Tile Troubles? I Feel Your Pain!

Ah, the bathroom – the one room in our homes that should be a serene oasis, but so often ends up feeling like a relic from the past. If your dated bathroom tile is bringing you down, don’t worry, I’ve been there! When my husband and I moved into our fixer-upper a few years ago, the 1980s green and peach tile in our master bath had me feeling anything but relaxed. But with a little creativity and elbow grease, I was able to give that tired tile a fresh new look – all on a tight budget. And I’m here to share my tips so you can do the same!

Prep is Key (But Don’t Panic)

Now I know the thought of tackling a tile makeover can be daunting, but trust me, it’s not as hard as it seems. The key is all in the prep work. Yes, it takes some time and effort upfront, but it makes a world of difference in the final result.

First up, you’ll need to remove any existing caulk or grout. This can be a tedious task, but just take it one section at a time. I found that a sharp utility knife and some good old-fashioned elbow grease did the trick. Once that’s done, give the tiles a thorough cleaning with a degreaser like TSP substitute. This ensures the paint will have a pristine surface to adhere to.

Now comes the fun part – sanding! Yep, you’ll want to lightly sand each tile to rough up the surface and help the paint grab on. I used a medium grit wet/dry sandpaper and worked in small sections. Just be sure to vacuum up all that dust when you’re done.

Paint Party Time!

With the prep work out of the way, it’s time to get to the good stuff – painting! For this project, you’ll want to use a special tub and tile paint. I went with the Rust-Oleum Home Floor Coating kit, which comes with a base coat and top coat. The key is taking your time and working in manageable sections.

I started by brushing on the base coat, making sure to get into all those grout lines. Then I followed up quickly with the roller to ensure an even, streak-free finish. After letting the first coat dry for an hour, I applied a second coat for full coverage.

The top coat went on just as easily, using the same brush and roll method. This clear sealer not only protects the paint, but also gives the surface a nice smooth, uniform look. Just be sure to let it cure for the full 24 hours before subjecting it to any foot traffic.

Finishing Touches

With the painting done, all that’s left are the finishing touches. I like to re-caulk all the edges and seams to create a polished look. And don’t forget to replace any hardware, like shower caddies or towel bars, that you may have had to remove during the process.

The final step? Stepping back and admiring your handiwork! I have to say, I was pretty darn proud when I looked at our “new” bathroom. What had been a dated eyesore was now a serene, spa-like retreat. And the best part? The whole project cost us less than $150 – a steal compared to the thousands it would have cost to replace the tile entirely.

Budget-Friendly Bliss

So if you’re tired of staring at that tired old tile, don’t despair! With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can give your bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Just follow these simple steps and get ready to fall in love with your space all over again.

Of course, if you need any more tips or have questions along the way, you know where to find me. Happy tiling, my friends!

References

[1] Noting Grace. “How We Changed Our Bathroom Tile for $150 Bucks.” Noting Grace, 7 Nov. 2019, notinggrace.com/changed-our-bathroom-tile-for-150-bucks/.

[2] Designer Trapped. “How to Update Your Bathroom Tile Without Replacing It.” Designer Trapped, 12 June 2019, designertrapped.com/update-bathroom-tile-without-replacing-it/.

[3] Plumbworld. “Give Your Bathroom Tiles a Makeover.” Plumbworld, 16 June 2021, www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/give-bathroom-tiles-makeover.

[4] MyDIYHappyHome. “From Ugly to Wow: How to Paint Bathroom Shower Tile.” MyDIYHappyHome, 20 May 2020, mydiyhappyhome.com/from-ugly-to-wow-how-to-paint-bathroom-shower-tile/.

[5] r/homeimprovementideas. “How Would You Update This Bathroom on a Budget?” Reddit, 16 Jan. 2013, www.reddit.com/r/homeimprovementideas/comments/16g8yfi/how_would_you_update_this_bathroom_on_a_budget/.

[6] Designs by Karan. “Farmhouse Bathroom Update on a Budget.” Designs by Karan, 7 May 2019, designsbykaran.com/farmhouse-bathroom-update-on-budget/.

[7] Little House of Four. “Budget-Friendly Vintage Modern Hall Bathroom Makeover.” Little House of Four, 7 Feb. 2019, www.littlehouseoffour.com/2019/02/budget-friendly-vintage-modern-hall.html.

[8] The DIY Playbook. “Guest Bathroom Refresh.” The DIY Playbook, 18 June 2019, thediyplaybook.com/guest-bathroom-refresh/.