5 Easy Ways to Paint Bathroom Tile: Practical small-space tile painting tips from a 10+ year interior designer

I once had a client insist we paint every tile in a tiny bathroom bright pink because “it’ll feel bigger.” I nearly laughed out loud — but that project taught me that small bathrooms are perfect labs for bold ideas. Painting tile can be budget-friendly and transformative, and today I’ll share 5 practical tile-painting inspirations I’ve actually used on projects.

1. Prep like a pro: clean, sand, prime

Before any color, I spend more time on prep than on paint. Grease, soap scum and glossy glaze defeat paint adhesion, so I deep-clean with trisodium phosphate or a strong tile cleaner, sand lightly to scuff the surface, then use an epoxy or bonding primer. The payoff is longevity — painted tile that resists peeling — though it does add a day or two to the schedule.

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2. Use epoxy paint for wet zones

For shower surrounds and floors, I recommend two-part epoxy paint because it’s water-resistant and tough. It’s more expensive and needs careful mixing, but in a small bathroom the durability is worth it. I once refitted a rental bathroom with epoxy in a slate gray; the tenant loved the easy maintenance and I avoided callbacks.

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3. Go for patterns with stencils or grout color change

Stencils let you add interest without replacing tile. I’ve stenciled a Moroccan motif across a vanity splash — it energizes the room and is reversible. Alternatively, recoloring grout can create a dramatic contrast; the challenge is steady handwork, but the result looks like bespoke tile at a fraction of the cost.

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4. Mix matte and glossy for depth

Pairing matte-painted tiles with a few glossy accent tiles creates subtle texture and avoids a flat, painted look. I used this trick in a narrow bathroom: matte off-white on most tiles, glossy hand-painted navy on a staggered vertical stripe. It felt high-end, but the glossy accents require extra care to avoid visible brush marks.

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5. Protect with topcoat and regular upkeep

No matter the paint, a clear polyurethane or water-based sealer protects color and sheen. I always advise clients that painted tile is not maintenance-free — harsh abrasives will dull the finish. With a good topcoat and gentle cleaning, painted tile holds up well in guest and powder rooms especially.

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Tips 1:

Quick budget tip: paint a small test area and live with it for a week before committing to the whole bathroom. For planning and layout ideas, I often use a room planner to visualize color placement and save time during execution — it helps clients see the final look before any messy work begins. This approach reduced surprises on a recent Victorian bathroom retrofit and kept the timeline tight.

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FAQ

Q: Can you paint tile in a shower? A: Yes, but choose a high-quality epoxy or marine-grade paint and ensure excellent ventilation. Two-part epoxy offers the best water resistance.

Q: How long does painted tile last? A: With proper prep and a durable topcoat, expect 5–10 years in low-to-moderate use bathrooms; high-traffic showers may need touch-ups sooner.

Q: Do I need to sand tiles before painting? A: Light sanding or abrasive scuffing improves adhesion and is highly recommended, especially for glossy glazed tiles.

Q: What primer should I use on ceramic tile? A: Use a bonding primer designed for glossy surfaces or an epoxy-based primer; this ensures the paint sticks well.

Q: Is painted tile safe for rental properties? A: Painted tile can be a cost-effective upgrade for rentals, but inform tenants about cleaning limitations and avoid abrasive cleaners to prolong the finish.

Q: Can I change grout color too? A: Yes — pigment additives or grout staining products can recolor grout for a cohesive new look; be sure to follow product instructions precisely.

Q: Where can I find professional guidance on tile finishing standards? A: For authoritative guidance on materials and safety, refer to manufacturer technical datasheets and resources like the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) for installation and standards.

Q: Should I hire a pro or DIY? A: If you want a flawless, long-lasting result — especially in wet areas — hiring a pro is worth it; for small powder rooms, a careful DIYer can achieve great results with the right products and patience.

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