How can I refresh old tiles without having to replace them?
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There is a special paint you can use on tiles...check with Home Depot or Lowes or you can stencil a flower or whatever you like on some of the tiles to update
You can also use chalk paint (Annie Sloan is expensive but reliable) or Giani countertop finish which also goes over tiles. I just painted my cupboards in White Annie Sloan chalk paint (great) did the countertop in Diamond White Giani (great coverage but I wish I had been more careful with the pouncing) and made the mistake of ripping out the tile backsplash. I wanted white tiles with a black accent and didn't think creatively enough about how I could do this. So, I ripped them out, had to fix the wall and then wound up with a "wow" or dip in it. I then made the mistake of using mastic and grout when the temperature was over 80 F. It all looks clean and neat and I am pleased with the overall "feel" but I am kicking myself for rushing the job.You can also use chalk paint (Annie Sloan is expensive but reliable) or Giani countertop finish which also goes over tiles. I just painted my cupboards in White Annie Sloan chalk paint (great) did the countertop in Diamond White Giani (great coverage but I wish I had been more careful with the pouncing) and made the mistake of ripping out the tile backsplash. I wanted white tiles with a black accent and didn't think creatively enough about how I could do this. So, I ripped them out, had to fix the wall and then wound up with a "wow" or dip in it. I then made the mistake of using mastic and grout when the temperature was over 80 F. It all looks clean and neat and I am pleased with the overall "feel" but I am kicking myself for rushing the job.
Today I discovered that there is a product which actually allows you to tile over tiles...sigh...now they tell me! It looks like you have too much to tile over so I suggest chalk paint. Then you can repaint the grout lines in a contrasting colour or get a grout pen. I tried one and it didn't work really well for me but I think it was because the floor needs re-grouting.
You may want to get your landlord's permission for such a big change.
I also want to paint over tiles in my bathroom. I asked Hometalker for suggestions, the answer was to use Rustolium Tub N Tile Paint Kit which I had used to paint my bath tub. Epoxy paint was another suggestion. Good luck with your work.
Painting is an option
Using a different color grout, maybe an off color that will be a good contrast to the tile. This can make a big difference. Looks like it needs regrouting. Yellow tile with black grout or red or even purple. You can find grout in all colors now. Go to a hardware store and see what they suggest. And you can always stencil on a few tiles also. Ask about tile paint. Keep white grout on the edge tiles
peel and stick backsplash
Try cleaning the grout first with baking soda and water and a dish scrubber (not a scratchy abrasive). If that works, you won't need to re-grout. I have cleaned several sixty year old ALL TILE bathrooms that were totally rejuvenated.