Painting Bathroom Tile - Time Intensive but Definitely Possible
In painting circles there has been a big debate about whether or not painting bathroom tile is a smart move or even possible. The answer is that, yes, it is possible and no, you do not necessarily have to hire a professional to refinish your tile, especially if your budget only lends itself to do-it-yourself projects.
The key to painting bathroom tile with success is that you must prep the area carefully as well as choose the right primer and paint. The materials you will need for this paint job besides the primer and paint are sandpaper (preferably 220 grit), grout and tile cleaner, a vacuum, lint free dust cloths, soft brushes, paint brushes or favored applicator, abrasive pads without steel wool and sponges. In terms of protective gear, you will need rubber gloves, goggles, drop cloths and old clothes for painting bathroom tile.
Prepping the Area
Painting bathroom tile requires preparing the area for the priming and painting by cleaning the grout and tile and removing the grime, soap scum and mildew. Be sure to use a commercial grade tile cleaner as it is best at dissolving the grease and grime that tends to accumulate on tile over the years. A mildew cleaner is needed to kill the fungus that causes it as well as remove the stains left behind.
You will want to wear the gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the cleaners and use the abrasive pads to do the scrubbing. Rinse the tile thoroughly and allow drying. If you have to repair grout first, give it at least several days to cure and dry before painting bathroom tile.
Sand the tile as primer and paint will not adhere to a smooth tile surface and wear the goggles and dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the dust particles. Use a vacuum once you are completed to suck up all the major dust caused from the sanding and then using a lint free damp cloth, wipe down the tile.
Priming and Painting
Apply a two-part epoxy primer before painting bathroom tile as you require the extra bonding necessary in this high humid area (think steamy showers). Follow the instructions on the packaging precisely to ensure that the primer will cure properly. Use a paint in a favored color that is strictly for bathrooms as is has properties to protect against mold growth.
Once the paint has dried, apply waterproof polyurethane like the sealer used on marine vessels, using a sponge brush if possible for a smoother finish than brushes Painting bathroom tile in this sealer will protect your "new" tile facelift for years to come, but be sure you allow your tiles to totally cure for about a week before using your shower area. (Take note - you can let your creativity run wild when painting bathroom tile by employing some techniques like ragging or sponging paint variations or even drawing pictures on the tiles with paint.)
