Does your bathroom have old or unattractive tiles you’d like to replace? You don’t actually need to remove them completely! Often, it’s enough to simply paint the bathroom tiles. This saves both time and money—especially if you do the work yourself. And if you paint your floor or wall tiles, you can even get creative with color and design.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a durable and professional result. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about painting bathroom tiles!
When Is It Worth Painting Bathroom Tiles?
The idea of painting old tiles is especially attractive in rental apartments or older homes. Often, the tiles are still high quality and fully intact—only the color or pattern no longer fits your taste.
Instead of removing the tiles and installing new ones (which is expensive and time-consuming), you can simply paint the existing ones.
The advantage: you can completely transform your bathroom’s look within a few days.
Warm tones like orange or pink create a cozy atmosphere, while cool tones such as green, blue, or white make the space feel fresh, modern, and bright.
Painting tiles is not only practical but also offers creative possibilities for redesigning your space.
Note: In rental apartments, you should only paint bathroom tiles with the landlord’s written permission!
Proper Preparation
Before painting, surface preparation is crucial. Paint will only adhere well and last long on a clean, dry, and well-prepared surface.
Start by checking that all tiles are still firmly attached. Tiles that creak or move indicate damage to the substrate. Such tiles shouldn’t be painted—they should be replaced.
Remove Furniture and Fixtures
To clear the workspace, remove the sink, bathroom furniture, towel racks, and fixtures—basically anything that might get in the way while painting.
Cover Floors and Walls
To prevent paint from getting on fittings, floors, or adjacent walls, cover everything with protective sheets or painter’s film. Painter’s tape is great for masking edges neatly, especially around sinks, bathtubs, or radiators.
Remove Old Grout and Silicone
If you also want to renew the silicone joints, carefully remove old silicone with a utility knife or spatula. Do the same for any leftover paint or adhesive residue—everything should be cleaned thoroughly.
Sand the Tiles
For proper adhesion, the tile surface needs to be lightly roughened. Use sandpaper or an abrasive pad. After sanding, clean everything well so no dust remains on the surface.
Apply Primer
Before applying the actual tile paint, it’s strongly recommended to use a primer. This ensures even color distribution and prevents the original tile color from showing through. It’s especially important for dark tiles or strong patterns.
Which Tile Paint Works Best?
Not every type of paint is suitable for bathroom tiles, but there are three good options:
- Water-based renovation paints: very easy to apply, solvent-free, and ideal for wall tiles. However, they don’t adhere as well to treated or waxed surfaces.
- Tile lacquers from professional suppliers: perfect for floor tiles or heavily used areas. They are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and durable. Two-component lacquers are particularly long-lasting.
- Chalk paint with a finish: gives a modern, matte, powdery look. For extra durability, you can seal the surface with a clear two-component varnish afterward.
Tools and Materials
To ensure your bathroom tile painting goes smoothly, have everything ready in advance:
Tools:
- Paintbrushes and round brushes
- Paint tray
- Foam roller
- Sandpaper and abrasive pads
- Painter’s tape
- Utility knife
- Protective sheet or drop cloth
- Sponge and cleaning gloves
- Optional: silicone gun
Materials:
- Tile paint or renovation paint
- Primer
- Silicone
- Degreaser and cleaner
- Optional: grout whitener or filler compound
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Bathroom Tiles
1. Prepare the Surfaces
First, remove bathroom furniture and fixtures, and cover everything. Then remove any old silicone joints or residues. Lightly sand the tiles to create a rough surface for better adhesion. Clean thoroughly and let everything dry.
2. Tape the Grout Lines
If you want to keep the grout unpainted, mask it with painter’s tape. This helps protect it and ensures clean lines.
3. Apply the Primer
Apply the primer evenly to the tiles. It ensures the paint will adhere properly and prevents uneven color coverage.
4. Paint the Tiles
Pour the tile paint into the tray. Use a foam roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Apply the paint evenly and avoid thick coats. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Apply a Second Coat
Depending on the base color and the paint tone, a second coat may be necessary. Always follow the drying times indicated before applying additional layers.
6. Renew the Silicone Joints
After the paint has dried, you can apply new silicone to the joints. Make sure to create clean, straight lines to maintain a professional look.
7. Finishing Touches
Remove the painter’s tape and coverings. Clean the area gently, then reinstall the furniture and fixtures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too much paint at once – causes runs or uneven drips.
- Applying layers too thinly – results in uneven color coverage.
- Using the wrong roller or brush – always use foam rollers, not wall rollers.
- Ignoring drying times – wait the full time before applying another coat or using the area.
Safety Tips
Tile paints often contain solvents that can be harmful. Always work in a well-ventilated space, wear gloves, and if necessary, a mask.
For a healthier option, choose eco-friendly paints with low emissions—they’re better for both you and the environment.
Conclusion: Fresh-Looking Bathroom Tiles in No Time
With the right preparation, a good primer, quality tile paint, and a bit of patience, you can make your old bathroom tiles look brand new in no time.
Whether wall or floor tiles, the result will look modern, bright, and fresh—without the need for expensive renovations.
Thanks to this step-by-step guide, even beginners can easily refresh their bathroom and achieve impressive results.