Can I paint over bathroom tile and have it look good?

My 2 bathrooms are horrendous. One is black & pink the other has issues all its own.

I'd love to paint the pink & black bathroom as a cheaper option while I renovate the other. Is it going to look terrible or can it really be a project worth getting into??

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my pink & black bathroom. ugh, help!

47 Comments Displaying 25 of 47 comments | See Previous

Mary E Morris, IL

Definitely keep the tile and go with the art deco theme. It's a classic and will stay fashionable after all the oranges and other themes become dated. Delores - pictures please!

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 3
Robbie G Deltona, FL

Donna I paint the tile in my bath tub/shower about two years ago. I used an epoxy paint from Home Depot. It was a process but it looks wonderful and has held up great.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Carla K Ouray, CO

I just posted how I painted my bathroom tile with a faux finish and it's working like a charm. Here is the link:
http://www.hometalk.com/search?filter=tiles&...;
search=photos#!/417670

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Carol M Orange Park, FL

I would re-think painting this as well. People pay lots of money for this look. Embrace and enhance it is my opinion.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 3
Carol C San Antonio, TX

I would love to have the pink and black...nowadays every home has Beige/brown.UGH!I can see it black/white and grey towels and etc

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Karen C San Antonio, TX

Love the original colors!! Beautiful pinks but maybe you are tired of it.. I myself think it's beautiful..

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Donna C Manchester, NH

I also would leave the bathroom as it is. Pink can be overwhelming, but this is definitely an art deco design. I would add to pull out one color - with black, red, white - and pictures that express that time period, which is what 1960's. Black and white pics of pretty much anything. Pick a theme - retro chic, retro shabby, retro rock.....

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Michelle I Marshallville, GA

It took me awhile to embrace the turquoise tile in my bathroom from I guess the 50's or 60's but I did exactly like everyone is saying I embraced and made it work, my bathroom was an addition to my 1900 yr old home.
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on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 4
Susan T Denton, TX

I had a pink and black tiled bathroom at one time too... I loved it!! It is classic. In the photo it looks in good shape, it would be a shame to paint over it and if you sell your house, they may wish you hadn't painted it. That may not be an issue for you though.
I had white walls and curtains and black cat bath accessories then. I've seen a lot of pink and black glam type pictures and things for bathrooms. A white fluffy rug and towels and it would look great to me anyway! Let's see when you decide... :)

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Sherry R Louisville, KY

I have a bathroom that is pink and grey.how do I decorate it? Can't remodel right now thamks

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Tina M Fort Lauderdale, FL

I've never seen a paint over tile look good the best bet would be to decorate to match the tile. paint devalues it, that's a rock'n bathroom I'd get a black toilet and sink and bring out the Black

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 2
Ghislaine A Tampa, FL

I like the floor tiles too, 50s is good look I hate to see them all go. I had a blue and black one,same flooring, had gloss black counter tops installed, very striking

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Lori J Broken Bow, NE

So often this looks is faux--plastic. That would be the deal breaker for me. Ceramic I would incorporate and plastic I would rip out.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Jill P Percy, IL

I had a kitchen in yellow & black until I couldn't take it any more. Also a peach & black bath! I painted both and was very pleased. I used a sanding sealer on it first! Just ask your paint provider for the finish you want.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Diane H New Braunfels, TX

Just like my Mamaw's bathroom... wish it was mine. I have seen painted tile look OK from a short distance but up close it's "eh" and a job best left to professionals. Very specific prep work, lots of nasty chemicals, and it's actually appliance or car paint they use. That is if you are going to do it right. Anything less would end up being a disaster in the long run - peeling, moldy, nasty. Same for refinishing tubs and sinks. After 30 years in the remodel biz, I've seen a lot of ...»
do-it-yourself jobs gone bad. Good luck with your decision.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

Donna, if you have not noticed, the retro look is coming back. People are actually buying acqua stoves! Instead of changing the color by painting that does not last or by spending a fourtune on a redo, try playing off the colors. Black accents would be stunning! An old tophat...or any old black hat...would make a great basket to hold a couple of pink or white hand towels! I do not have $25,000 to spend on one of those TV bath makeovers! Even then, within 7-8 years it too will be out ...»
of style. Life is learning...so learn to deal with this. It does not have to be "cutesie" but can be made stunning! I have 60s olive drab and my bathroom is stunning. New vanity, framed out the mirror, put up chair rail and painted bottom half to match green and top cream, new chrome light fixture, white accents and it is beautiful! I have the small mosiac tile too with the olive and white in it! People "ah" over it! Cannot believe it is the original tile. Get your brain in gear and you can do it!

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 1
Debi B Saint Petersburg, FL

Yes you can paint over it there is a primer you will have to get first for it.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 0
Nancy S South River, NJ

I've got the pink bathroom too. I went art deco with it. Changed the light fixtures to an alabaster art deco style, painted the walls a silvery grey and went with a silvery grey shower curtain and big white fluffy towels. I don't have an after but here's a before picture. I also had the tiles professionally regrouted. It made a huge difference in making the bathroom look fresh and clean.
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on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 5
Carol C San Antonio, TX

If you can sew,I would sew black/white toile curtains and use some of the material to put a boarder on some towels with black tassel trim.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 1
Jean M Valdosta, GA

never done it, but I've heard of painting over the tile...with a sponge applicator...I've got Pink tile all over a bathroom, but I painted the walls a medium green, hung a new mirror, and new sink appliance.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 0
Margarite K Mc Kinney, TX

I love the black and pink. try working with it by using pretty towels and other linens......

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 1
Carol M Gig Harbor, WA

I love the old tile and retro style, sorry you don't. I like what Margarite K said is the way to go with it. Lucky you I have no tile in this house at all!

on Jun 24, 2012 · Like 0
Tina M Fort Lauderdale, FL

Black toilet and sink:) expensive I know but the bathroom would be awesome!

on Jun 25, 2012 · Like 2
Pam Swartz Cody Minden, NE

Are they plastic tiles? I have plastic tiles and I want to cover them up with beadboard. Thoughts?

on May 05, 2013 · Like 0
TJ Andover, MN

Donna - Rustoleum Tile Transformation is about only product I found after a several weeks research for my bath. Otherwise you call in the pros. But as others have said, pink & black is really coming back in a very big way.

on May 12, 2013 · Like 0