Painting over old bathroom tiles?

Question

I've heard its possible to paint over old bathroom tiles using first a sort of 'primer' allowing you to paint over them. I've heard mixed feelings about this in terms of the paint starting to peel off.

Anyone ever used this or have any other tips for painting over old tiles?

Answer 1

you can buy tile paint no need to use a primer use a roller

Answer 2

I tried this on my kitchen tiles, with proper tile paint, and the result was adequate but not great - they still looked like painted tiles - have since re-tiled - much more satisfactory.

We tiled over our bathroom tiles, (saved hours of chipping off the old tiles), and they look fine - you wouldn't know there were two lots of tiles on the walls. If your tiles are still firm and not coming loose, there is no reason why you shouldn't tile over them - and I honestly think you would be disappointed with tile paint.

Answer 3

I painted our kitchen tiles a few years ago and stenciled a few tiles with a contrasting color for variation - the result was excellent (not just my opinion) This was before tile paint was available in my local shops. I used ESP first (this is a clear liquid which you can use to paint on for ANY surface), then about 4 coats of quick-drying acrylic matt white paint. I used a small sponge roller throughout - you get a lovely finish from this on any surface. Used the same method to paint our MDF kitchen doors - no one believes I did it myself!

Answer 4

I painted tiles in the kitchen once with proper tile paint, but it give a rubbish finish, the brush strokes show and look tacky and if there is any raised pattern on the tiles then this will show through too. I wouldn't recommend it unless anything new and wonderful has recently come on the market.

Answer 5

We used tile paint for our tiles in the kitchen and used a roller the result was good, we did not use a primer.

Answer 6

Yes, Tile primers are available in DIY stores, "International" make them.
It is imperative that the tiles are clean, grease-free and dry. First, clean well thoroughly with your favourite cleaner, mildly abrasive. Then wipe over with Methalated Spirit, this will shift any greasy residues. To ensure the tiles are dry, as you paint dry the tiles with a hair-dryer, then paint.

Answer 7

I have painted over kitchen tiles with tile paint but I wasnt happy with the finish, its better to re-tile if at all possible

Answer 8

You're going to run into a problem, Freddie.
There are primers that will allow paint to adhere to the tile surface but you can't get rid of the grout lines. I tried this exact same process. It looked like hell. The tile was installed over lathe and plaster. I ended up drywalling over the tile and refinishing the wall.
It saved a whole lot of time.

Good luck with your project.

Answer 9

I saw Debbie Travis do it the other day on Painted House.
She used a special tile paint. I don't know where she gets all the paint she does but she can find paint for everything. Try googling her website or "ask sherwin williams"

Answer 10

i have painted over tiles and i used swimming pool paint ..works well ..but it smells till it has gone off