Freshen Up Your Home: How to Paint Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles
Freshen Up Your Home: How to Paint Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles
There’s never a bad time to dive into a new creative project. Whether it’s your weekend escape from the daily grind or simply a way to unwind, a hands-on DIY job offers a real mental health boost.
If your kitchen, bathroom, or patio tiles are starting to look tired, don’t rush to replace them just yet. With a bit of paint and creativity, you could breathe fresh life into your existing tiles, giving the whole room an instant facelift.
So how do you go about painting tiles — especially the two most common types, ceramic and porcelain? Let’s break it down.
🎨 Should You Paint Your Tiles?
Painting tiles isn’t something you see every day, but that’s mostly because of how busy life is — not because it’s a bad idea. Done right, painting tiles can be a brilliant way to revamp your space on a budget.
A quick guide:
✅ Porcelain tiles are relatively straightforward to paint, especially if they’re in low-traffic, low-moisture spots.
✅ Ceramic tiles can absolutely be painted too — they just need more prep work. Without it, paint won’t stick, and you’ll be back to square one.
🖌 How to Paint Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is technically a type of ceramic, but it’s less porous and generally more durable. Many porcelain tiles also come glazed, which means you’ll need to prep them properly so paint adheres well.
Here’s how to do it:
✔ Scrub and clean thoroughly.
✔ Sand lightly to roughen the surface.
✔ Wipe away all dust and let dry completely.
✔ Use a primer suited to tiles.
✔ Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint, allowing each to dry fully.
✔ Avoid high-traffic or very wet areas, like inside the shower itself.
🖌 How to Paint Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are often easier to paint in terms of absorption but require even more careful prep, especially if they’re older.
Steps to success:
✔ Inspect for chips or cracks — repair with epoxy filler first.
✔ Sand with a fine grit to scuff the surface.
✔ Clean meticulously, then wipe with a tack cloth to pick up dust.
✔ Prime with a good-quality bonding primer.
✔ Finish with two topcoats of latex or epoxy paint for a strong, long-lasting result.
Top tip? Always read up on the tile brand’s recommendations before painting — some glazes react differently to certain paints.
✨ When Painting Isn’t Enough
If your tiles are too worn, cracked or simply don’t fit the style you’re after, it may be time to look at new options.
At Bella Bathrooms, we carry everything from classic ceramics to luxury Italian porcelains, plus mosaics, marble, and textured tiles that will get your imagination firing. Whether you want something soft and timeless or a pop of bold personality, we’ve got you covered.
💬 Let’s Plan Your Next Project
Still wondering if you should paint or replace your tiles? Need advice on tile prep or matching new styles with your existing décor?
Drop us a message or pop into Bella Bathrooms — we love chatting about design ideas, and we’ll help you make sure your project turns out exactly the way you envision.
