable and easy to clean.

2. Prepare the surface

Before you start painting, the tiles need to be clean and dry. You'll need to wash them with a mild detergent and water, and then rinse them thoroughly. Once the tiles are dry, you'll need to sand them lightly to create a rough surface that the paint can adhere to.

3. Apply the primer

A primer will help the paint to adhere to the tiles and prevent it from peeling or chipping. Apply the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Paint the tiles

Apply 2 coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Be sure to use a brush or roller that is designed for use on tiles.

Painting your bathroom tiles: Top tips

Here are some top tips for painting bathroom tiles:

• Protect the surrounding areas with drop cloths or plastic sheeting
• Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from any paint fumes
• Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated (i.e. open windows fully, switch on any extractor fans)
• Allow the paint to dry completely before using the bathroom

With a little planning and effort, you can easily paint your bathroom tiles and give your bathroom a fresh new look.

Picking the right paint colours for your bathroom

Your bathroom is, essentially, a blank canvas for you to paint in any way you see fit. However, if you are struggling for inspiration here are a few tips which might help you on your way

Choose a paint colour that is complementary to the other colours in your bathroom (why not use a colour wheel to help you create a coordinated colour scheme?). If you're not sure which paint colour to choose, check out all the latest bathroom colour ideas at Victorian Plumbing. You could also use a stencil to create a fun or decorative pattern on your tiles. With just a little creativity, you can transform your bathroom tiles into a stunning focal point.

Alternatives to painting your bathroom tiles

Of course, painting your tiles isn’t the only way to refresh your bathroom space. Here are some alternative options you might like to consider.

Retiling

While this may involve more work (and may mean hiring a professional tiler, if you aren’t confident doing it yourself) and will likely cost more, brand new tiling will provide you with the best possible finish for your bathroom. It also means you can choose from a huge range of beautiful bathroom tiles in different designs and colours.

If you’re considering doing the tiling work yourself, you’ll find plenty of help and advice right here at Victorian Plumbing. From removing tiles to working out how many tiles you need, you’ll find step-by-step guides from the bathroom experts. Find out what experienced Tradespeople say about tiling over old tiles.

Shower wall panels

Quicker and easier to install than tiles, shower wall panels are fast becoming a firm favourite with UK homeowners. With no grout lines and a variety of on-trend colours, designs and finishes, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to wall panelling as an alternative to tiling.

One of the beauties of shower wall panels is that they can be fitted directly over the top of your existing wall coverings, including tiles, wallpaper or a plastered wall. Providing watertight protection, they are ideal for shower enclosures (hence the name!) and other splash zones.

Find out how to fit shower wall panels with our guide.

More tiling ideas and advice

Whatever you’re thinking of doing with tiles in your bathroom, at Victorian Plumbing, you’ll find all the expert advice and ideas you’ll ever need.

From our inspirational bathroom tile image gallery to our best tiles for bathrooms, discover all the bathroom tile ideas you could ever wish for in one handy place.

And, for the practically-minded, we’ll provide you with help and support every step of the way, from how to prepare your walls to our full and comprehensive guide to tiling your bathroom.

If you’ve decided that painting your bathroom tiles isn’t the right option for you, you’ll be delighted to find a huge range of bathroom tiles at competitive prices, right here, at Victorian Plumbing. Designed for both walls and floors, all our tiles are high in quality and low in price—perfect for any bathroom makeover.