DIY Guide for Painting Tiles with Before & After Results

Want to change your old tile floors without spending a lot of money? Painting tiles might be your answer.

This method lets you update your space quickly without the mess of removing old tiles.

Many homeowners choose this path when they can’t afford new flooring yet.

The results can look fresh and new when done right.

But does it last? Can it stand up to daily foot traffic? We looked at real examples and talked to people who tried it.

This post will show you what to expect, how to do it well, and what happens months after the paint dries.

Why Paint Tiles Instead of Replacing Them?

Painting tiles costs much less than putting in new ones.

A full tile replacement job can run hundreds or thousands of dollars, while painting calls for comparatively fewer supplies.

The time difference is huge, too.

Removing old tiles takes days of loud, dusty work.

Painting can be done on a weekend – one day to clean and prepare, another to paint and let it dry.

Painting works well when you:

• Live in a rental where you can’t make big changes
• Need a quick fix while saving for a full update
• Want to try a new look without full commitment
• Have tiles that are ugly but still in good shape

Many homeowners choose painting when they need a fresh look but can’t spend much.

Can You Paint the Floor Tiles?

Yes, you can paint most floor tiles! Ceramic and porcelain tiles work best for painting projects.

Natural stone tiles like marble or granite aren’t ideal since their porous nature makes paint less likely to stick well.

When you paint over grout, it gets covered just like the tiles.

This means you don’t need to go through the extra re-grouting work.

Bathrooms are perfect for painted tile floors because they’re smaller spaces with less foot traffic than main living areas.

Kitchens can work, too, but these high-traffic areas may show wear faster.

Entryways might need more frequent touch-ups due to constant use.

Many homeowners find that painting works best in spaces that aren’t used daily.

Choosing the Right Paint for Tiles

Several types of paint work well on tile floors.

Rust-Oleum HOME Floor Coating is popular because it needs no stripping, sanding, or priming.

Chalk Paint can be used on tiles, too. It sticks to smooth surfaces well but needs a strong sealer on top to last on floors.

Epoxy paint offers the most lasting finish. It creates a hard shell that supports water and foot traffic better than other options.

The downside? It’s harder to apply and needs perfect prep work.

For finish type, glossy tends to last longer on floors.

The smooth surface removes dirt more easily and resists water damage better. Matte finishes look nice but may show wear faster.

The key is picking paint made for floors, not walls.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Tile Floors

Transforming your tired tile floors with paint is a cost-effective way to refresh your space without the mess and expense of a full renovation.

Follow these steps for professional-looking results that will last for years.

Step 1: Preparing Your Tiles for Paint

Clean tiles fully with strong cleaners to remove all dirt and grease.

Light sanding helps paint stick to smooth tiles.

Use a bonding primer for best results, though some paint systems don’t need it.

Step 2: Applying the Paint

Use foam rollers for large areas and brushes for edges.

Apply two coats, waiting 4-6 hours between them.

Let the floor dry 24 hours before walking on it and 3-7 days for full hardness.

Step 3: Sealing and Protecting the Paint

Apply two thin coats of water-based polyurethane sealer made for floors.

Use felt pads under furniture and clean with mild soap.

High-traffic areas may need yearly sealer touch-ups.

Before and After: Real-Life Transformations

Many homeowners share their results online, showing how painted tiles can change a room’s appearance.

One homeowner turned brown dated tiles into clean white ones, making their bathroom look twice as big.

Another used a stencil to create a pattern that looks like fancy cement tiles for a fraction of the cost.

Most DIY painters say the prep work matters most.

Those who took time to clean and sand had better results than those who rushed.

While DIY projects can look great, some people hire pros for perfect results.

The cost is higher, but the finish looks more even and tends to last longer in busy areas.

Does Painted Tile Last?

Everyone asks the big question: How long will painted tiles hold up? Based on reviews from real homeowners, results vary widely.

At 6 months, most painted tiles still look good, with minor wear in high-traffic spots.

By the 1-year mark, some touch-ups might be needed, especially in water-prone areas like shower edges.

At 5 years, floors with good prep work and quality sealer can still look nice, though imperfect.

Foot traffic is the biggest factor in how long your paint job lasts.

Bathroom floors used by guests hold up much better than main bathroom or kitchen floors.

Moisture also plays a role – steam from showers can cause paint to lift over time.

Common issues include peeling at the edges and wear patterns where people walk most.

Small chips can be fixed with touch-up paint and more sealer, but large peeling areas might need to be redone completely.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Painted Tiles

• Clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the sealer
• Use soft mops or cloths instead of rough scrubbers
• For small scratches, clean the area and touch up with matching paint
• Cover larger worn spots by sanding lightly, applying fresh paint, and resealing just that area
• Add felt pads to furniture legs to prevent scratches
• Consider yearly sealer touch-ups in high-traffic spots to extend the life of your paint job

Alternatives to Painting Tiles

If painting seems too permanent, peel-and-stick tiles offer a less lasting option.

These thin vinyl tiles stick on top of your old ones and can be removed later.

They come in many patterns and colors but may not hold up as well in wet areas.

Tile resurfacing kits contain special coatings that bond to your old tiles.

These are often more durable than plain paint but cost more. Some kits include texture elements to give your floor a whole new feel.

Large rugs and runners work well as a quick fix. They hide ugly tiles while adding warmth and softness to a room.

This method works best in bedrooms and living rooms where moisture isn’t an issue.

Each option has its place depending on your budget, time, and how long you want the change to last.

Final Verdict

Painting tiles work well for people who need a quick update on a tight budget.

It’s perfect if you want a new look now while saving for a complete remodel later.

The results can last for years, especially in less-used rooms.

However, painting isn’t the best choice for high-traffic areas or homes with many kids and pets.

In these cases, new tiles might be better in the long run.

Experts suggest painting tiles only when the existing tiles are in good shape – no cracks or loose pieces.

They also recommend using floor-specific paints and taking time with each step, especially the prep work.

With the right care, painted tiles can be a smart middle-ground solution.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you Paint Shower Tiles?

Yes, you can paint shower tiles. Use waterproof epoxy paint and apply extra sealer. Vertical tiles last longer than floor tiles because they aren’t walked on.

What is the Best Paint for High-Traffic Areas?

Epoxy floor paint works best for busy areas. It’s harder, more scratch-resistant, and better for daily use than standard floor paint.

Does Painted Tile Make the Floor Slippery?

It can be slippery, especially with glossy finishes. Add a non-slip additive to your sealer, or choose a paint with built-in texture for bathroom floors.