Paint tile or leave it how it is?

5 years ago

Has anyone ever painted their existing tile? How long did it last and how difficult was it? We just purchased a home and we are contemplating painting our bathroom tile before we move in. First picture is the current state of our bathroom (just pulled it from the MLS listing since Close of Escrow isn’t for a month). Second picture is my inspiration picture. We would be painting the cabinets, getting new decorative mirrors, new light fixtures and faucets. Just unsure if we leave the tile how it is or paint it ♀️ also open to peel and stick floor tiles (which is actually where I found my inspiration photo).
Any input would be greatly appreciated given that this is our first home.
Thank you!

Featured Answer

ilikefriday

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I painted and stenciled my tile about 4 years ago. It still looks like it did the day I painted it. The process was simple.

I roll a solid coat of paint on the floor. I didnt use any special paint. Nor did I use primer. Just Behr wall paint that I had on hand.

After the paint dried, I applied my stencil.

I did a section of stencil and then apply polyurethane on that section. Then moved on to the next section. In all. I applied several layers of polyurethane on the floor, at least 5 layers.

I really doubt that most people who see my floor in person realize that it is painted.

How long the process takes really depends on the stencil and how detailed you want to be with it. It took me forever to do my stencil but I was very picky. After I painted the stencil I went back and applied more color by hand.

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Comments (10)

Libby Estell
5 years ago
If it were me, I'd leave the floor tile as is and just add a patterned rug. Save your painting mojo for the vanity and add some hardware while you're at it. Congrats on your first home!
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Yes...people here have painted the floor tile. But none of your existing is white, so why are you painting the vanity white? I mean, the floor goes with what's there now...it's not amazing, true, but it's not horrible, either.

Congrats on your new home!
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tartanmeup
5 years ago
I'd live with it for a while before painting anything. You might find your energy better spent elsewhere in the room (or house). For example, you might want to remove the shower doors (those metal frames can be a pain to clean). Or you might find the lighting inadequate and want wall sconces rather than above the mirror vanity lights (perhaps not since you have natural light on that wall).

Your inspiration pic is fab but the existing bathroom colour palette is harmonious as is. Might not be your favourite but it still works. Where you planning on trying a black and white palette? Would be difficult without changing the countertop and shower surround. If you were thinking of other colours, that might be easier. Still, I'd live with it for while before deciding on a direction. Seems there's always something to do in a house and while it's nice to be able to do the work before moving in, sometimes it's better to live in it to better prioritize changes.

That said, painting tile is doable and could "easily" be done once you're living in the house. Congrats on the house!
ci_lantro
5 years ago
You can easily find an area rug that looks very much like the floor in your inspiration pix. That's what I would do.

Is that really ceramic tile on the floor now? If so, peel and stick tile won't work because the floor is not flat (grout lines.) Some rigid vinyl plank flooring could be laid over the tile, I think.

I would change the Hollywood light fixtures but would not change faucets. Nor paint the vanity. I would put some pulls on the vanity to dress it up. For now. Because I would want to do a more extensive makeover in the not too distant future. As in replacing the vanity, eliminating one sink, revamping the medicine cabinets and adding storage space for towels, etc.
User
5 years ago
I think the bathroom just needs few cosmetic updates.

Everything is where it fits best, from what I can see..so that's great. A lot of people now are taking the tub out and putting a walk in shower in it's place...you have that.

The one piece shower surround is SOOOOO much better for ease of cleaning...you have that, too.

The vanity is huge and you have 2 sinks so that's great and the vanity is large and looks like it was built in place so that's yet another plus...

So, basically, this is a good bathroom. Once you tweak it, it will be great. I know at first glance (and with the whole farmhouse trend thing going on) it might not be your taste, but if you can work with it you should...

I love the window...don't know if blinds are necessary, but they can go and you can get raindrop or a frosted glass put in.

If you get a new counter, there are tons of tile choices you can use as a backsplash.

New mirror, lights, faucets...
PRO
Studio Felix
5 years ago
I just don't think painted tile is ever going to last!! I've heard horror stories about painting tile. I also wouldn't do the peel + stick - those are cheap, and I'm not sure they'd last in a bathroom with all of the moisture. I would leave your tile as is, and if you really want to replace it down the road, do it properly and don't cut corners. You won't regret it.
tartanmeup
5 years ago
Holy mackerel, friday! That is gorgeous. You need a blog. Tutorials and way more pictures, please! :)
ilikefriday
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thanks tartanmeup! The finished bathroom is bold and full of color, just like most of my spaces and I am certain it does not appeal to the masses but I love it and its just perfect for me.
tartanmeup
5 years ago
Spectacular. What an eye and talent!