Can You Paint Bathroom Tile? How to Pull Off This Low-Maintenance Renovation

Bathroom tile is permanent and requires very little upkeep beyond routine cleaning, but when you want to remodel the space, tile is difficult to work around. One answer is to give your space a fresh look by painting the tile rather than removing and replacing it. Painted tile can withstand some of the humidity and high temperatures bathrooms often endure if you use the right technique and type of paint. Learn tips from our experts about whether painting bathroom tile is the right project for your home.

Can You Paint Bathroom Tile?

While you technically can paint bathroom tile, there are times you will want to avoid this project because it is more of a quick fix than a long-term renovation. "We recommend painting over tile as a temporary solution, potentially in a lower traffic bathroom," says Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's. "Painting tile does not hold up in areas that get very humid or come in contact with water, so homeowners would especially want to avoid this project in areas like the shower."

What Type of Paint to Use

It's important to choose the correct type of paint for tiles. Apply either an epoxy or a two-process paint to bathroom tiles. These paints are more durable and resistant to moisture and heat than other types of paint. Avoid using latex paint on tiles.

Tools and Materials Needed

Here are the tools and materials necessary to complete this project properly:

• Trisodium phosphate
• Tack cloth
• Caulk
• Putty knife
• Waterproof spackle
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Primer
• Epoxy or two-process paint
• Drop cloth
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush
• Polyurethane sealer

How to Prepare Bathroom Tile for Painting

Prepare your tile by cleaning the surface, repairing any damage, and sanding down the area before applying primer or paint.

Clean the Tile

Start by giving the tile a thorough cleaning to help the paint better bind to the surface. "First, you'll need to clean the tile with a mixture of warm water and trisodium phosphate before rinsing with clean water and drying with a tack cloth," says McCoy.

Repair Damage

After cleaning, repair any chipped or broken tiles. Use caulk for small chips and a putty knife and waterproof spackle to fill in bigger cracks.

Sand the Tile

Sanding the tile helps to minimize the chance of heat and humidity breaking down the paint over time. "Sanding the desired tile area so that paint will properly adhere is critical," says McCoy. Use 120-grit sandpaper to remove the glaze on the tile, then rinse the area again and dry with a tack cloth.

How to Paint Bathroom Tile

"The key to painting a tiled surface is to use thin coats and to allow plenty of drying time," says Annie Sloan, paint and color authority, creator of Chalk Paint, and founder of Annie Sloan. "This gives each coat sufficient time to bond with the smooth surface of the tiles before it's disturbed by application of subsequent coats."

Here are the steps to painting bathroom tile:

1. Apply two layers of primer, following the manufacturer's directions for drying times between each coat.
2. Once the primer is dry, add an epoxy or two-process paint to a paint tray.
3. Roll a light layer of paint onto the tile, using a paintbrush to touch up where needed.
4. Apply up to three thin coats of your selected paint, allowing the paint to dry between each layer.
5. Add a layer of polyurethane sealer to protect your surface.

Alternatives to Painting Bathroom Tile

If your bathroom is used frequently, you may want to update the tiles differently. Over time, the paint on tiles can begin to chip away if it regularly endures high heat and humidity. Instead, use peel-and-stick tiles for a fresh look. "Plus, if homeowners like to switch up their style often, peel-and-stick varieties are easily removable," says McCoy.