Can You Paint Tile in a Shower? Steps for Painting Shower Tile

Shower tile is a water-resistant bathroom tile material that covers and protects the walls of a shower area. Common shower tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, and stone. DIY builders and homeowners prefer these materials because they are durable, cost-effective, and relatively easy to install.

Installers set shower tiles into a layer of thin grout. Then they seal the grout lines to prevent mildew and moisture damage to the shower walls and the bathroom floor.

It is possible to paint bathroom tiles, but there are several variables you should consider before choosing this shower remodel strategy. Variables such as the specific type of tile and the tile’s location will influence the choices you make and determine the success of your project.

Painted tile is a simple way to update a bathroom with contemporary trends. Choose materials that hold paint well since retiling your shower floor and bathroom wall tiles can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

Note these important considerations before you begin a shower tile paint job:

• Location and use: The farther the distance between your wall tiles and the shower, the longer you can expect a coat of paint to last. Bathroom floor tiles will encounter more moisture and endure more natural wear and tear (as a result of foot traffic) than your kitchen backsplash and countertops. While you can paint a tile floor, you might need to touch up your floor paint more frequently than you would with other surfaces.
• Type of paint: Epoxy paint, acrylic paint, and latex paint are generally appropriate options for shower tiles; however, you should research which is best suited for your specific tile material. Additionally, weigh your options in terms of both cost and quality to make a final selection. For instance, a two-part epoxy paint might be budget-friendly, but it will not bind to stone tiles as well as an acrylic or latex paint will.
• Type of tile: Paint colors and finishes will vary depending on different tile surfaces. Tile location can further alter a painted tile’s appearance due to different light exposure. Test this by painting a few sample pieces of the same ceramic tile. Use a paintbrush to cover one tile with a matte paint and another with a semigloss finish. Place these test tiles in your shower, then observe the differences as you change the lighting conditions. Use the same two paints on stone tile samples and place them beside the ceramic tile. You might notice how differences in a variable significantly alter the appearance of the final product.

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to paint shower tile:

1. 1. Sand the glaze. Most tiles will have some kind of glazing layer to protect the material. Sanding off this glazing takes time and patience. Carefully use fine-grit sandpaper and work slowly so as to not scuff the material underneath or damage the grout lines between tiles.
2. 2. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe off any dust or debris on the shower tile. Paint will bind more effectively to a clean, dry surface with minimal imperfections. Use a cleaner with bleach to rid the tiles of grime or mildew. If there are any damaged tiles, use a tub and tile refinishing kit to smooth any cracks or renew the surface of old tile.
   
3. 3. Prepare your work area. Cover the edges of all fixtures and appliances with painter’s tape. Open windows, place fans, or wear a ventilator to protect your lungs from the harmful paint fumes. Lay newspaper or butcher paper around your paint tray station to protect nearby floors from drips.
4. 4. Apply a water-bonded primer. This will prepare your tile surface to receive paint and will increase the durability of your paint against everyday wear and tear. Use a foam roller to save time on broad applications.
5. 5. Paint the walls before the shower floor. Since painted tile can take multiple days to cure, it is best practice to work from the top of the shower to the bottom to avoid difficult painting situations. Begin with the walls and save the floor for the end so you can avoid having to reach across or walk over freshly painted tile.
6. 6. Let the paint dry. Allow for at least two days of dry time before applying sealer or stenciling any designs. An adequate cure time will extend the lifetime of your paint finish. Take this time to caulk any seams or edges where the tile meets the drywall. If your first coat does not yield your intended color or finish, apply a second coat and let it cure for another forty-eight hours.
7. 7. Seal the tile. Finish the project with a sealant to improve its moisture resistance. If you painted the floor tile in addition to the walls, this surface might be slippery after a few coats of paint. Consider applying a nonslip formula on the floor to improve traction.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Corey Damen Jenkins and Kelly Wearstler. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.