Asked on Feb 28, 2015

Epoxy /Paint or other material over shower tiles?

BBB
by BBB
I have these awful pink tiles in my master shower. Mosaic pink and lighter pink on the bottom too. It's in decent shape but the color kills me and has been for the past 23 years. I have looked into having the shower painted but that only lasts for a few years and I am afraid of it peeling and bubbling up. I considered acrylic inserts but when I had my house appraised some years ago I was told tile increases the value and those inserts decrease. Not sure if that's true or not. My budget is $500, does anyone have experience with tile over tile or any method that's more durable and will last another 23 years. Ok, not 23...I will take 10.;) In the photo it looks yellow, but it's a rose pink.
  10 answers
  • Pepper Hume Pepper Hume on Feb 28, 2015
    Would you consider lining the shower with shower curtains on tension rods against the walls? Perhaps you could cover the floor with colored safety mats.
  • BBB BBB on Feb 28, 2015
    It's a thought but if I wanted serious change maybe there is a great way to paint the tiles?
    • See 1 previous
    • BBB BBB on Mar 01, 2015
      @Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio Yeah, I guess I will have to have someone come in and eventually just rip out that pink tile unless new products come out to cover it better.
  • April E April E on Mar 01, 2015
    OMG we have the same nasty shower. Epoxy paint lasts awhile but myself I am saving for a retile
    • See 1 previous
    • @BBB ...I was thinking why not work with what you have till such time you can change it ...(?) Sometimes, using other colors and pretties to pull attention away from flaws in your home is similar to choosing clothes that flatter and colors that draw attention to the things you wish to, when dressing yourself. Accessories are also a great key element to liven up your bath. Neutral colors ( not boring beige ! lol ) ... not sure what colors are currently being used in other areas of your home...is there a way to incorporate some neutral colors to take away the focus of the shower area ?
  • Kris {Driven By Decor} Kris {Driven By Decor} on Mar 01, 2015
    I'm not sure of the cost but look into having a professional reglaze it. A good reglaze job can last 10+ years and looks great. The previous owners of our house did that to our pink tub and shower tile and it has held up well.
  • Monica Talley Monica Talley on Mar 01, 2015
    I repainted a grungy harvest gold tub by thoroughly sanding surface, washing then with Krud cutter, after all was dry I primed with Zinser BIN. It took three thin coats. I used a high density foam roller used for cabinets. After the second coat I sprinkled on no slip available in my paint section. Once the primer was in place. I then used one coat of satin elastomeric white paint. This is usually used on outside or water exposed surfaces. A professional relaxing would have cost me $3500.00 as the tub and wall tile had to be coated. I used $150.00 for all my supplies.
  • William Tillis William Tillis on Mar 01, 2015
    Your tile installation appears to be in good condition. I would consider decorative decals to introduce additional color. Changing the kelvin temperature of the light used to illuminate the shower can modify the look of the pink color.
  • Cindy Cindy on Mar 01, 2015
    My mom and sister have the same amazing tile in their OKC homes....must have been quite popular in the 50's
    • BBB BBB on Mar 01, 2015
      @Cindy Seems it was popular in the mid 80's too (:
  • Cindy Cindy on Mar 01, 2015
    We have had to add character to my 20 o 1 spec home but I love it more with each project!
  • Sarah Davis Sarah Davis on Mar 02, 2015
    I've checked into this situation for an ancient white tub, not wanting the expense right now of changing the tub itself. We tried repainting and it lasted 4 months. So the answer? A professional re-glazing. It's the medium cost effective route to go.
  • Brent krause Brent krause on Mar 03, 2015
    either some abbrasive chemicals to get the pink enamal off then some stain and sealer or an acrylic paint. but for 500 bucks u can get clearance tiles; mud and backerboard from menards and do it urself for around that get ur hands dirty but be without shower for three days hehe