Painting Bathroom Tile

When I first moved into this old house, I had a whole list of projects I wanted to do. The problem with that list was-it was going to cost way more money than I had to invest.  So, what's a single gal, with few dollar's and even fewer DIY skills, to do?  Improvise- that's what.

That is exactly what I did when it came to the upstairs bathroom.  Looking back, I have only one regret.  I wish that I had taken 'before' pictures.  But, at the time, I just wanted the hideous molding carpet, orange wallpaper, and yellow tile-GONE!!!!  Besides, I was too embarrassed to show anyone, for fear they would think I'd lost my mind, or worse, they'd tell me what I wanted to achieve simply wasn't possible.

In the end-it was easy to rip down the old wall paper. (The free steem from the shower-didn't hurt), and the carpet....five minutes and it was history!  Now it was onto the tile.

What to do?  What to do?

 I certainly didn't have the budget to hire someone to replace them, and there was no way I was taking on that kind of job on my own!!!!!  There was only one solution- (gasp)-PAINT!

I know, I know.  The professionals will tell you NEVER, EVER, paint tile in the bathroom!  Especially those darn tiles in the shower!  Every article I read online said,  'It will never last'.  'The paint will start peeling off almost immediately after you take a shower!'

But, then I found an article that said I could do it.  I could, if I did it right.  Well, that was all I needed to push forward!  Like the little choo-choo train, I kept telling myself I could do it.  And guess what?  I did it!

Not just the tiles behind the toilet....

But also the tiles by the sink and.....wait for it....

Yes, (double gasp) the shower too!

That was almost  seven years ago, and it's never chipped or peeled!!!  Pretty good for a novice, isn't it?

So how did I do it?  

Step #1- Prepare the surface.  Shower tiles collect a lot of soap scum, etc, over the years.  So be prepared to put a lot of elbow grease in-and SCRUB!!  De-greasing comes next.  Why would you need to degrease in a bathroom?  Bath oil, lotions-just to name two-find their way on your walls by the touch of a hand.  Regular cleaner may not get the residue off-so use a product like TSP.

Step # 2.  After the tile has had a chance to dry thoroughly (that means no shower for you or anyone else)-it's time to sand.  I used 120 grit sandpaper-(which was recommended to avoid scratching the tile.)  It's pretty fine-so again, you will have to use a little elbow grease-but it's worth it.  Without roughing up the surface and removing some of the sheen-the paint WILL NOT stay!

Step # 3-Wash down the tile once more, to remove any dust or or particles from sanding.  Let dry.

Step #4 - PRIME!  Back then-there wasn't any paint with primer already in it-so I used  Kilz. it was also recommended.)  I started by using a brush, and coating the grout lines thoroughly.  Next, I took a thick napped roller over all the tile.  I  let the first coat dry (about 2 hours) and repeated with the second coat.  (I am assuming if you use the paint with primer-you would be done painting at this point.)

Step #5  I did not- so the next step was painting.  I used one coat and let it dry-and came back for a few quick touch ups the next day.

That's it. After all my hard work, and about $50-I had a new bathroom with clean white walls!  DONE!

 Until, of course, I decided to do some updating in this bathroom for spring.  That is when I realized I wanted the tile to be a bit...shinier.  (Of course I could have used a glossy paint at the time-but it wasn't recommended.)-So, after a bit of research-I found out all I need to do is put a coat of polyurethane over top!  Unfortunately, you need good ventilation for that-and the weather hasn't cooperated with me. (The weatherman is calling for 60 degrees on Sunday-guess what I'll be doing?)

What do you think?  To paint-or not to paint?  I say-go ahead and do it-but do it right!

Happy Wednesday!