Can you paint tile? Transform your space with these simple steps

Replacing the tile in your home is a great way to refresh your space and boost your home's resale value. However, it’s also expensive, time-consuming, and disrupts your daily routine.

This leaves many thinking, “Can you paint tile instead?” Keep reading to learn which tiles can be painted, how to do it properly, and how to make the finish last.

What types of tiles can be painted?

Homeowners are frequently looking for answers to these common questions:

• Can you paint bathroom tiles?
• Can you paint shower tiles?
• Can you paint floor tiles?
• Can you paint ceiling tiles?

The answer is yes; you can paint almost every tiled surface in your home. 

Ceramic, terracotta, concrete, stone, and unglazed quarry tiles are easily paintable because of their texture and porosity, which help the paint stick to the surface. Terracotta tiles are naturally very porous, which means they absorb paint readily, making them one of the easiest tiles to work with as long as you give a protective topcoat. 

Likewise, concrete and natural stone tiles like slate, limestone, and travertine have a rough texture and absorbent surface, making them ideal for paints, stains, and epoxies. However, they need to be sealed afterward to prevent moisture damage. Ceramic tiles need their glossy finish sanded off to create a surface on which paint and primer can bond. 

In contrast, non-porous tiles like glass, high-gloss porcelain, and glazed quarry tiles don’t hold paint well unless they're specially treated with etching, sanding, or bonding primers.

How to prepare tiles for painting

Tiles collect layers of grease, dust, soap scum, and grime, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you don’t remove this buildup first, the paint won’t stick properly and may start to peel or chip over time. Here’s how to prepare your tiles for painting.

• Sand the tile surface: Use a medium-grit sandpaper in the 100 to 220-grit range to sand the tile. This creates a rough surface that paint and primer can stick to, especially for glossy tiles like ceramic or porcelain.
• Repair damage (if any): Check for cracks, chips, or missing grout and fix them before painting. Use tile filler or caulk to patch small chips and cracks and fill larger defects with spackle. Smooth it with a putty knife and let everything dry completely before continuing.
• Clean the tile thoroughly and let it dry. Next, clean the tile with warm water and a strong tile-safe cleaner like TSP or a vinegar-based solution. This removes oils, grime, residue, and dust that can interfere with the paint. If the tile is dirty, scrub it with a brush and be particular about the grout lines. Then, rinse with clean water and wait for it to dry completely, as the paint won’t adhere well to the damp surface.
• Protect surrounding surfaces: Use painter’s tape and plastic drop cloths to cover anything you don’t want painted, such as walls, countertops, floors, appliances, or trim. This keeps edges clean and prevents accidental splatters.

What type of paint is best for tile?

Different types of tile have unique porosity, surface texture, and absorbency, which is why different paints or approaches are needed for each. For instance, ceramic and porcelain tiles are usually glazed, meaning they have a hard, shiny, non-porous surface that resists water and stains. That’s why they require paints specially formulated for slick surfaces, like tile, epoxy, or alkyd urethane paints. 

On the other hand, natural stone tiles are more textured and porous, so they absorb paint more easily. These surfaces need paints that penetrate and bond without being too thick or glossy. Alkyd urethane or mineral-based paints work well, especially when sealed afterward, to protect the finish from moisture and stains.

Step-by-step guide to painting tile

Once your tile is cleaned, sanded, and prepped, you can start painting. Here’s how to do it right.

• Apply the correct bonding primer: For glazed tiles, apply high-adhesion bonding primer designed specifically for glossy surfaces. These primers create a grippy base that allows the paint to bond rather than sit loosely on top of the tile. If you're painting porous or textured tiles like natural stone or unglazed quarry tile, use a masonry or all-surface primer to penetrate the surface and create an even foundation for paint. Let it dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
• Paint the tiles: As explained in the previous section, choose the paint suited to your tile type. Next, use a high-density foam roller to apply thin, even coats of paint on the flat tile surface. Apply two to three coats for full, uniform coverage, and let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. Use a small angled brush for detail work, edges, corners, or grout lines.
• Apply a sealer: After the final coat of paint is dry, apply thin, even coats of a sealer using a clean foam roller or brush. The sealer adds a protective top layer that resists moisture, scuffs, and everyday wear.

Even though everything may feel dry to the touch within a few hours, painted tiles need time to cure so that the finish bonds properly and lasts without prematurely peeling, cracking, or wearing down. Avoid using, scrubbing, or placing heavy items on the painted tile for at least 5 to 7 days.

Special considerations for high-moisture areas

High moisture levels in kitchens or bathrooms can cause regular tile paint to peel, bubble, or fade more quickly. However, durable paints like epoxy or alkyd urethane form a tough, water-resistant coating that also resists wear and tear.

In addition, using a high-quality waterproof sealer after painting protects the painted surface. The sealer acts as an extra layer of defense against moisture, helping to prevent water from seeping through the paint and causing damage, discoloration, and mold.

How long does tile paint last?

On average, paint for tile can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the area’s usage, moisture exposure, the type of paint, and whether you used a sealant. High-traffic areas like kitchen floors or shower walls will see wear and tear much faster than a backsplash or a bathroom wall.

To prolong the durability of your tile paint, here are a few essential tips:

• Use a high-quality paint and a bonding primer suited for your tile type.
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent excess moisture buildup.
• Always apply a clear sealer after painting, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.
• When cleaning painted tiles, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Instead, use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners and soft clothes.
• Reapply touch-ups as soon as small chips or scratches appear to prevent extensive damage and keep the painted surface looking fresh.

Is it better to paint over tile or replace it?

There is no clear-cut answer to whether you should paint over your tiles or replace them, as the decision is primarily based on your budget, the condition of the existing tile, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Painting tiles is a more cost-effective solution than replacing them. It’s a great way to refresh your space without breaking the bank. The process involves minimal disruption, as there’s no need for demolition, allowing you to upgrade your space without the mess and inconvenience of a major renovation. Additionally, it’s quick and easy compared to the time and effort involved in a complete tile replacement. Painting on tile also gives you flexibility, enabling you to change the color and design of your tiles without committing to the permanence of new ones.

However, there are some downsides when you paint tiles. New tiles can withstand high moisture and high-traffic environments for decades without losing appeal or durability, while painting lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. 

Hence, painting is a temporary fix. It’s suitable when you need a budget-friendly, quick fix for low to moderate-traffic areas. It’s also a good choice if you plan to move soon. However, replacement is necessary if you want a durable and permanent solution, especially for high-traffic areas, as it can also add resale value to your home. Replacement is also essential if your tiles are severely damaged.

Can you paint over tile?

If you’re planning a DIY paint job, ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans. Paints, especially epoxy or urethane-based paints, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which release harmful fumes. 

Additionally, don’t rush through the painting process. Apply thin coats of paint and allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Remember to use a high-quality sealer once the paint has dried to protect your painted tiles from moisture, stains, and wear.