• difficulty level

    Light

  • Length of time

    4 - 5 hours of painting time

    18 - 29 hours including drying time

  • Required tools

    • tile color
    • painter's tape
    • paint roller or brush
    • primer
    • painter's tub
    • sanding pad
    • cleaning products

Painting Tiles: The Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have old, unsightly tiles in your bathroom or kitchen? Would you like to spruce them up without having to carry out an expensive renovation? Then you've come to the right place! Painting tiles or painting over tiles is a simple, inexpensive alternative that will give your rooms a new look in no time. Find out how to paint floor tiles , varnish tiles in the bathroom or paint bathroom tiles step by step.

Why paint tiles?

Painting tiles is ideal for giving old tiles in the kitchen, bathroom or on the floor a fresh look. Whether it's wall or floor tiles, you can achieve a big change with minimal effort. What's more, painting tiles is often cheaper and quicker to do than covering them or laying new tiles.

In summary :

Painting tiles...

✅ saves money

✅ can be made by yourself

✅ works without expensive craftsmen or painters

✅ ensures a quick beautiful DIY renovation

Painting tiles in the before / after comparison

Step by step instructions: Painting tiles made easy

Step 1: Preparation

In principle, all interior wall and floor tiles , mostly kitchens and bathrooms, can be painted.
We recommend not painting tiles that come into permanent contact with water, such as in the shower area.
All fittings and disturbing objects should be removed or carefully taped , drill holes should be closed and silicone removed .

Step 2: Cleaning & Sanding

Clean the tiles thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and silicone residue.
Use simple cleaning products or bathroom cleaners.
Then sand the tiles lightly to ensure optimal adhesion and remove the sanding dust with a damp cloth. Do this with a suitable sanding pad.

BamFa Isoliergrund Weiss - Bamberger Farbwerke

Step 3: Apply primer

Once the tiles are sanded and clean, apply a tile primer with a foam roller. Make sure the primer is applied evenly . Allow 6-12 hours for drying time, depending on the room temperature, before you start painting. We recommend working at temperatures between 10°C and 25°C . Lower or higher temperatures may not produce the best results.

Step 4: Painting the tiles

Stir the tile paint well and prepare a sufficient amount for painting.
Start by painting the tile joints.
Use a brush for the joints and a foam roller for the smooth surface.
Work from top to bottom and left to right. Allow the first coat to dry for 4-6 hours .

Step 5: Apply second coat

Once the first coat of paint has dried, we recommend sanding in between to ensure an even finish. Now paint the tiles a second time with a new roller, again first the joints, then the tiles. This ensures perfect coverage and a smooth finish . Let the tiles dry for another 4-6 hours.

Complete!

Your bathroom/kitchen can now be admired!
Please note that after the final drying, the paint needs another 24 hours to completely harden ; until then, it is still susceptible to scratches and damage.

Do you feel like redesigning your old tiles? Then try our tile painting set . Everything you need is in this set.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can you simply paint over tiles?

Yes, tiles can be easily painted over , provided the surface is clean and prepared. With our tile paint you can quickly freshen up old and unsightly tiles and give your room a new look.

How long do painted tiles last?

Painted tiles can last for several years if they are prepared and painted correctly. Proper care and application will ensure that the paint remains strong and long-lasting .

Should I paint my tiles or stick them on?

For a long-term result, painting is often the better choice, while gluing is a flexible, quick option.

Painting tiles without sanding? Is that possible?

It is possible to paint tiles without sanding, but the adhesion of the paint will be significantly worse . For an ideal and long-lasting result, we recommend sanding the tiles at least lightly so that the paint adheres optimally.

Which paint adheres best to tiles?

Specialty tile paints are best for painting tiles. They are specially formulated to adhere well to smooth, non-porous surfaces while providing excellent protection and abrasion resistance.

Are you even allowed to paint tiles in a rented apartment yourself?

Before painting tiles in a rented apartment, you should definitely get permission from your landlord . Without permission, you could have problems when you move out, as this is considered a structural change.

Which tiles cannot be painted?

Tiles that are constantly under water should not be painted. This particularly includes outdoor tiles and floor tiles in the shower area , where water remains permanently on the surface.

Questions about the application

What is the best way to apply the varnish?

For best results, first clean the tiles thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and silicone residue. Then sand the tiles lightly. Then apply the varnish evenly with a foam roller to achieve a smooth surface. Use a brush for the joints.

Do I have to sand the tiles first?

Yes, to ensure optimal adhesion, it is important to sand the tiles lightly before painting. This roughens the surface and allows the tile paint to adhere better. Fine-grain sandpaper or sanding fleece is best for this.

How well does the tile paint cover and how many coats are required?

Our tile varnish offers excellent coverage. For optimal results, we recommend at least two coats . A third coat can be applied if required for an even more even surface and greater resistance .

How do I care for and clean painted tiles?

Painted tiles are easy to clean with a soft cloth and mild detergents . Avoid aggressive abrasive cleaners or hard sponges to avoid damaging the painted surface. Regular, gentle cleaning ensures that the tile paint lasts a long time .

How long does it take for the paint on the tiles to completely dry?

The drying time is usually 4 to 6 hours for each coat. After the last coat, the paint should be allowed to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours before the surface is subjected to full load.

Can you paint tiles in the bathroom or shower?

Yes, bathroom tiles can be painted without any problem . Areas that are not in direct contact with water, such as walls or floors outside the shower, are ideal. Avoid painting tiles in the direct shower area , where water will remain permanently on the surface.

Can tiles be painted outside?

Outdoor tiles are exposed to harsh weather conditions, so you should make sure you use a high-quality, weatherproof 2K paint to avoid cracking, peeling or fading. Additionally, not all types of tiles (e.g. glazed tiles) are ideal for painting, so it is important to check the suitability of the tiles.

Technical Questions

Is tile paint waterproof and abrasion-resistant?

Yes, our tile paint is waterproof and abrasion resistant , making it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that regularly come into contact with water and moisture. However, surfaces that are constantly submerged should be avoided.

How resistant is the tile varnish to everyday wear and tear?

Our tile varnish is very resistant to everyday conditions such as scratches, abrasion, water and cleaning agents . It offers long-lasting protection and preserves the beautiful appearance of your tiles even under heavy use.

Do I need a primer before applying the tile paint?

We recommend a special tile primer for optimal adhesion of the paint. If you are not sure, try our tile painting kit . It contains everything you need for tile renovation.

How well does the tile paint adhere to tiles?

Our tile varnish has excellent adhesion to almost all types of tiles. For particularly demanding tiles, we recommend our 2K tile varnish , which ensures even stronger adhesion.

Why can I scratch off the varnish with my fingernail?

If the paint can be easily scratched off with a fingernail , this may be due to inadequate preparation of the tiles. Thorough cleaning, sanding and application of a primer (if necessary) are crucial for a strong bond. The paint also needs 24 to 72 hours to fully cure . Until then, the tiles should not be subjected to any stress .

Should I seal my tiles?

With our special tile paint, additional sealing is not necessary . The paint itself is waterproof and abrasion-resistant, so you get a durable and long-lasting surface.