If you want to refresh your kitchen or bathroom, but retiling is too expensive, too messy or too time-consuming, learning how to paint tiles like a professional is a brilliant solution.
When done carefully, it can produce some impressively stylish transformations without the hefty price tag. You can choose to paint all your tiles in one colour, use stencils, create an ombre effect or even paint a mural!
Which tiles can you paint?
The majority of tiles can be painted, but there are some that can’t. For example, it’s not recommended to paint tiles that will be exposed to running water on a regular basis.
The high levels of moisture in showers or directly above baths mean these aren’t the best environments for repainted tiles. However, if you’re simply trying to refresh an old splashback, then repainting is perfect.
Follow our guide to painting tiles and give your home the love and attention it truly deserves!
How to paint tiles
Step 1: Prep the tiles
Before you bring a paintbrush anywhere near your tiles, you'll need to give them a thorough clean. Paint sticks much better to squeaky clean surfaces so this is crucial.
Slightly roughened surfaces also provide a much better surface for painting, so go over the tiles lightly with sandpaper before you start.
Step 2: Create a good base
Using the right primer is key when it comes to the success of your paintwork. It’s quick drying and sticks to even the trickiest of surfaces to create a base for both gloss and satin finishes.
Step 3: Add a pop of colour to the walls
Here’s the fun bit – repainting your tiles in the colour of your choice!
Top tip: Use masking tape to protect the surfaces next to your tiles – or the newly painted tiles themselves if you decide to re-grout.
Go for an all-over shade for a clean and crisp look, or try out some creative effects. We've shared some of our favourites below!
Transform tired tiles with these amazing ideas
Once you're confident with your tile painting, why not try out some of these amazing tile transformations? We've rounded up some of our favourites!
Use a stencil
You can create wonderfully realistic effects with a stencil! This one from Etsy will help you create a Mediterranean vibe, but there's a huge amount of choice out there!
Paint geometric shapes
If you're starting with plain white tiles, you can produce the look of artisanal tiles with cool paint effects like this from Collective Gen. Follow her tutorial for all the tips and tricks.
Try an ombre effect with your tiles
This idea is so simple yet so effective! Graduated shades of coral look so pretty in this shower cubicle. Find the tutorial courtesy of House Mix Blog.
Paint your tiles with a mural
Another beautiful idea from House Mix Blog on Pinterest, if you're artistic and handy with a small paintbrush, then you can have a go at painting your tiles with a mural.
Updating your kitchen or bathroom is a breeze when you know how to paint tiles
The wrong tiles can seriously ruin the whole look of a room. Replacing them is costly, messy and time-consuming. But you can paint them a myriad of colours and with a range of patterns, either with a stencil or freehand.
Carry on the spring cleaning by refreshing your kitchen worktops
Once you've seen how incredible your kitchen or bathroom can look with a splash of tile paint, why not upgrade your worktops? You'll be amazed how easy and cost-effective it can be to change up the aesthetic.
Take a look at our feature on 5 DIY countertops to give your kitchen worktops a refresh and feel inspired to try something new with Gathered!
