UPDATE: Pics start at comment #8.

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No thoughts?

It was hard for me to see your pics. They aren't showing in the post, I had to navigate directly through photobucket. Photobucket is also really clunky with ads lately so it may be hard for others to view them as well.

Anyway, I think most people have bad things to say about painting tiles and tubs, especially when it comes to longevity. With that said, I can see it as a stopgap before more major renovations, especially if you have other things to tackle in your home. How long do you want this bath to look good for?

To me your bath doesn't look terrible except for the shower grout. I would suggest doing a grout deep clean or use grout colorant and see if that makes it feel more attractive to you.

I had a dwarf claw foot tub professionally refinished. It became obvious after a year that the refinish was just a glorified paint job. It did not hold up well. Even though I rarely used the tub, just the regular cleaning with Bon Ami left it peeling.

The tile doesn't look bad to me. Painting tile, IMO, is a horrible idea.

Can't see the pics on photo bucket. Download them to this site.

Hello Mommyjoy -

What strikes you about the current paint that it would need to be repainted? Is it the color, and why?

The reason I am thinking to paint the shower is because I like the black shower tile look, I have seen it many times here at Houzz. I am planning to use this product: http://www.bathtubrefinishingkit.net/Product/Tub,Tile,Sink-Refinishing-Kit-(BLACK)

And the same kit for the bathtub, just white. I'm not using one of those cheap home depot $25 kits where the tub will yellow from the epoxy in a year.

I do anticipate the job will not be that easy. By biggest concern is ventilation while working. I will scrub and get all the grime off the promote adherance of the paint, and to wait at least as long, follow directions completely, etc..

Honestly, I would not paint tile. Not only because it most likely will peel but also because it looks really weird unless you make sure that the grout stays completely unpainted. If you really want black tiles, I'd consider the tile stickers or tile decals.

Alternatively, I'd clean the tiles and grout really well and paint the walls black.

I would be painting the grout as well.

It should look like this.

Contemporary Bathroom · More Info

There are downsides to painting the tile, even if it comes out well initially and you don't use the super cheap rustoleum kit. One thing is you have to stay up on the cleaning - using it more frequently but not as abrasively. For example, I wouldn't be able to scrub the grout except for gently, maybe with a toothbrush. Also, this is not a very long term solution, maybe 3-5 years if taken care of. By then I will most likely be ready for something else anyway. To do the shower and tub together (black + white) costs less than $200 plus a weekend or so of my time, which I usually have very little of but I have plenty right now.

I am not trying to argue my way of you guy's good logic, but providing more information just in case some comments were directed at cheaper products / perception of long term use (10-15 years). Also, I know a lot of you are professionals or otherwise experienced in these areas so I am still seeking and valuing your input.

Separate from the issue of painting or not, black tile would be a nightmare to keep clean, I would think. Every speck of dust, hair and hair product, etc, would settle on the counter and show, plus soap scum, water spots would make the shower difficult to keep sparkling, maybe even decent looking.

I've mostly owned black cars and have put up with dirt for a short while before washing again. I know that would drive lots of people nuts.

I guess black is more a showroom color, whether its cars, kitchens or bathrooms....

Hey, thanks for putting the pictures on here. When I seen the pics on the other website the paint looked green which I don't think goes with the look it sounds like you want. Now I can see it's grey and that makes more sense.

If you are up for the maintenance of the painted tiles and tub and there are no others who would be hard on it I say go for it. Sounds like you have done some research on the life span of this option and the care it will need.

If the tiles on the counter are the same white as the sink I would leave them that way they look like they are in good shape and black painted counter would be even worse to keep clean than the shower. I would think about painting the vanity itself black though.

I say painting tiles: it be "ghetto".

geoffrey b, If it doesn't come out the way I envision, I will agree with you.

Glad you like my humor.

Yeah, quick story: Five years ago I had a guy come to install a new shower head for me. He recommended that I paint both the shower and tub. I thought he was insane. Look at me now.

mommyjoy,

You're welcome. Are you suggesting I paint the cabinets black? Flat or gloss? I suppose gloss to match the shower wall?

Update: project is going well so far. Starting to prep and replace tiles as necessary. Will provide updates.