Is your old tile looking dull and dated? Do you dream of a fresh, new look without the hassle and cost of a full renovation? Painting tile is a fantastic way to transform a space, but the biggest hurdle is picking the right paint. It can feel like a maze! You worry about chipping, peeling, and whether the paint will even stick to that slick, hard surface.
Choosing the wrong paint means wasted time and money, and you end up right back where you started with ugly tile. That’s why we dove deep into the best paints designed specifically for tile. We cut through the confusing jargon to find durable, beautiful solutions for your bathroom, kitchen, or any tiled area.
Keep reading to discover the top paint choices that last, how to prepare your tile perfectly, and the simple steps to achieve a professional, long-lasting finish. Get ready to transform those boring tiles into something amazing!
Top Paint For Painting Tile Recommendations
- Quickly Restore Glossy Finish of Bathtub, Tubs, Tiles: Specifically designed touch up paint with excellent adhesion for precise coating application; portable, quick drying, water resistant; works on porcelain, fiberglass, enamel, acrylic, cast iron in bathroom
- High Gloss & Ultra Durable: Ankita specialty and no-slip bathtub touch up paint white provides high gloss surface to your tub, bathtub, tile; water resistant, long-lasting and quick drying; leaves surface seamless, smooth and flawless finish for a long time
- Precise to Apply & Great Heat Resistant: The innovative built-in brush makes your touch up project a breeze; has strong tile paint grip and apply the paint evenly and precisely for a no-mess usage; heat resistant up to 392°F, no crack in the warm bath
- Safe & Low Odor: Ankita tub paint for bathtub is made from a water-based acrylic quality formula; safe for the elderly and pets; no odor and ultra-low emission; ideal for small chips, spots, cracks, scratches
- Enjoy the Results, or It’s on Us: Your satisfaction is important to us! If you don’t get the results you want from our product, we will solve your misgiving includes resupply flawless product or make up all value of your order
- Prepare and paint surface the same day with a tough, with tub and tile’s 2-part epoxy acrylic formula that withstands moisture and resists corrosion
- For best results, thoroughly mix parts A and B separately before mixing together for 2 minutes; once combined be sure to use within 6 hours of mixing
- Each kit covers up to 110 sq. ft.; two coats highly recommended; wait 1-2 hours to recoat allow bathroom paint to dry for 3 days before exposing to water
- Make sure to adequately ventilate area when using tub and tile paint by opening windows and turning on a fan to circulate air
- Properly prep surface and read all directions included in kit thoroughly before beginning project
- 【Acrylic Formula】Our tub paint boasts an advanced water-based acrylic formula designed for durability and longevity. The high-quality acrylic resin ensures a strong, resistant finish that combats flaking and wear, providing a lasting transformation for your tiles
- 【Low Odor】Breathe easy while renovating! Our water-based sink paint minimizes harsh fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for indoor use in bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, ideal for homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers
- 【Effortless Cleanup】Our tub and tile paint can be cleaned up in seconds! Accidental drips or spills? Just wipe with water. No solvents, scrubbers, or specialized cleaners needed. This feature saves time, reduces mess, and eliminates exposure to chemicals during and after application
- 【Wide Coverage】Maximize efficiency with a 16.5oz bottle covering 25–30 sq.ft. per coat (2 or more coats recommended for dark tiles). The tub refinishing paint cures to a walkable state in 24 hours and fully hardens within 7 days, ensuring scratch-resistant results
- 【Versatile Application】Choose from 5 colors: white, black, light/dark gray, and vanilla white to complement your space. Our semi-gloss tile refinishing paint is suitable for bathtubs, sinks, countertops, floors, backsplashes, etc., adding sophistication, complementing both modern and traditional decor
- Porcelain-like finish
- Chip resistant
- Excellent durability in hot water & strong finish that resists peeling
- For use on Porcelain, Glass, Fiberglass, Ceramic Tile, Other glossy, non-porous surfaces
- Dry to touch in 25 minutes or less
- ALL-IN-ONE TILE REFINISHING (NO MIXING NEEDED) – Easily transform your outdated bathroom and kitchen. Unlike complicated 2-part epoxy kits, our ready-to-use, single-component formula requires no messy mixing. Effectively covers old ugly colors on bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and shower wall surrounds, delivering a renovated look instantly.
- DURABLE & WATER-RESISTANT FINISH – Designed for high-humidity environments, this coating bonds strongly to ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, and fiberglass. It creates a tough, washable surface that resists hot water and daily cleaning. (Note: Ideal for vertical surfaces like walls and draining tubs; avoid use on floor areas with standing water.)
- LOW ODOR & ECO-FRIENDLY - Renovate your home safely with our low-VOC, water-based formula. Unlike harsh epoxy paints, this tub and tile refinishing kit is virtually odorless, making it safe for indoor DIY projects around family and pets without the need for heavy ventilation.
- EASY DIY & QUICK DRYING - Perfect for beginners, this self-leveling paint applies smoothly to minimize brush marks. The fast-drying formula reduces downtime, allowing you to complete your tile makeover and use your bathroom again in just 24-48 hours.
- MODERN SEMI-GLOSS FINISH– Achieve a sophisticated semi-gloss sheen that makes old surfaces look clean and modern. It provides excellent coverage to hide discoloration and stains. Please note: This kit is a cosmetic resurfacing coating, not a filler for deep cracks or chips.
- 【Acrylic Formula】Our tub paint boasts an advanced acrylic formula designed for durability and longevity. The high-quality acrylic resin ensures a strong, resistant finish that combats flaking and wear, providing a lasting transformation for your tiles
- 【Low Odor】Breathe easy while renovating! Our water-based sink paint minimizes harsh fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for indoor use in bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, ideal for homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers
- 【Effortless Cleanup】Our tub and tile paint can be cleaned up in seconds! Accidental drips or spills? Just wipe with water. No solvents, scrubbers, or specialized cleaners needed. This feature saves time, reduces mess, and eliminates exposure to toxic chemicals during and after application
- 【Wide Coverage】Maximize efficiency with a 16.5oz bottle covering 25–30 sq.ft. per coat (2 or more coats recommended for dark tiles). Remove tape & enjoy your tub after 24–36 hours (once dry to the touch). Fully cured in 7 days.(No scrubbing or heavy cleaning for 7 days.)
- 【Versatile Application】Choose from 3 colors: white, light gray, and black to complement your space. Our semi-gloss tile refinishing paint is suitable for bathtubs, sinks, countertops, floors, backsplashes, etc., adding sophistication, complementing both modern and traditional decor
- 【Construction Kit】-Essential tools for DIYers & pros. Includes 1kg/33oz base, 20g hardener, gloves, brush, roller, masking supplies, sandpaper, manual. Perfect for home and commercial projects
- 【Easy Cleanup】 - Experience hassle-free post-painting with DWIL tile paints. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and solvents commonly associated with oil- or solvent-based alternatives. Simply rinse your tools and brushes with water, and spills or splatters can be easily cleaned up with water as well
- 【Low Odor】 - Our advanced tub and tile refinishing kit utilizes a low-odor, low-VOC formula engineered for indoor applications. Unlike conventional refinishing products, it significantly reduces airborne irritants, ensuring a more comfortable workspace with minimal ventilation requirements
- 【Enhanced Durability】 - DWIL sink paint features premium acrylic resin for toughness and anti-flaking properties. Its innovative water-based two-part formula bonds securely to tile, safeguarding against peeling and chipping. Achieve stunning, long-lasting tiles that retain their beauty even in humid settings like bathrooms
- 【Quick Drying】- After applying DWIL Bathtub Paint, the surface will be touch-dry within 24-36 hours. Fully cured in 7 days.(No scrubbing or heavy cleaning for 7 days.) the finish is fully cured and you can use your refurbished space
- 【Broad Applicability】The tub paint is ideal for indoor and outdoor tiles, wood, glass,ceramics, acrylic, and marble surfaces like sinks, floors, bathtubs, walls.. Not suitable for artificial marble, metal, powdery or peeling substrates. Cast iron tubs (iron alloys with porcelain enamel) can be painted; regular iron tubs cannot
- 【33 oz Capacity】Generous 33 oz capacity covers an area of 50-55 sq ft, perfect for medium to large renovation projects. The tile paint also comes with a sponge roller, a brush, a pair of gloves, a masking tape, a masking film, two sandpapers, a user manual to complete your project efficiently
- 【Low Odor & VOCs】This tile floor paint has a low odor and minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), providing a more pleasant painting experience. Ideal for use in enclosed spaces without overpowering fumes
- 【Waterproof & Anti-Peeling】The tub refinishing kit features a water-based acrylic resin formula that offers exceptional waterproofing and anti-peeling properties. This creates long-lasting durability and protection against wear and tear, maintaining a fresh look over time
- 【Fast Drying】Quick-drying sink paint formula allows for easy application. Wait about 2 hours between coats and 24 hours for full curing. Your painted surface will be ready for use in just 7 days, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. Please clean the surface thoroughly before apply
Choosing the Best Paint for Your Tile Transformation
Want to give your old tiles a fresh new look without the mess of a full renovation? Painting tile is a great way to update kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. But picking the right paint makes all the difference between a beautiful finish and a peeling disaster. This guide helps you choose the perfect product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for tile paint, you need features that handle tough conditions. Look for these important qualities:
- Durability and Adhesion: The paint must stick firmly to smooth tile surfaces. Strong adhesion prevents chipping.
- Water Resistance: Since tiles are often in wet areas (showers, backsplashes), the paint needs to resist water damage and mildew growth.
- Low VOC/Odor: Low Volatile Organic Compounds mean less harsh smell while you paint and better air quality afterward.
- Scrubbability: You need to be able to clean the surface. High-quality tile paint resists stains and can handle scrubbing.
Important Materials and Types
Not all paints are made the same. The base material of the paint heavily influences its performance on tile.
Epoxy-Based Paints
Epoxy paints are often the best choice for tile. They cure into a very hard, plastic-like shell. This shell is extremely durable and highly waterproof. They are perfect for high-traffic areas or shower surrounds.
Urethane or Polyurethane Paints
These offer excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals. They provide a very tough finish, often used over epoxy for extra protection or on floors.
Acrylic Latex (with Primer)
While standard latex paint won’t stick well to tile, specialized acrylic formulas designed for bonding can work. However, they almost always require a strong bonding primer first. These are generally less durable than epoxy options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Your final result depends on the paint quality and how you prepare the surface.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Two-Part Systems: Epoxy paints often come in two parts (resin and hardener). Mixing these creates a chemical reaction that results in superior hardness and bonding.
- Self-Leveling Properties: Some higher-end paints level out as they dry. This helps hide brush strokes and creates a smoother, factory-like finish.
- Good Curing Time: Allowing the paint to cure fully (sometimes up to a week) before exposing it to water or heavy use drastically improves its final strength.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Surface Preparation: If you skip cleaning and degreasing the tile, the paint will not stick properly. This is the number one cause of failure.
- Painting Over Silicone Caulk: Paint will not adhere to silicone. You must remove all old caulk before painting.
- Using Interior Wall Paint: Standard wall paint lacks the hardness and water resistance needed for tile. It will peel quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the paint feels to use and where you plan to apply it matters greatly.
Ease of Application
Epoxy paints can sometimes be trickier to work with because you have a limited time once mixed (pot life). If you are a beginner, look for “single-component” or “water-based” epoxy kits that offer longer working times. Always use high-quality brushes and rollers recommended by the manufacturer.
Best Use Cases
- Kitchen Backsplashes: Look for scrubbable, stain-resistant formulas.
- Bathroom Walls/Vanities: Water resistance and mildew resistance are essential here.
- Floors (Use Caution!): Only use specialized, heavy-duty floor epoxy kits. Standard tile paint will fail quickly on floors due to constant traffic.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Tile
Q: Can I paint over any type of tile?
A: Most hard, glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles can be painted. However, very slick or oily surfaces need extra sanding or etching chemicals to help the paint grip.
Q: Do I have to use a special primer?
A: Yes, almost always. A bonding primer is crucial for adhesion. It creates a bridge between the slick tile and the topcoat paint.
Q: How long does tile paint last?
A: When applied correctly using a quality two-part epoxy system, the paint can last five to ten years, especially in low-traffic areas.
Q: How long until I can use my shower after painting?
A: You must wait for the paint to fully cure, not just dry. This usually means waiting 3 to 7 days before exposing the area to heavy moisture or hot water.
Q: Is painting tile cheaper than replacing it?
A: Yes, painting is significantly cheaper. It saves money on materials and labor costs associated with demolition.
Q: Can I paint grout lines too?
A: Yes, you can paint the grout, but you should use a specific grout paint or a very stiff brush to get the color in. Grout absorbs paint differently than the tile itself.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when painting tile?
A: Not cleaning the surface thoroughly enough. Grease, soap scum, and dirt prevent the primer and paint from sticking.
Q: Should I sand the tile before painting?
A: Light sanding (using fine-grit sandpaper) dulls the slick surface, which greatly improves how well the primer grips the tile.
Q: Can I use this paint on plastic or fiberglass shower inserts?
A: Check the label carefully. Some epoxy paints work on fiberglass, but others do not. Use only products specifically rated for that material.
Q: What is the best color finish for a kitchen backsplash?
A: Semi-gloss or satin finishes are best. They reflect light nicely and are much easier to wipe clean than a flat finish.