Are you looking to update your bathroom, but you don’t want to spend a small fortune to do so? Update bathroom tile without replacing it with these easy steps and get professional results without the cost.
When my husband and I moved into our almost 100-year-old home, I knew that I needed to do something to improve the look of our bathrooms, but I didn’t want to do a complete remodel.
Our bathroom was not only old, but the entire room was spray painted to cover the original green and white striped tile. Not to say it looked bad, but IT DID!
When we were looking at the house, I didn’t really notice it. Then, when we moved in both bathrooms were very ugly without all of the curtains, rugs, and accessories that were up during the open house.
Needless to say, I decided to update the bathroom tile without replacing it and it made a complete difference. You will be amazed at the results.
In your own home, you will be able to do this and your bathroom will instantly look updated.
If your bathroom has those hot pink tiles or that not so beautiful yellow color from the 70s, this is the time to update your tile with a little paint and see a drastic change for the better.
This is not a process for the faint of heart, but it is one that anyone can do.
Table of Contents
The Prep Work – 3 Steps
Before starting this project, you will want to prep the bathroom for the painting process.
With my bathroom, I did not only paint the tile, but I also painted the tub. The tub was in such bad shape it was not really optional to leave it unpainted. Nonetheless, you may want to do the same.
If you do decide to paint the tub, then include that in the process of your prep work too.
Step 1: Clean All Tile
First, you will want to clean all of your tile and surfaces that you plan to paint. The best cleaner that I found out there for this type of cleaning is TSP.
With the TSP, you will want to also have a bucket and a scrub brush as well.
Using the cleaner and scrub brush you will want to scrub your heart out to ensure that all surfaces are clean and prepared for the paint to adhere properly.
Once you prepare 1/2 cup of TSP in 2 gallons of water, you will want to scrub all of your surfaces. Then, use a clean wet cloth to wipe all of your surfaces again.
TSP is particularly designed to clean in preparation for painting, so that is why it is necessary to use this over other types of regular bathroom cleaners.
Make sure that you allow all of your surfaces to dry before you start painting.
Step 2: Caulk Areas in Need
Since you are going to be painting, your bathroom may need to have a few things touched up in the caulking category.
Items to pay attention to would be around the tile where it either meets an edge, drywall, the tub, or the sink. So depending on how much tile you have, you may have a little bit of caulking work as well.
When I did my bathroom, I painted the tub as well, so I caulked around the tub and the fixtures. Additionally, I caulked around the towel holder as well.
Also, you can caulk cracked tiles too. Just make sure that you sand them once you finish caulking so that they keep that smooth surface for painting.
With this process, you will need caulk, a caulk gun, and a scraper.
The caulking I have below also has Microban, which prevents mold and bacteria buildup.
This Husky 15 in 1 Painter’s Tool is simply amazing. It can be used as a spreader, chisel scraper, paint can opener, bottle opener, nail puller, roller cleaner, and hammer end.
Again, you may not have any areas to caulk, but I wanted to make sure to include this in the prep process.
Step 3: Tape It Up
Since I was painting mostly all of the surface in my bathroom, I really didn’t need a lot of tape.
Nonetheless, be sure to tape around the windows, towel fixtures, sink, and light fixtures.
Painting Process – 3 Coats
With all painting, there are various techniques that should be applied. With painting tile, you will need to roll it out.
Also, you will need to have a paintbrush handy to ensure that there are not any drip marks on the tiles or between them.
For the actual painting, you will want to choose a roller cover that is 3/16 in size so that you have a smooth finish. I know this may not seem that important, but the size of the roller cover definitely makes a difference in the finished results.
You will need to grab two roller covers. You will need one for the primer and one for the topcoats.
Here’s a quick painting tip. In order to avoid washing out your roller cover between coats, cover your roller and paintbrush with a small garbage bag. Just put the bag around each item. Make sure to put it tightly around the roller/paintbrush to keep all air out of the bag.
Use the cover above with your roller. It is a little bit more expensive than a regular cover, but it is the right size for a better-looking finish for this particular project.
Also, you will need a good angled paintbrush to get in between the grout of the tile as well.
When you roll out the paint for each layer, roll it out, then go through the grout with a paintbrush for a clean professional finish.
Painting the grout will make your update look professionally done and it will give it a clean look.
The Tile Primer – 1 Coat
Now that you have prepped your area and prepared for the actual painting process to begin, you will need to do a primer coat first.
To update the bathroom tile without replacing it, it is vital to use a really good primer.
The Kilz Heavy-Duty High Hide Sealer and Stain Blocker Primer is going to be the best primer that you can select for this process.
Bathroom tile is going to need to be able to withstand moisture and water, so with that, you will need to make sure that you are selecting high-quality paints that will be able to sustain these conditions.
This primer is also great for mildew resistance and promotes adhesion which is perfect for painting a smooth surface like tile.
Also, make sure to wait 24 hours between coats to ensure that the paint is completely dry.
The Final 2 Coats
With paint that is going to have to stand the test of time and water, you will be very happy with the Behr Marquee line. I used Behr Cameo White One-Coat Hide Satin Enamel Interior Paint & Primer.
Of course, you can select any color for your bathroom. I just really like how the Cameo White ended up looking. Behr has several colors to select from that will suit your style.
The paint looks fabulous and is specifically designed for use in the bathroom.
Again, make sure to wait 24 hours between paint coats.
You do not need to paint two coats when using Behr Marquee; however, I highly recommend that you do just to ensure that your paint lasts.
Also, I would suggest waiting between 3-5 days before using your bathroom if you do decide to paint the tub.
The Total Tile Transformation is Done
You have now been able to successfully update bathroom tile without replacing it!
Just like a pro, you have updated your bathroom without spending a fortune.
Enjoy your newly renovated bathroom and please share your before and after photos in the comments.
& Remember
Start with the Bed,
Juliet
