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One of the most asked bathroom renovation questions we receive is “Can you paint bathroom tiles?” And the answer to that is yes. In fact, tile painting is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways of renovating a bathroom. This may sound idyllic but the fact is, it can be very difficult to achieve a long-lasting and beautiful result when painting tiles. So today we share how to properly paint bathroom tiles and not live to regret it later.
What paint colours are suitable for bathrooms?
The best part of painting your bathroom tiles is that you can get quite creative with colours. It allows you to darken or lighten your bathroom, or even personalise it with a pattern of your choice. If you plan to paint smaller tile sections, you can use modern accent colours. But if you are going to be painting entire bathroom walls and floors, it’s best if you stick to lighter tones to avoid making the place look like a cave.
What’s the best paint for bathroom tiles?
The only type of bathroom tile that doesn’t bond well with paint is the glazed quarry tile. Luckily, almost all other types of tiles can be painted – natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and unglazed quarry tiles. You can use epoxy or latex paint formulated for indoor areas, with latex being both less toxic and smelly, and less durable. Since you’ll be painting bathroom tiles which will be heavily exposed to moisture, we suggest that you splurge for a pricier, mildew-proof paint. Epoxy paint is perfect for those “splash zones” that receive the most wear, such as shower surfaces, tub surroundings, and backsplashes. This type of tile paint will dry to a durable coat with more resistance to water, cleaning, and heat.
How to paint the bathroom tiles?
There are several stages to achieve well-painted bathroom tiles and to prevent the paint from chipping and cracking in the future.
Step 1: Preparing the tiles for painting
First, you need to remove all the dirt and grime from your bathroom tiles. Use a brush, mop and a good tile cleaner for the task. To reach into the crevices of the grout, you can use an old toothbrush. Then, sand the bathroom tiles to prepare them for paint application.
Step 2: Gather your painting equipment
You will need the following materials:
- Masking tape;
- Paint primer for tiles;
- The paint of your choice;
- Paintbrushes and rollers;
- A sealant or polyurethane;
- Paint stencils (optional).
Step 3: Paint the bathroom tiles
Prime the bathroom tiles according to their type. For example, use masonry primer for unglazed quarry tiles or natural stone, or use epoxy or urethane primer for porcelain or ceramic tiles. Primers will make your floors and walls more receptive to paint but you need to make sure to follow the instructions and let the coat dry as required. After that, you should paint the tiles with your preferred tools and leave the area to dry completely for a couple of days. Finish up by applying the proper sealant – masonry sealer for quarry tiles and natural stone; urethane sealer for porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Allow for the sealing coat to dry completely before you use the bathroom. Also, make sure to check BathBarn’s website if you’re looking for ways to renovate your bathroom. We have great solutions at rates that will suit every bathroom remodelling project.
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As a blog writer, he shares expert knowledge and industry trends, offering valuable insights to homeowners and professionals. Join Rahul on his blog to explore tips and inspiration for your next bathroom remodelling project.
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