Can you paint tile floors? Yes! I’m sharing how painting our bathroom’s ceramic tile floors – a simple, inexpensive DIY – made a HUGE difference!
Do you ever have a project that ended up being so much easier than you expected that you’re kicking yourself for procrastinating so long to do it? Painting the ceramic tile floors in our first floor bathroom was one of those projects for me! I decided I was going to paint my bathroom floors way back in 2014 when I was making over my space for the One Room Challenge but the stenciling of the bathroom walls took so long that I ran out of time to do it before my big reveal. Somehow THREE full years went by with me giving the stink eye to those floors every time I used the bathroom but doing nothing about it. Well I finally knocked this little DIY project out and it was so cheap and easy. And I love it! Welcome to my its-five-hundred-times-better-than-those-ugly-reddish-floors-were bathroom!
Such a HUGE improvement over the reddish tile, right?!
And believe it or not, the ugly color wasn’t even the worst thing about the old tile floors. Behind both the sink and the toilet, the tile had gross, ugly stains that I couldn’t get off no matter how hard I tried – completely gagworthy and something the previous owners hid under a custom cut rug they had in this bathroom when we bought the house!
Now you’d never know that my poor tile had such an ugly past!
Here’s what you need to do to get the job done (affiliate links included in post – full disclosure statement available {here}):
Step 1: Sand your Tile Floors
Sanding the tile helps helps scuff up the surface of it to help the primer adhere. And if you have disgusting unidentified crap on the surface of your tile like I did, you can sand it right off. I used {this electric sander} which makes the job so much quicker and easier than doing it by hand. If you do a lot of projects around the house and don’t already have one of these electric sanders, I’d highly recommend it – it’s lightweight, fits in the palm of your hand, and has an angled head to get into corners easily:
Step 2: Clean Your Floors (Super Well!)
After finishing sanding, I vacuumed up all of the dust and debris and then went to town on cleaning my floors. Any heavy-duty stripper & cleaner should do the job – you can get the one that I used online {here} but it’s much cheaper at your local hardware store.
I mixed the cleaner with water (per the instructions), mopped it onto the floor, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then scrubbed the entire floor with a nylon scrub brush. Then I cleaned it off with bucket of warm water and did it a second time. The cleaner the floor, the better your paint will adhere!
Step 3: Repair any Missing Grout or Cracked Tiles
The grout on our floor was a mess and there are several areas where chunks of it were missing. Regrouting is a pretty huge job since you need to spend a lot of time digging out the old grout first so I went the easy route and simply used paintable caulk to fill in and smooth over any bare spots in my grout. The caulk adhered well and now that it’s painted, you would never know that I had done it. Now would be the time to replace or repair any cracked tiles too. I had one tile closer to our bathtub with a crack in it but knew it would be covered by our bathroom rug so I simply caulked the cracked portion and sanded down the rough edge a bit instead of replacing it.
Step 4: Apply a Good Primer
Using a really good primer is the key to success for painting ceramic tile! I used INSL-X STIX (available {here}) which is my go-to primer for painting surfaces that paint might normally have a hard time adhering too (you might remember that I used it to prime brass shelving strips on the inside of the bookcase when I made-over our family room). I used a paint brush and small roller simultaneously, painting the edges and grout lines with my brush and then rollering on the primer for the rest. Just make sure you start at the far end of the room and work towards the door so you don’t paint yourself into a corner. Once it was dry, I recoated using the same technique.
Step 5: Paint Your Tile!
I painted our floor tile in the same way as I primed it, using a paint brush on the edges and on the grout and rollering the rest as I went:
The type of paint that I used was Benjamin Moore’s Floor & Patio Paint since it’s meant to stand up to lots of use and abuse. I applied three coats of paint, letting it dry according to the paint instructions in between coats. The color I went with is Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray, which is the same gray color as the lighter portions of my stenciled walls.
Step 6: Seal Your Tile?
The last step if you choose to do it, is to seal your tile. I was definitely torn on whether to seal mine – with porch paint you technically don’t need to seal it since the paint is made to withstand a lot of wear but sealing it with a polyurethane would definitely make painted tile more durable. The only negative to using polyurethane is that if you do get a gash in your floor or some other area that needs to be repaired, it’s a little trickier to fix in a way that it blends in perfectly if you’ve topcoated with polyurethane. So for now, my floors are going topless (and after being used for several months have held up really well) but if your floors get lots of wear and tear, a topcoat of polyurethane is definitely something I’d think about.
Step 7: Let Your Floor Dry & Then Put It To Use!
After your last coat of paint or polyurethane, give your floor at least a day to dry before walking on it – it’s best to be gentle with it (no heeled shoes, etc.) for the first week or so until everything is fully cured. We’ve been back to using our bathroom normally for a few months now and the painted tile has held up beautifully! The only issue I’ve had is a small but deep scratch on one of the tiles that was obviously made by something sharp – I’m guessing a small stone that got stuck in someone’s shoe tread. I was able to sand it and repaint just that one tile and now you’d never know anything was once there. So overall, I’m incredibly happy with how it looks and how it’s worn! Especially for a project that cost me under $50!
The one other small change I made in this space is replacing the large jute rug that used to be in here with this large, cushy white bath mat (found {here}). Have I been living under a rock not knowing that they made bathmats that are long and narrow like this so that they span almost the whole width of the tub? I sooo needed one of these when my kids were little! I bought {this 30 x 50 size} and have already ordered another one for my daughters’ bathroom – in addition to being a great length it’s so super cozy on your feet and I love the subtle border design!
So I can finally write our bathroom off as one more room that’s done… for now at least 🙂 Just to see how far it’s come, this is what our bathroom looked like when we moved in (this is before we took out the rug because I decided that even the ugliest tile is better than a rug that goes around the toilet – yuck!):
and here it is today:
The best part is that it’s a room we didn’t spend a ton of money on. Other than the money spent on the wood medicine cabinet and sconces, everything else was inexpensive DIY projects. You can read more about how I stenciled the walls to look like wallpaper in {this post}, how I reworked our ancient towel bar in {this post}, and about the DIY art that I added over the toilet in {this post}.
So what do you think? I’ve included a full source list for my space below in case you were wondering where something in my bathroom came from – hope it’s helpful! If you love this DIY and would like to get more DIY and decorating inspiration delivered to your inbox, I’d love for you to subscribe by email – it’s only 1-2 posts per week and you can unsubscribe at any time!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wall stencil: Annapakshi Indian Damask Wall Stencil – I used the 11.25″ x 15.5″ furniture stencil (Basecoat paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa (Matte) in Chelsea Gray; Stencil paint: Platinum Gray (Benjamin Moore color but mixed in Behr Premium Plus Ultra in Satin) | Medicine Cabinet (weathered oak finish) – if you’re looking for a mirror in a similar design, check out {this arched wood mirror} |Sconces (polished nickel finish) – {these} are similar | Tassel Shower Curtain (citrine color) – {this shower curtain} is similar and comes in more color options | Bath mat (30 x 50) | Soap dispenser, woven basket on toilet, wood stool: HomeGoods | Frames above toilet are no longer available but {these linen mat frames} are a pretty alternative | Monogrammed tissue Box Cover | Turkish Bath Towel (grey/white)
Kris, this is amazing! So impressive!
Haneen, thank you – so sweet of you to stop by! XOXO
How does your painted tiles stand up to cleaning? I’m thinking your shower.
Looks lovely by the way!
So far it’s held up great! I’ve just used warm water with a splash of all-purpose cleaner in it. I didn’t paint any of the tile in the actual shower – I’d definitely be worried about that holding up!
Hi Kris,
Would this work if our tile is glazed? Yours looks more porous.
Bests, Sarah
Looks great!! Love that you took 3 years – makes me feel like it’s never too late : )
Thank you! I have way too many projects that I should have knocked out sooner than I did!
In my bathroom, I have dated Burgundy tiles spread out randomly with white tiles~ do you think it would be worth the effort to try and individually paint these gray (or greige) to be a complement to the white or should I try and paint all the tiles? The tiles go up and around a jetted tub too……
Thanks for the post!!
Your floors are spectacular and I LOVE the stenciling. 🙂
With your tile situation, that’s a tough call! It would definitely take a whole lot longer to do individual tiles than do all of the tiles plus the grout – I think it just depends on how much time you’re willing to put into it and which look you like better. I would be hesitant to do it around a tub if those tiles get a lot of water splashed on them but if they don’t, you should be good! And thanks for your sweet words about my post!
Looks great! I’ve been thinking of painting one of our bathroom floors so your post has been really helpful. How do your floors stand up to cleaning?
So far so good! I can actually get them a lot cleaner than I could my old tile. I’ve just been using warm water with a touch of all-purpose cleaner in it.
Wow!!!!! Looks fantastic!
Thank you so much!
Wow, the floors look fabulous! I used your grout paint for a spot in mine and that
worked well too.
Thank you so much! And I’m glad the grout paint worked as well for you as it did for me!
Wow! Very nice Kris….amazing improvement!
And I love that it was so inexpensive. ????
Thank you so much! The price was definitely a plus!!
Kris, you are a wonder! I’m still in awe of your stenciling job (those corners!) and now your ‘new’ tile floor! Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your sources, btw.
You are too sweet! Thank you Sharon and enjoy your weekend!
What I great idea. I never thought of painting tile floors. It looks amazing.
Thank you so much!!
WOW!!! What a transformation from the original bathroom! The space is gorgeous!
I have a couple of accent tiles in the shower of the guest bathroom that I’ve been giving the stink eye to. They are travertine that has been sealed. Do you think this same method could work on those?
I purchased the grout paint, per one of your previous posts; and really need to get started on that project.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful space and the sources.
Hi Vanessa,
I’m not sure about using it on tile in the shower itself – I would be worried that with so much exposure to water it might eventually peel!
Oh my word, this looks amazing. Great job.
Marty – thank you so much! Enjoy your weekend!!
Hi, when can you come and do mine. I live in England- is that a bit too far to travel?
I seriously love what you’ve done with your bathroom. I would never have used grey and white, thinking it’d be too cold looking. What you’ve done is amazing.
Jenny, if you send me a plane ticket and give me a place to stay, I’m there! Ha! Thanks so much for your sweet words and enjoy your weekend!
Gorgeous! Thank you for the tips! I was thinking about sealing! Good job!
Thanks Monique! Enjoy your weekend!
Such a difference a little paint makes! It definitely needed the grey!
Thanks Brenna! The power of paint always amazes me! That ugly floor had nowhere to go but up!
Looks fantastic! Thanks for being brave enough to give it a go & sharing your process.
Thank you so much Jill!
What a great fix to an ugly floor. That’s really cool, it goes so well with your stenciled walls. I think you should write a book! A DIY to fixing up a home. 🙂
xo,
Karen
Ha! Thank you Karen! Maybe that will be a good project for me in a few years when I’m an empty nester 🙂
Amazing difference Kris!! And $50 is a heck of a lot cheaper than tearing out the tile and installing something new! What a difference the before and after!!
Thanks Lisa! I’m seriously kicking myself for waiting so long to do it. Enjoy your weekend sweet friend!
Amazing!! We just moved into a home that has gray tile with a red diamond in between every tile in the entry way. I was thinking of painting that diamond black to match the railings. Think it would work?? I adore what you did!!
Hi Sandi! I think that would probably work – you’d just need to paint it carefully so you don’t get paint on the grout. In this case, I would seal them after painting too!
Wow what a difference that made to your bathroom! It looks gorgeous!! You did a fantastic job thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks Sherri!
What an improvement!!! You are so talented my friend!
Thanks so much Jen! I had so much fun with you this week! We need to do it all over again sometime soon!
Painting the tiles? Never thought at this DIY! Love the idea! Going to make some changes, you know it!
Thanks Monique – it definitely opens up lots of possibilities!!
I love what you have done. I am goi g to paint my bathroom floor but planning to use a stencil for design. Your tips will really help. Anything you can add about using stencils please feel free
Thanks Rosie! I’ve never stenciled a floor but I did write a post with tips about stenciling walls that I think would be useful for floors too – you can find it here: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/stenciling-how-to-tips-tricks-pics/
Wow, what a transformation, from an ugly duckling to classy and sophisticated bathroom. You have done an amazing job Kris. Who knew that painting a tile floor would be so relatively easy and super affordable.
Thank you so much Sharon – I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
What an amazing job you’ve done!
Congratulations. I have so many ideas in my head for things about the house but lack the “know how”. Your articles are so helpful and I thank you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment – it’s so appreciated! Enjoy your weekend!
Do you think this would work in a large, high traffic area kitchen? I’m dying to go gray. I painted my cabinets and the floor needs to be in harmony 🙂 Worried that it won’t hold up and I will wish I didn’t miss with the old tiles. Thanks!
Hi Bonnie – it’s hard to say if it would hold up well enough or not but I think I’d be a little hesitant about it in an area like the kitchen where occasionally things get dropped on the floor. If you did try it, I’d definitely top coat it with polyurethane. Wish I had more definite advice one way or another but I haven’t tried it myself so just don’t know for sure!
You are not only extremely talented but you are so brave! What a lot of hard work that really paid off! I have no suggestions. I’m just swooning over the beautiful results.
What a super sweet comment Katy – thank you!!
I had that same birdcage wallpaper in my master bath, I love what you have done! Thanks for sharing, I’m going to try this on a bathroom in our house that has green tile with pink grout, I’ve hated it since we moved in 18 years ago🤢
Lori that’s hysterical – I bet that wallpaper was the talk of the town back in the day! 🙂
I am so glad I found your blog. I’m in the process of updating the bathroom of our 1960 home. All original. So you can imagine the old gouted tiny patterned tiles of the floor. You did an outstanding job, hope my tiny tiles turns out as well as yours did. Our bathroom is the kind that has matching lavender color tub, toilet and sink. They certainly had wild style back then.
Ha! My whole bathroom (tub, tile, and all) used to be pink so I hear you! Good luck with whipping your bathroom into shape!
Very pretty bathroom you have gave me excellent ideas for my bathroom.
Oh good! I’m glad you enjoyed the post Terri!
It all looks fabulous, especially the stencilling. I recently painted my bedroom grey which I loved at first but now thinking a little decoration would be goo. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Pat! Happy holidays!
Love love love it! How has it stood up to the test of time? My wife is so concerned that it won’t withstand our walking , her moving chairs to put on makeup etc.
Adam, it has held up even better than I expected! As I mentioned in the post, one tile got scratched early on by something sharp (I’m guessing a stone in someone’s shoe) but other than that it still looks perfect! We really don’t have any furniture we’re moving around on our floors though – If you have a chair, I’d definitely be sure to topcoat it with a polyurethane for some extra protection!
Your painted tile floors look fantastic! I’m inspired to start on my kitchen backsplash using your painting tips and techniques. I don’t know how well a painted tile backsplash will hold up long term, but a light color of paint will make a big impact in this dark kitchen. Thanks so much for sharing your home and talent!
Thanks Wendy! I actually have a friend whoo painted her backsplash and it turned out great! I’d just try to not go overboard with the amount of water it’s exposed to.
Thank you for your detailed how to project. I have several tiles floors and thought to myself, “Could these be painted?” Until now, the experts I asked said no. You have given me inspiration to do it. The tile in my Nevada house has a shinier finish than your tile. Do you think that sanding will allow the paint to adhere?
Marilyn I’ve only done it in this one room so I can’t say for sure but I’m guessing that as long as you sand it well and use the primer I mentioned, you should be ok!
Hi Kris! What grit of sandpaper did you use? Thanks
I used a few different grits. I started with using an 80 grit sandpaper on the parts of our tile that had stuff built up on them by the toilet and sink. Then I believe I used 220 to go over those spots plus sand the rest of the floor.
I have ceramic tile floors in my bathroom that I dislike because of the color. I would like to paint the tile floors but am wondering if it is possible because of the style of my tiles. Each tile has an uneven pattern so they are not smooth like your tiles. Do you think it might still be possible for me to paint these tiles? Your bathroom looks great by the way!
Mark I can’t say for sure because I’ve never tried it with uneven tile but I wouldn’t think it would be a problem!
Looks great. How does the painted tile feel on your feet? I am afraid painted floor tile will feel rough to the tough.
Honestly I don’t feel like it’s the least bit rough! Since I sanded the tile well before painting and used a roller that gives a really smooth finish it really feels no different on my feet than typical tile!
Your bathroom looks great!! I am considering trying this in my kitchen but I have 2 dogs. Do you think it would hold up?
Thanks Diana! My only experience doing it is in our bathroom and it’s held up great but our dog really doesn’t go in that room so I can’t say for sure. I would definitely put some type of polyurethane or other protective coating on it though. Good luck!
WOW! Wonderful transformation. I revamped our bathroom with subway tile etc. Even though the floor is in fine condition it no longer looks right with the new black, white and gray color scheme. You have definitely inspired me to paint floor tiles. I have been wanting to do it for a while now but until I read your post I was fearful. Not anymore….thank you.
I do wonder though, if painting them will hurt the resale value of the house any though. Thanks again.
So glad that you found it helpful Kathleen!
I got to do this to my son bathroom. Outstandingly gorgeous
Thank you so much!
Thank you! Your floor looks beautiful. I have a basement floor I’ve been giving the stink eye. As soon as I etch out some time I’m going to tackle it.
Thank you! Good luck getting it done!
I guess you can paint wall tile using the same method? I wonder how the paint would hold up in a shower area?
Jody I’m assuming it would work on wall tile too but haven’t tried it. I’d be hesitant to do it in a shower though – being exposed to that much moisture I’m not sure it would hold up.
The bathroom tile repaint is beautiful- I’m thinking about trying that in my bathroom. I have white tile and it looks dirty and stained in some places- I think you’re idea might work! Thanks for all the info too- really appreciate it!
Did you remove the toilet and sink pedestals before painting, or did you just paint around them? I’ve been putting off replacing my floor tile because I really don’t want to have to remove and reinstall my toilet.
Hi Kris,
Your bathroom looks fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
What is your thought about doing this same painting process on a kitchen tile floor that gets higher traffic than a bathroom?
It seems hard to find a clear sealer that isn’t glossy…..even the polyurethanes that say matte finish dry with a shine. Any suggestions? Or recommendations on a product that is clear and seals with a matte finish? for tile?
Thanks!
Tammy
If you do a high traffic spot like that, I’d definitely use a top coat. I know that Minwax’s Polyacrylic in Matte is not shiny because I just used it on a refinished table but I don’t know if that’s an appropriate topcoat for flooring – definitely something to look into though!
Hi, your project looks great! I came across your page when I was googling on re painting toilet. I am looking at painting a small patch of the tiles in the shower area. Do you think the paint which you recommend would stand up to daily dose of shower water or it’s better to go with epoxy paint? Thanks!
I think for daily water and moisture like in the shower I’d do an epoxy paint. With daily high humidity like that, this might not hold up.
Love love LOVE!!!! Going to do this to my bathroom after reading this!
Thanks so much for your inspiration. Does this paint have a bad odor like some of the other tile paint I have been reading about?
Dorothy it had an odor but nothing terrible – I’ve read that about certain tile paints and don’t think this is anywhere near as smelly as those.
Painting the bathroom floor didn’t come out right. I had my handyman go to our local Rings End and bought the primer and paint that could be used on garage floors. I see exactly where we went wrong NOW. No sanding, no stripper & cleaner but I did vacuum and washed the floor with Clorox & water. Two coats primer and one coat top paint. It’s a miserable mess-the white primer is scratched and the one coat of Navy blue obviously did not stick. I think I will rent a palm sander and start over myself and follow your direction to the word. Thank You.
I’m glad that you found this post helpful! I would definitely scuff up your floors by sanding first and I would also tint your primer since you’re using a dark color over it. Finally, if it’s in a room that gets a lot of wear, I would finish it off with a top coat!
you showed the bath tile floor with red tile but the “before” picture had blue tile ? Is that the same bath?
Yes – the blue was a rug and the red tile was under it.
I came across your blog when I was desperately googling for a solution to my ugly bathroom tile that didn’t involve ripping it out and installing new flooring. Your bathroom is beautiful and I can’t wait to give it a try! Quick question: did you have to remove the toilet and sink before painting your floor? Or were you able to just sand/prime/paint around them? Thanks!
(And now off to browse the rest of your blog 🙂 )
Hi Mary – no I didn’t remove the toilet – I just painted around it including painting the paintable caulk that seals it to the ground!
After reading this. I’m ready to paint my ugly floor tile. I like that you use bm patio paint. That’s a great idea.
Good luck with it!
I have been searching for information on painting a ceramic tile floor and this fits the bill. The floor is one with a combination of different sized tiles laid in a pattern and a high gloss shine. Do you think this method would work?
Thanks, Cathy
Cathy I think if you did a good cleaning and sanding job on the tile first it would likely work but I can’t say for sure since I’ve never tried it on an extremely high gloss tile.
This looks so great!
I;m going to try this in the kitchen, since, we’re empty nesters and I’m usually the only one in there. Leaving it unsealed and using the products you recommend seems to be the best way to go for easy repair if needed.
Thanks so much for your post. I’ve been agonizing over what to do with the floor for some time.
I hope it works well for you!
Hello Kris, I really like how your tile turn out. I am going to try to do mine as well. But I have a questions. After painting the tile, what are you doing with the grout. Will the grout remain panted and will not show any grout?
Is this paint will not peel through the years. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
I painted both the tile and the grout so yes, the grout will stay painted. My floors have been in place for over six months now with no peeling. I can’t promise that for every single tile type there is no chance of it ever peeling, I can only tell you what my experience has been and it has not been an issue for me.
Honestly, I prefer the “before” picture, with its bright, cheery colors.
It was DEFINITELY not my style but to each his/her own!
I’m going to do this to my pink 1960s tile. Can I use a ‘glossy’-oil (porch, floor & patio) paint or is a latex best?? I don’t know which to choose. I’d like a shiny look so I prefer glossy but it’s oil based. Will it hold up and what exactly did you use? Thank you for the great idea!! Also, will this same method work for my shower?
Hi Jennifer – I used Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio paint which is available in different sheens depending on the look that you like. I would not recommend painting tile that’s in the shower as I think you’d have peeling issues.
what was the total cost?
It depends on which supplies you already have on hand but unless you need to buy a sander it should cost under $100 (not including any top coat you might add).
Beautiful! Does painting floor tile work if the floors are radiant heat?
Antonia I don’t know but I’d be hesitant to try it!
Beautiful! You did awesome job. I’m inspired to do the same.
just one comment about using polyurethane, ..if you are painting over white, best to use a water based poly because the oil based poly will eventually yellow the white color.
Hi, it looks great and I am inspired. I have a question on painting the floor tilt with the product you used. How has it held up with time and foot traffic?
Yes, it’s held up remarkably well!
Wow! Thanks for the great information. I have been thinking about this project.
Hi Kris thank you for the story. I looked for specifics on the sanding and didn’t find them so I’ll ask. Did you use coarse or fine sanding paper? Was there a lot of dust with that sanding process?
I have brand new tile in my bathroom that is supposed to be grey. It is in a herringbone style, not all one color. It is on the brown and tan shades not grey. Any ideas?
Love it! Great detailed instructions too. Can you tell me how long it took you to do your floors?