How to Paint Tiles: Step-by-Step Guide for a Lasting Makeover

Painting floor tiles is an affordable and creative way to transform your kitchen, bathroom, or floors without the need for costly renovations. Whether you're looking to refresh tired ceramic tiles or give your floor tiles a fresh new look, knowing how to paint tiles correctly will help you achieve a professional and durable finish. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from essential tools and materials to detailed step-by-step instructions and maintenance tips for a long-lasting result.

Can You Paint Tiles? What You Need to Know About Painting Floor and Wall Tiles

If you're wondering can you paint tiles, the answer is yes — but the approach depends on whether you're working with wall tiles or floor tiles. Although both surfaces are smooth and non-porous, floor tiles require stronger coatings and higher abrasion resistance, while wall tiles mainly need good adhesion and moisture protection.
Successful tile painting therefore relies on choosing the right products for each surface type: wall tiles generally allow for standard tile primers and durable topcoats, whereas floor tiles demand heavy-duty systems designed to withstand foot traffic.

Regardless of the area you’re working on, proper preparation is essential — from thorough cleaning and light sanding to applying a bonding primer made specifically for tiles.

What can you paint?

• Bathroom walls and shower tiles
  
• Kitchen backsplashes and countertops
  
• Floor tiles in low to medium traffic areas
  
• Tiles in wet areas when using moisture-resistant products
  

Important considerations:

• Always use primers and sealers formulated for tiles to enhance adhesion and durability.
  
• Painted tiles in bathrooms and kitchens need special coatings to resist moisture and wear.
  
• You can paint tiles with a sprayer, brush, or roller—each method has its pros and cons depending on the project size and your experience.
  

Understanding these factors helps ensure your tile painting project is a success.

Tools & Materials Needed for Painting Tiles

Before you begin, gather the appropriate tools and materials to simplify the process and improve your results.

Brushes and Rollers

To apply paint evenly and smoothly:

• Use high-quality synthetic brushes for edges and detailed areas. Our professional Brush Sets are specially designed for slick surfaces like tiles.
  
• Shed-resistant rollers help apply paint evenly on flat tile surfaces without leaving texture marks.
  
• For larger surfaces, painting with a sprayer is the fastest way, but it requires practice to avoid runs and ensure an even coat.
  

Masking Tape and Protective Gloves

Protection and precision are key:

• Protect adjacent surfaces and grout with high-quality Masking Tape to achieve neat edges and avoid accidental splashes.
  
• Use Protective Gloves to shield your hands from chemicals and maintain grip.
  

Primers

• A tile-specific bonding primer is essential for helping paint adhere properly to the smooth, non-porous surface.
  
• Some projects may benefit from an additional protective topcoat, but this is optional and depends on the type of paint used and the level of wear the surface will experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Tiles Like a Pro

Follow these detailed steps to achieve a flawless tile makeover.

Step 1 – Clean and Prepare the Tile Surface

Start with thorough cleaning:

• Remove grease, soap scum, mildew, and dirt using a strong degreaser or tile cleaner.
  
• Scrub with a sponge or stiff brush to ensure all residues are eliminated.
  
• Rinse tiles well with clean water and allow them to dry completely—this is essential for good paint adhesion.
  

Neglecting this step increases the risk of peeling and flaking later on.

Step 2 – Sand the Tiles for Better Adhesion

Tiles typically have a glossy finish, so sanding is necessary to roughen the surface:

• Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to lightly sand each tile.
  
• This creates microscopic grooves that help primer and paint bond better.
  
• Remove all sanding dust by wiping the tiles with a damp cloth or vacuuming.
  

Proper sanding reduces the likelihood of paint failure and ensures a smooth finish.

Step 3 – Apply Primer or Sealer

Next, apply a high-quality primer designed for non-porous surfaces:

• Use a brush or roller for even coverage.
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s drying time, usually between 2 to 4 hours.
  
• Priming seals the surface and improves paint adhesion, which extends durability.
  

Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes in tile painting.

Step 4 – Painting Tiles (Brush, Roller, or Sprayer)

Choose the method that fits your project scope and skills:

• With a brush: Ideal for edges, corners, and smaller areas requiring precision.
  
• With a roller: Suitable for large flat surfaces; foam rollers produce smooth finishes.
  
• With a sprayer: The quickest way to cover large tiled walls or floors, though it requires experience to avoid drips and uneven paint.
  

Apply thin, even coats and allow adequate drying time between layers. Two coats are typically sufficient for full coverage.

Step 5 – Let Paint Dry and Apply a Second Coat

Don’t rush drying times:

• Allow the first coat to dry completely—usually 4 to 6 hours depending on conditions.
  
• The second coat improves color depth, durability, and finish quality.
  

Rushing this step can cause bubbles, uneven coverage, or peeling. 

Best Practices for Painting Tiles in Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Kitchens)

Painting tiles in wet areas requires extra attention:

• Use moisture-resistant paints and sealers suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
  
• Ensure good ventilation during and after painting to speed up drying and prevent mold.
  
• Avoid painting grout lines directly; they naturally expand and contract.
  
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer for better flexibility and durability.
  
• Schedule regular inspections and touch-ups to maintain appearance and protection.
  
• Use shed-resistant roller sleeves to avoid loose fibres ending up in the finish, especially in damp rooms where every surface imperfection becomes more visible.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Tiles

Avoid these to get a flawless finish:

• Neglecting thorough cleaning and sanding.
  
• Applying thick or uneven coats of paint.
  
• Using incorrect primers or paints not formulated for tile surfaces.
  
• Painting in humid or damp environments.
  
• Ignoring recommended drying and curing times.
  

How to Maintain Painted Tiles for a Long-Lasting Result

To keep your painted tiles looking fresh:

• Clean gently with non-abrasive, mild cleaners.
  
• Avoid harsh scrubbing tools that can damage the paint.
  
• Reapply sealer annually in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.
  
• Address chips or scratches promptly with touch-up paint.
  

Painting tiles is an excellent way to create a stunning transformation with minimal cost and disruption. Using quality materials and tools from the Paintlab homepage will help you achieve professional results. Start your project with premium Brush Sets, protect your work area using Masking Tape and Protective Gloves, and secure your finish with durable protection from Sealers and Stabilisers.