Pros and Cons of Painting Tile: Here’s What to Know
If your bathroom or kitchen tile looks outdated or dingy, painting it is an economical refresh option. Painting over tiles you already have is less work than ripping them out and installing new tiles.
The question is, can you paint tile? If yes, how much work is involved? Before you try, here’s everything you need to know about the pros and cons of painting tile.
Can You Paint Tile?
The short answer is yes, you can paint tile. If the tile in your home desperately needs an update, painting it is also economical.
However, there are several factors to consider before picking out a color and popping open that paint can. The top among them is longevity. If the tile you want to paint is in a high-traffic area (like a floor) or a high-moisture area with a lot of exposure to water (like a bathroom), paint can peel and blister.
Now, let’s take a look at painting tile pros and cons.
Pros of Painting Tile
Painting tile has a few advantages.
- It’s inexpensive. Buying a few gallons of paint, primer and other prep materials remains a low-cost home update.
- You can put your own “stamp” on your space. Maybe you want to stencil on your own design or create a custom pattern. Doing it yourself allows you to add a personal touch to a space.
Cons of Painting Tile
Unfortunately, painting tile also has several disadvantages.
- There’s a lot of prep work. You must thoroughly clean and dry the existing tile before you start painting. Any dirt, grease, stains, mildew or other residue can cause the paint to adhere incorrectly. You must also repair any cracks, chips, or damage with a paintable two-way epoxy filler. Before applying paint, you need to sand and prime the tiles. They should dry completely before applying sealant and resuming your daily routine around freshly painted tiles.
- Paint doesn’t last forever. Painting tiles is a temporary refresh. Eventually, the paint will chip, peel, and bubble—especially in high-moisture or high-traffic spaces. This means tub and shower walls, bathroom and kitchen countertops, and sink spaces are not ideal for tile painting.
- Tiles require special paint. Ordinary wall paint and water-based paint do not adhere to tile. Epoxy paint works best for moisture-heavy areas with ceramic, porcelain and unglazed quarry tile. Natural stone tiles require acrylic latex paint that’s rated for stucco or interior masonry. Some kinds of paint can also make a floor slippery.
- Painting tile covers grout lines. Applying paint covers existing grout lines. Look for online examples to ensure you are comfortable with the result before starting the project.
- Your space will be tied up for a while. Prep work, priming, painting, sealing and drying will take several days or longer. Your project space will be tied up until you finish the job. Plan how to function without a bathroom or a kitchen for a while—depending on where you are painting.
Consider Riad Tile for Your Renovation
Replacing your old tile gives you a beautiful update you can enjoy for a long time. Riad Tile offers the highest quality cement tile, Zellige tile, marble tile, and Terrazzo tile at the lowest prices in the country. Our wide variety of handmade tile colors, patterns, shapes and sizes suit many styles and needs.
For example, are you looking for something durable yet decorative for an entryway or mudroom? Riad’s hand-crafted cement tiles marry ruggedness with eye-catching appeal.
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This stunning patio transformation by @schlitt_flips features our Luna Putty cement tile.
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Is your dull shower wall begging to shine? Our Sunny Days ceramic tile brightens up so many spaces.
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If you dream of marble opulence, these luxurious bathroom transformations from @jessicakoltunhome feature Riad’s Casablanca Carrara marble tile in different shapes, patterns and sizes.
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If you can’t find the exact color, pattern, and texture you want, Riad also creates custom tiles, such as in the example above.
These are just a few of a myriad of options. Riad Tile is here to help bring your design ideas to life. Browse our tile inventory online and contact us at 972-914-9600 or hello@riadtile.com to order samples, check stock or ask questions. We can’t wait to see what you do!
