Asked on Nov 03, 2019

How can I update old 1X1 inch bathroom floor tiles?

Lisa
by Lisa

I hav very old tiny ceramic tiles. I want to update them without having to do the hard work of removing them. A stencil sounds great but every time I see it it’s on much larger tiles. Any advice?

  14 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 03, 2019

    Go with a simpler stencil pattern so it isn't so over whelming on the smaller tiles.

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Nov 03, 2019

    Hi Lisa, you could paint the tiles first (grout and all) and then stencil them. (or not and just paint them). You could also use a larger stencil and cover a square grid of tiles and incorporate 9 tiles (or however many fit). Hope that gives you a couple of ideas. Good luck!


  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 03, 2019

    Hi Lisa, why not paint a specific number of tiny tiles one color to look like larger tiles? You could put faux gout marks around 12 x 12 1 inch tiles to look like they are larger tiles.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPHEGlVNkNk

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 04, 2019

    What if you just updated the grout? You could replace or paint & seal it for a different look.

  • Mel Feldman Mel Feldman on Nov 29, 2020

    Hey Lisa,

    what did you end up doing? I’m in the exact same situation! Did you end up painting a pattern onto your tiny 1x1 tiles? How do you think it turned out?

    • Lisa Lisa on Nov 29, 2020

      Hi! I haven’t done anything yet! I’m thinking of trying to update the grout but not sure yet!

  • Mel Feldman Mel Feldman on Nov 29, 2020

    I was considering the same option. I was thinking of trying to build up/fill the grout to create the illusion of larger 12x12 tile in order to facilitate a larger pattern with a more cohesive look. It’s the best idea I’ve come up with so far on a tight budget. Everything else I’ve seen online lately regarding updating small tiles has been to cover them with these vinyl stickers you place over the tile but I don’t think it has looked good. I will be sure to keep you posted! Haha!

  • Dee Dee on Jan 14, 2021

    I would change the grout color with Grout Refresh. Stenciling might come off but the grout refresh made by Mapei will not, and it seals the grout.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Apr 30, 2021

    stencils would for sure bring some interest. Home improvement stores selling proper material to complete that project . Keep in mind that this is only a bandaid .. paint will wear out

  • Tgelinas Tgelinas on Mar 10, 2022

    I'm in the same boat small 1X1 tiles in varying shades of ugly browns, I hate it. I'm thinking of painting the whole thing and then using a small square sponge (1X1) and doing them varying shades of grey. I agree that when people do the small tiles with a larger stencil or all one color it just doesn't look good. The image here is sort of what I was thinking so it would be a white basecoat and then 4 or 5 different shades of grey. I'm sure it would take way longer than doing a larger stencil but I feel like something like this is the only thing thats going to look good on that small tile.

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  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 06, 2022

    Just colour the grout try a light colour to start with - that way you can always change it up to a darker colour at different times.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 17, 2023

    Just color the grout, it will really change the appearance, start with a small area in an inconspicuous spot, or if there are leftover tiles, or if you can find similar tiles in a sheet, grout them and try the new grout color as a trial run without committing to the full project.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 21, 2023

    Use Brick and Tile Paint over the lot or lay new tiles on top!

  • Deb K Deb K on Jan 08, 2024

    Hi Lisa, the beauty of paint is that you can stencil and size on these, pick a design you love and go for it!

  • Libbie B Libbie B on Jan 13, 2024

    I'm a fan of changing the grout first and see if you like that, if not then you could jump into a full fledge paint project.