Is there a way to paint old ceramic bathroom tile?

Question

the house is 80 years old. It has origanal tile but is really ugly. The tile is in great shap. Is thereany way we can avoid taking it out and painting over it.

Answer 1

With no offense to you or any other answers you get, "DON'T!"

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, applying thousands of gallons of paint, and being a clay sculptor firing the work, I suggest it's like trying to paint GLASS. Not only that but it's a FLOOR.

Since you don't strictly define "ugly" and obviously have another theme in mind, removal is one way to proceed. In an 80 year old house I personally would want to know the substrate anyway.

Also without detail of what level the bath is on, I can't know the substrate possibilities.

Certainly you can add another sub floor, vene over the existing tile, and start over. I wouldn't, but it's an option.
Another option, especially if the floor is stable, might be a room size carpet, even if only to hide the tile?

I promise you, no matter waht anyone says here, and with no offense to them, you'll regret painting tile.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

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

Yes, start by preping the tile, washing etc. Then apply oil base KILZ. It has a strong odor so ventilate. Let dry completely. Follow with the proper paint for high moisture areas in yor favorite color. sheen or faux finish. I did my old kitchen tile this way.

Answer 5

It can be re-surfaced, just like bath tubs are re-glazed, it is done by the same people. with special spray equipment.
To paint it on your own ( with a brush ) will look cheap/ugly.

Get a few quotes, no charge for a quote from the many company's that do this type of work.

Answer 6

Look in the yellow pages and find someone who does reglazing. They can even do your tub and sink as well!