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How to paint bathroom tiles

Transform your dated bathroom with a paint job that won't break the bank!
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With a bit of elbow grease and patience, you can transform your bathroom using a budget renovator’s favourite product – paint.

WATCH: Daniella shows you how to paint bathroom tiles

Gather your supplies

  • Dulux Renovation Range: Primer; Tiles & Benchtops; Clear Coat
  • Silicon

You’ll also need

  • Sugar soap
  • Bucket
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Wipes
  • Mould killer
  • Silicone remover
  • Silicone removing tool
  • Masking tape
  • 400-grit wet and dry sandpaper
  • Sanding block
  • Paint tray
  • Microfibre roller
  • Paintbrush
  • Caulking gun

Step 1

How to paint tiles, step 1
Step 1 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Mix a solution of sugar soap and water in a bucket and use to scrub tiles to remove any dirt or grease. Rinse with clean water. Repeat to ensure tiles are very clean. 

Step 2

How to paint tiles step 2
Step 2 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Clean and scrub tiles with mould killer. Pay special attention to grout lines. Rinse clean.

Step 3

Use a silicone remover and removing tool to get rid of any old silicone around the bathroom as the paint won’t stick to it. Mask any adjacent areas you don’t want to paint.

Step 4

How to paint tiles step 4
Step 4 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Use 400-grit wet and dry sandpaper on the tiles to remove any gloss and slightly roughen the surface to help the paint stick. Rinse to remove dust.

Step 5

How to paint tiles step 5
Step 5 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Mix primer and supplied additive as per product instructions. Apply to tiles using a microfibre roller. Ensure even coverage. Leave to dry for 8 hours.

Step 6

How to paint tiles step 6
Step 6 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Mix paint and supplied additive as per product instructions. Use a brush to cut in around edges and in corners, then apply paint with a roller. Make sure you keep a wet edge and lay off the finish and layoff the finish by using an unloaded roller to go over job in one direction. Leave to dry, apply a second coat and leave to dry again. 

Step 7

Apply clear coat over the painted finish. Ensure an even finish over your tiles. Leave to dry.

Step 8

Reapply silicone around baths and vanity tops and around the shower.

Want to see more step-by-step projects for this coastal bathroom makeover?

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How to build window shelves

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