Can you paint a tub or shower that has ceramic tile?

Question

If so, how long will it take and what will i need to use? Have you ever seen ceramin tile in a shower painted? Whould you do it? What steps do i need to take to get the job done?

Answer 1

In the past I have painted ceramic tile for customers. I have never had anyone satisfied with the appearance after tile has been painted. Painted tile looks like painted tile not pleasing to the eye. They either removed the paint or re-tiled or had fiberglass tub surrounds installed. After the three I refused to do anymore.

The proper paint applied properly will adhere quite well so that was not the problem.

Answer 2

They say it is possible,but I would be very sceptical. First paint doesn't stick to well to a slick surface, and being around that much moisture, I wouldn't think so. But this is what it says in a very old how to painters book year 1930's-40's. It was my Grandfathers bible. So long as the ceramic tiled wall is sound,you can paint it with a special purpose primer and compatible gloss paint. Wash the surface thoroughly with a warm water and detergent solution,then apply the primer with a synthetic brush. Let it harden in a steam free environment for a full 16 hours, then use a natural bristle brush to apply the oil based gloss paint. Weird huh? You wouldn't think you could, but my Grandfather got paid the Big Bucks,as he was the top of the line fashion designer for homes in those days. Hope this helped. Byee I'd also like to say that James M has a very accurate answer to the question, and who is the idiot that is giving knowlageable answers a thumbs down? Idiot's!!!!

Answer 3

First, wash the surface to with a 50/50 solution of household ammonia and water to remove soap films from bathroom surfaces or grease from kitchen walls. I also recommend you wash with a mild acid solution which is used to clean ceramic tile of excessive grout. This can be found in the tile section of most home centers,Ace hardware and tile distributors.Rinse well with plain water, and let the surface dry thoroughly.
Next, prime it with a high-quality adhesion-promoting primer like Zinsser's latex-based Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer. Bulls Eye 1-2-3 adheres great to ceramic tile, glass, and other hard-to-stick-to materials. The primer provides an "anchor" for the topcoat so it can't be rubbed, chipped or scraped off easily.
If the area is going to be subjected to a lot of water such as the tile in the tub area, use BIN an alcohol base primer for maximum durability.
Follow the primer with one or two coats of a high-quality finish paint. In moisture-prone areas alkyd (oil base)finishes are preferred, as they provide a harder finish than water-base paints and are more washable and durable. There are also several epoxy coatings that are excellent for durability, check with your local paint store for availability.
If you want to paint the grout a contrasting color, you can go back over it with an artist's brush.

Your finished project will be fully cured in appx 2-3 weeks and you should avoid harsh abrasive cleaning agents, soft scrub is a good general cleaner for painted surfaces.

Zinsser's Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer can be found paint stores, hardware stores, and home centers across the country. Make sure the room is well ventilated. It's actually a tedious project. Good luck.

Answer 4

I'll answer the "Would You" first...NO!

After applying thousands of gallons of paint, and installing thousands of sq.ft. of tile, and having remodeled more bathrooms than anything else, NEVER the same substances together.

No offense to others who answer; CAN I? is always a question I answer with CERTAINLY.

I often add. "You may not be satisfied"

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Steven Wolf

Answer 5

Yes but you have to buy special epoxy paint.. Available at hardware stores.. Same as painting anything else.. Make sure your tiles are very clean...

Answer 6

Yes, I have seen it on TV...
It is a special paint with special preparation.
I believe it is an Epoxy.....
You can do it yourself, but becareful
Follow the directions...
Good luck