Can you paint tiles in a shower? A beginner's guide

If you want to refresh your shower tiles but don’t have the budget for replacing them at the moment, then painting is a great way to change the look of your space for less cost. A common question is whether you can paint tiles at all, to which the answer is yes, but in this blog, we’ll look at painting shower tiles in particular.

So, if you want to find out more about painting tiles in a shower, read to the end of the blog.

Painting your shower tiles is quick way to refresh your bathroom décor.

What type of paint should you use for shower tiles?

If you’ve decided to paint your shower tiles then you’ll need to source a paint which is suitable for use in wet, humid environments, to ensure that it won’t crack and peel off once you start using the shower again.

Depending on what look you want to achieve, you can choose from matt, gloss, satin or eggshell paint finishes, gloss offering the highest sheen and matt the least. If you prefer something in-between, then a satin finish will give a subtle sheen without going full gloss, while an eggshell finish isn’t quite as flat as a matt look.

If you have a smaller bathroom and want to make the most of the light and help to create a more spacious, airy vibe, then gloss finishes offer another light-reflecting surface, so is a good choice in this regard. Satin and gloss finishes are also easier to wipe clean, which is another factor to consider.

Matt finishes on the other hand, will bring a modern aesthetic to your bathroom and can help to create a relaxing, calm ambience. However, matt finishes can pick up dirt more easily and require careful cleaning to avoid damage, which you should also bear in mind.

How to paint shower tiles

When it comes to painting shower tiles, the first thing to do is to clean them thoroughly, before applying any paint. This includes cleaning the grout and being careful to remove any built-up dirt, soap scum or mould/mildew from the tiles, allowing them to dry completely before proceeding.

The next step is to gently sand the tiles – taking care not to scratch them. This will roughen up the surface and make it easier for the paint to adhere to it. You can then use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, such as fixtures and grouting, making it more straightforward to complete the job.

It’s recommended that you use a primer when painting any sort of tiling, so after sanding you can apply a high-quality primer designed specifically for tiles which will create a strong base for the paint. It will also help to prevent peeling or chipping later on.

You can use a brush or roller to paint your shower tiles.

At this stage you can now paint your shower tiles. As the tiling is located in a humid bathroom and, of course, in a shower where it will definitely get wet, you need to choose a high-quality epoxy or epoxy acrylic paint designed for use in wet environments. Using a roller or brush, apply the paint carefully, working in small sections at a time.

NB Multiple thin coats of paint are usually better than one thick coat to avoid drips and ensure proper coverage.

Once painted, the tiles need time to dry, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for the required drying times between coats and before you start using the shower again and expose the tiles to water. Once you’re satisfied with the paint job it’s then worthwhile applying a clear sealant for extra protection and durability, again making sure that it’s designed for use in wet environments.

The final step is to leave the tiles to cure for the recommended time before using the shower. This ensures that the paint fully bonds to the tiles and provides a durable finish.

NB You can also repaint your grout after painting the tiles if you want to create a contrasting look and freshen this up as well. Alternatively, if you prefer the grouting to blend in you can paint over it while doing the tiles.

Painting your shower tiles will give your bathroom a fresh new look.

While painting your shower tiles is a great way to refresh the space, be aware that painted tiles will eventually wear or chip over time, especially in high-traffic areas. However, if you want a short-term solution and don’t want to replace tiles at the current time, it’s an easy way to change the look and spruce up your space at a low-cost and without much inconvenience.

If you do decide to change your tiles rather than paint them, however, then you’ll find a great selection of tiling at great-value prices at Bathshack, so just talk to our team if you need any help in this area.

To view our full range of bathroom products, visit Bathshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.