Can I paint over old ceramic tile?

Question

I have an old '50's-style bathroom with GREEN ceramic tile bordered in black (ugh!) on the walls in the tub and vanity area, as well as small green mosaic-style tile on the floor. I hate it! I'd LOVE to paint the bathroom all white. The tiles are in pretty good condition. Is there any easy way to paint over them and not have the paint come off ? What kind of paint would I use?

Answer 1

Yes, you can paint over it. First you want to go to a Lowe's or Home Depot and find a primer that will adhere to a "glossy surface". At Lowe's, they used to carry a primer by American Tradition called "Glossy Surface Primer" in a quart can. If they do not carry that specifically anymore, they for sure carry something comparable. All primers that can go on a glossy surface will say so conspicuously on the front of the can. You will be able to find it in quarts and gallons. After you prime with the primer, you will be able to paint over it with any latex paint you like. Make sure you read the directions on the primer can, as you may have to sand the surface before you prime. Note that with in a bathroom, you may want to consider painting with a Semi-Gloss finish paint, as those resist moisture best and leave less of a chance for mildew and mold to sneak up on you. Best of luck!

Answer 2

based on what kind of tile you have, you'll need to prep it in some way first. shiny glazed ceramic tiles just won't hold most paints: it'll look great for a couple of days until it starts to get scratched off. you'll need to use a paint and a prep formula that will hold up to the moisture that is going to happen in the bathroom. go to the hardware store and talk to someone in the paint department about your options. you'll need to let them know what type of tile you have, and that it's a bathroom application.

if painting is not going to be an option, the hardware store will alternately be able to sell you sheets of vinyl laminate (it'll look just like regular plain white 2 or 3" square bathroom tile) that are usually nailed up over existing surfaces. they'll be able to coach you through that installation, too. good luck!

Answer 3

I painted over mine and the result was less than pleasing. However, there is hope. I have seen how adding a couple of rows of accent tiles OVER the existing tile can give new life!

Answer 4

I'm not sure what the brand name for the paint is, but you can buy tile paint from any good hardware store. I was offered some, when I bought some kichen cabinet paint for my moms nasty 70's plastic wood kitchen. I know its out there someplace

Answer 5

Don't do anything to the tile unless you own the house!
As a tile designer, I can tell you that painted tile is ugly.