Can I paint my shower tiles?

Tammy Arnold
by Tammy Arnold
My landlord had the tiles on the shower wall painted. The paint has came off terribly and looks horrible. He's too cheap to fix it. Any ideas that you might have are appreciated (that of course are inexpensive). Thank you.
  11 answers
  • Robin Dowden Robin Dowden on Aug 30, 2014
    I have seen paints out in stores that say you can paint your tiles, floor tiles, and even bathtuba. I have not done it yet but am planning on doing it soon.
  • FrugElegance FrugElegance on Aug 30, 2014
    I have never done it but do know you can't use regular spray paint. here is a good article by DIY network: http://www.diynetwork.com/bathroom/tips-from-the-pros-on-painting-bathtubs-and-tile/page-2.html - good luck! if you do the project share a picture, both before & after.
  • Christine Brown Christine Brown on Aug 31, 2014
    @ hometalk,scrape off old old paint and spray paint them, you do not ilke color
  • Anthea Tomkins Anthea Tomkins on Aug 31, 2014
    Use a brand called "White Knight" after cleaning thoroughly.
  • Darla Darla on Aug 31, 2014
    You can get paint that is made for tiles, sinks and bathtubs at a big-box building supply store. Regular paint just won't do it.
  • Joan Gondeck Joan Gondeck on Aug 31, 2014
    I had my tiles and tub painted but but by professionals. It is wonderful but you probably won't want to spend this much on a rental. The company that resurfaced both my tubs was Miracle Method. It is available all over the country.
  • Patricia Bebb Patricia Bebb on Aug 31, 2014
    Clean tile, lightly sand, apply a primer and paint. You may have to apply a sealer after you paint to prevent paint from chipping.
  • Kimberly Svec Kimberly Svec on Aug 31, 2014
    I have painted bath wall tiles using specialty paints made by Rustoliem and another brand. I don't recall the name of second brand (it was not a brand you don't see often but was sold at Home Depot). Both worked very well. The Rustoliem brand was thicker. You need to follow all directions. The other brand was much thinner but was self leveling. I painted harvest gold and avocado green tiles white and after 2 coats came out beautiful. The Rustoliem brand of tile paint I used one of my showers and I painted harvest gold tile blue. Used one application of the product and it came out very well also. It has been 2 years and no issues. I would not use any other paint on tile unless it was made for tile.
  • Myrt Myrt on Aug 31, 2014
    I painted the tile on both of my bathrooms. I used oil based paint - 6 light coats with dry time in between, Then I sealed with polyurethane - also 6 light coats with dry time in between. I did not walk on finished floor for about 2 weeks so it could cure. The bathrooms both had tile floor, in shower & 1/2 way up walls. Time consuming but well worth it. Of course, I did 1 bathroom at a time. :)
  • Minuet Stephens Minuet Stephens on Aug 31, 2014
    I used White Knight but would never use their primer again. http://28gumtrees.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/de-pinking-the-bathroom/
    • Anthea Tomkins Anthea Tomkins on Sep 01, 2014
      @Minuet Stephens I read your bathroom saga. We're having our bathroom redone professionally. At the moment we have pink, blue and black tiles, built in the late 60's early 70's. The builder commented, "Haven't seen one of these for a while!!!"
  • Kinney Michael Kinney Michael on Aug 31, 2014
    use wall-grip