Published on December 21st, 2022

Last updated on February 3rd, 2023

Can You Paint Tile In A Shower? Yes, And Here’s How!

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
painting shower tile

So, you can paint tile in a shower. At first glance, it can be very expensive and diligent work. But what about when you want a new design with accompanying upgrades? Start by choosing ceramic tile. With this, you can periodically update the bathroom interior. The best way is to use painting kits for ceramics. That’s detergents, protective varnish, and decorative finishing shower elements.

To paint ceramic tiles, prepare the work area carefully. Perform cleaning with special agents from dirt and dust. After the preparatory work, apply a thin primer coat to the tiles. It’s necessary to seal cracks. Increase the adhesive properties of the material! Painting tiles in the bathroom – a simple and inexpensive way to update the interior. But the painting of tiles in the bathroom is not decided by everyone. Mainly due to a lack of theoretical knowledge.

Preparation for Painting a Tile

We present a review of painting bathroom wall tile to simplify your work. Bathroom paint should not lose its appearance when exposed to steam, water droplets/condensation. And the coating doesn’t crack a little later. Flooring in the bathroom must be able to withstand not only water ingress.

An economy in the repair can affect the quality and stability of the painted coating. Note this:

Oil paintCheap product.Oil-based formulations are distinguished from others by the presence of a pungent odor. Working with them, especially in an unventilated space, is quite hard. But once dry, there is no smell in your bathroom, and the surface is a strong film that will remain unchanged for many years.
Latex paintA pure polymer of increased plasticity.Paints containing rubber additives have the same characteristics. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and hides cracks and defects. True, mold and fungus can form on the surface. Another disadvantage is low resistance to light. Therefore, if the room has a window, it is better to choose a non-burning epoxy enamel for painting over the bathroom.
Epoxy paint. The most durable and long-lasting option.The epoxy compound has resin properties and is easy to use.

How do I paint tiles by myself?

gloves with brush

When you choose the correct enamel for the price and quality, paint over the bathroom! But before you start, you need to prepare everything you need. Use these:

  • Hide furniture and plumbing with protective film.
  • Painting tape to protect the joints with the ceiling, floor, and countertops.
  • Grout to prepare the seams for painting.
  • Acrylic/other primers.

Use protective gloves/respirators with strong-smelling compounds and solvents to quickly remove the paint if you hastily smudge the room.

Step-by-Step Guide on Painting Shower Tile

woman clean tile in the bathroom

Preparing a ceramic tile will depend on the beauty of the application, the life of the paint/other chief characteristics.

The preparatory stage for painting over the bathroom includes:

  • Cleaning. Simply washing with a damp rag is not enough. Remove dirt, mold, and dust. Use major compositions (gels or powders for bathrooms).
  • Protection. Tape all joints that need to be secured – to the ceiling, floor, walls, plumbing, and furniture – with painter’s tape.
  • Degreasing. Common solvents/industrial alcohol is excellent for this purpose.
  • Priming. A final stage. Use a roller or brush to distribute over the entire surface.

It’s time to apply the paint! There are also certain tricks in this uncomplicated matter:

  • Choose your tool! Brushes often leave traces and are almost impossible to use to get an even finish. Not everybody knows how to use the airbrush. Therefore, the best option would be a roller with a small brush for corners and hard-to-reach surfaces. Note: all goods are different! Choose what you want to.
  • Take into account the humidity and temperature. Usually, the packaging indicates the conditions in which it is best to work.
  • Start with the corners and joints. With a small brush, paint all corners and hard-to-reach places with a roll of the area. Use a roller.

First, choose the top corner. Always start painting over the bathroom from the top. Then, gradually descend to the lowest point. Allow the surface to dry. Apply at least two coats to complete the drying. For the final step, apply a protective varnish (if used) and remove the masking tape.

Summary

Painting shower tile in the bathroom is a practical and affordable way to update your interior design. Owners will not be required to spend much money/personal experience in wielding a brush. Your success depends on a well-prepared surface and the choice of dye.

Tiled walls need to be prepared and possibly restored. They are thoroughly cleaned (and glossy tiles even sanded) and degreased. Then painting with a roller and brush will start. Fix the results with several varnish layers.

There are a lot of ways to update the interior of the bathroom. Do not limit your imagination! Use readily available materials, and create your unique design without spending much more than money.

FAQ

Can You Paint Tile in a Shower?

The good news is that yes. You can paint the tiles in your bathroom. But variables such as the specific type of tile and the layout of the tiles will influence your choice. It will determine the success of your project.

How can I update the bathroom tile without replacing it?

Change the design of your bathroom. Or you can apply a pattern with the replacement of damaged sectors. You may also need to cover the tiles with another material.

What kind of paint do you use for bathroom tile?

Choose an oil-based tile paint. After staining your tiles, you’ll get a durable, burn-resistant film on the surface.

How long does painted tile last in the bathroom?

Most painted tiles should last for many years if the surface is prepared, good paint is used, and it’s sealed. It lasts about 5-7 years.