How to Paint Tile | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner avoid a costly and drawn-out project by painting his avocado green tiles with an epoxy paint.
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Paint expert Mauro Henrique heads out on a house call to check out a beautiful kitchen renovation, the homeowner takes Mauro to the issue: an avocado green bathroom tile. Mauro first explains the options to the homeowner, explaining that he can either tear all of the tiles down and rebuild or simply paint the tiles. In light of budget and time, the two decide to paint the existing tile.
Difficulty: ⅖
Time: A weekend
Cost: Under $100
Where to find it?
Mauro helps a homeowner, Brian, repaint his 1950’s avocado green bathroom tile with a white epoxy tile paint [amzn.to/3fNTPQI].
Mauro and Brian use painters tape [amzn.to/3zY7Kub] to protect the edges of the newly painted bathroom walls. To cover the vanity and toilet, they use plastic sheeting [amzn.to/3NIXNqi]. For the last step to prep the bathroom, they tape down floor paper [amzn.to/3FSuwaz].
To sand the tiles for better adhesion, Mauro uses an orbital sander [amzn.to/3E8Qbdt] and 320-grit sandpaper [amzn.to/3zVFetg]. To clean up the dust, Mauro goes in with a HEPA-Vac [amzn.to/3NOYq1E]. To paint the tile, Mauro uses an epoxy acrylic Tub and Tile paint [amzn.to/3EbLtvz]. To ensure proper ventilation, Mauro installs a window ventilator [amzn.to/3tbagcO], and he and Brian wear respirator masks [amzn.to/3UtWuxK].
To cut-in Mauro uses a soft 1-½ inch angled brush [amzn.to/3WSoSvo]. Then Mauro and Brian roll the paint onto the tiles using 4 inch foam rollers [amzn.to/3Ecemrp] and short neck roller frames [amzn.to/3TfPjYI]. For the second coat, to get deeper into the grout, Mauro switches to 4 inch microfiber rollers [amzn.to/3UARW8F].
All products can be found at local home centers.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Materials:
Cleaning solution [amzn.to/3O4GLDj]
Microfiber cloth [amzn.to/3tf0vKQ]
Painter’s tape [amzn.to/3zY7Kub]
Plastic drop cloths [amzn.to/3NIXNqi]
Resin paper [amzn.to/3FSuwaz]
320 grit sandpaper [amzn.to/3zVFetg]
Epoxy paint [amzn.to/3fNTPQI]
Foam roller covers [amzn.to/3Ecemrp]
Microfiber roller covers [amzn.to/3UARW8F]
Tools:
Screwdriver [amzn.to/3DK80xS]
Flat painter’s tool or putty knife [amzn.to/3Ee42iK]
Random orbital sander [amzn.to/3E8Qbdt]
Wet-dry vac [amzn.to/3NOYq1E]
Window fan [amzn.to/3tbagcO]
Respirator [amzn.to/3UtWuxK]
Paint roller [amzn.to/3TfPjYI]
Paintbrush [amzn.to/3WSoSvo]
Paint tray [amzn.to/3DTeURK]
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st...
About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How to Paint Tile | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@googeetzgageetz]

A lot of harsh comments but for $30 and a couple hours of time, he got what he wanted: white tile that will look 'decent' for years until he does a full bathroom renovation. The title of the video was "How to Paint Tile" and you clicked it so you got what you wanted as well; a video of someone doing a decent job painting tile 😄

[@eagl3ye]

Well said.

[@marleonetti7]

but no primer ?

[@cpassehl]

Not everyone has the money to tackle every project at once. When we bought our first house it had 1950s everything, and money for first time homeowners is not unlimited. This makes sense when you want to eventually retile in a few years, but don’t want to look at pink/yellow/green tile every day until then. It’s not a permanent solution, but it is a cost effective holdover. For a days work and less than $100 it works for a while.

[@mikeholmes3203]

mine is from 1930's and I am keeping all of it as it was, just stripped and refinished all of it

[@whybsonosey8625]

Yes my present nightmare conundrum. I have the depressing baby blue tile. I've worked with it for a few years but want to change it. I'm searching for an answer if this paint would hold up if the tile wraps around in your shower?

[@KSUGA-mo6se]

I love these videos for realistic weekend projects. I have a 1950's home, as well. I feel like I'm always updating something, but I can only do things a little at a time.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

I would have said "DON'T" paint tiles too, but SANDING the glaze down makes all the difference. I don't care what the manufacturer says; people don't wanna sand, so they say you don't have to. The bottom line is that better adhesion is achieved when you remove the sheen from ANYTHING.

[@myhonestreview5025]

Beautiful inexpensive way of updating ur bathroom! Looks great!

[@bngr_bngr]

I like the green tile. He should have just painted the walls white. The blue is to dark for the small bathroom.

[@johnlebzelter4208]

Hmm…no one asked for your opinion. Secondly, it’s not your house.

[@Nicksonian]

I think the result look hideous.

[@kathleenbrown6734]

a lot of times when you use a darker color in smaller spaces it makes it cozy and warm not small and overwhelming. I got that fro the professionals and applied that and it works.

[@annebrumbaugh3243]

That's your taste, he has his own taste

[@bngr_bngr]

@@annebrumbaugh3243 it’s not my taste, it the visual impact that white has. Now it looks like the bathroom of a taco joint.

[@kerrymoutray2676]

Oh the bathroom is now definitely dated with that dark blue and white. Argh!! Should have kept the Sage Green and painted the wall White. It Could have been Stunning!

[@TheBritishPatriot]

Wow! Second owner on a 1950’s house, the original family lived there for 70-ish years and it looks like they took good care of their home.

[@mikeholmes3203]

i bought a 1930's home and my trim is in amazing shape, i stripped it all due to it having lead paint, redid all the doors and hardware like a new place now, want to keep the house exactly as it was, but am going to wire it with Cat6 cables to bring it into the new world

[@franciscoguimaraes5356]

Mais um ótimo serviço Henrique. O contraste ficou perfeito. Parabéns!

[@rsage_]

Excelente trabalho, Maurão!

[@srharris88]

I have painted tiles similarly to the way showed. It works decently, but in my experience spraying it is a nicer finish. We sprayed all the tiles with an airless paint sprayer, I came back to the house around 2 years after and it still looked great.

[@susynjasper3886]

The paint doesn't chip off after awhile?

[@YaGirlOutside]

Shoot, this is exactly what I needed. A refreshed look

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

I learned something new, thanks Mauro ! 🙏

[@laurasinkins]

Fantastic. Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks

[@261COLLINS]

Beautiful!!

[@SR-gu4tu]

Looks good. Good job A nice picture and some decor will complete the look.

[@samarperry8484]

I think it came out great but the blue is dark. I actually liked the green and would've painted the cabinet white and probably popped a new counter and faucet a new fixture with a mirror to tie it together but mine would have costed like $300 compared to the $30 but would've been a nice mid century modern feel. But congrats on getting it the way you like it! Beautiful result. 😊

[@ronevans852]

Didn’t know that could be done wonderful job.

[@javiergalvan242]

Yet another great video guys! 💢💯👐☝️👏

[@jelsner5077]

I'd leave the green tile and paint the upper wall white. Work with it! When I moved into my house the bathroom tile was painted beige over pink. The paint kept chipping off and it looked awful.

[@Hemond1]

lots of good tips here on how to do this.

[@meleket2215]

You guys are always amusing! Thanks for sharing !

[@flat-earther]

Meleket I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Love it !

[@michaele1201]

There are a lot of comments, most say they would do it this way or that. I think the point of this video is that painting can be done. TOH knows there are several options.

[@trekkiejunk]

Anything can be painted. The question is, does it look right once its painted. Painting tile looks like painted tile. It doesn't look natural. It looks ghetto and cheap. If you can't afford to do the full re-do you want, re-paint the wall to complement the tile.

[@bhaktihealinglizreilly6938]

Well done love it

[@ocean1233]

Excellent

[@fredkennedy8435]

I halfway expected the guy to start using the toilet at the end as Enrique was doing his outro. lol

[@tanyafrancois-spurlock805]

Good evening, my bathroom is similar to this, with 70s blue n white tile. I brought the tub an tile paint in the blue box, but I saw you used the one in the green, does it make a difference? Thanks.

[@IMADALBASRII]

I love the light green color he would match the top color maybe more better

[@Mixdplate]

This clients tile/grout appeared in very good condition for its vintage age. My 1950's bathroom is in fair condition with a few tiles having hairline cracks, corner chips and some of the grout has thin gaps. The tub/shower has silicone caulk over grout in areas. Can this process still be used?

[@elizd9952]

so why do they clean before they sand? I mean, wouldn't everything come off during sanding anyway?

[@galady8632]

@ellz . . . Anything on the tile would be ground into the ceramic tile during sanding. That would impact adhesion. When washing hands and brushing teeth bits of soap and toothpaste could cause issues. As he stated 'preparation is the most important step in the process re painting'. (I probably paraphrased his remark.)

[@wink196]

Sanding grease just gunk's up the sandpaper and then you have to clean dusty grease. The extra step is worth it.

[@Kraziken0]

I would like to see what the tile looks like up close. With a roller or brush you'll leave a micro texture. Airless spray you will have a smooth finish

[@onceuponascale]

I like the blue... Haha! Nice one.

[@jamesandmaureenturner1355]

Can you paint porcelain or ceramic tile? How durable is it and will it hold up?

[@dianedragaud8112]

How long did you wait between coats? And how much paint did that area need?

[@edttt4491]

Awesome to know you can paint. I was always curious how it was done. But I wasn’t a fan of this dark blue.

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Same here. I actually liked the tile and would have painted the walls to compliment and make the bathroom more airy.

[@kathleenkelly1165]

The white tile paint looks fine but if you want a colored tile paint can you add dye or can you buy colored tile paint?

[@generalleia5374]

To each his own. I had more fun smashing my avocado green tile to absolute bits! Many of us adults grew up in houses and were forced to live with these old bathrooms. Now that we own those houses, we enjoy never having to see those ugly 1950's-1970's colors in our own houses ever again! Nice work!

[@destinybrakebill8970]

Can I tile over tile countertops in my bathroom?

[@123gyra123]

If it's about the epoxy, can I use fireplace hearth paint?

[@sylviarosario6503]

He should’ve invested in new cabinets and an entire new sink. Updated the mirror and painted the wall a lighter shade besides that tacky blue. The tile came out beautiful.

[@donnadahlquist8017]

What brand of paint did they use? I think the paint is a big factor in any project.

[@delorishuston5392]

What grit did you use to sand the walls?

[@mimiaquariusharris6244]

I have a gas fireplace that has black tile surround and the hearth is black. I feel like I’m looking into a black hole I want to paint it but I’m not sure how safe it is can you give me some suggestions?

[@somsz11]

What strength sander do you use? Great video mate 👍

[@muhbabiismith7795]

400

[@platipuss777]

more mauro please.

[@Noney411]

Is this tike paint only in white color?

[@jacklazo9030]

Interesting. So no primer needed?

[@rpoteau201]

Now it looks like the vanity top is out of place.

[@sajidrafique375]

Can Floor tiles be painted too this way ? Will paint come off from walking on it ?

[@bsfbestshortfilmsonyoutube]

Hi there. 👋 I need your help finding the right type of paint for my bathroom. It's to paint over wooden surfaces which had old yellowed gloss I've already sanded down. Is there a water-based paint, for bathroom wooden surfaces which can withstand moisture exposure 💦 most recommended bathroom paints are designed for ceilings & walls 🤨

[@michaelmurray121]

Nice job 😊

[@shari4924]

I loved it. What paint do I exactly need

[@MB-vk8cv]

Rustoleum has a kit in home depot.

[@marjoriejudge5348]

that's a really pretty green (especially as far as green bathroom's can be - it's looks more mint green than the dark avocado tiles I've lived with in one of my bathrooms )😁 - would be easy to do a nice wallpaper in there instead of the in your face dark blue - so funny homeowner doesn't like the light green in the bath but the kitchen cabinets are sage green.....go figure - slightly different shade of green in bath adjacent to green tone kitchen - changing to blue next to green kitchen......will be interesting how that diy treatment holds up (probably better in this powder room than what more consumers report that have done it in full bathrooms ) - was searching for "how to install Shower kit" but this came up in search What I would suggest regarding the fumes (and even if you choose to reglaze by a pro) is to do this type of project in early fall when it's still nice enough to have the windows open and you aren't needing the A/C or the heater 🙂

[@evanstedman7405]

Serious question: wouldn't an acid wash be a better prep? Etch and clean in one easy step, and dust free as well...

[@teejayv1]

Yup

[@flat-earther]

Warning I believe the paint in the affiliate link in description is not the one used in this video.

[@RD-zq7ky]

You are correct. They used the rusteoleum product.

[@josephoverstreet5584]

What grit sandpaper on sanding?

[@gtob431]

He is showing a 2 part epoxy system that requires a respirator. The link is showing appliance epoxy enamel 1 part system. So what is it?

[@shvaew]

I just commented on the paint as well. He lists TWO completely different paints..I want to know which is it??

[@amynestor6873]

What color blue is that on the walls?

[@user-to3hu6gr3h]

What was the product that you used?

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Yeah. I liked the green way better than that white. Should have saved the white to cover that blue.

[@onehlope9671]

Can I do the same to porcelain tile

[@MintaBoggs]

We have old tiles in our bathroom and painting over them I think we can do but the problem is there is a decorative trim that is raised and I don't know what to do about that.

[@MB-vk8cv]

Use a brush on that part.

[@kevincowan7131]

what sand paper to prep tiles

[@christies.1826]

When you sand does the tile feel roughed up to the touch? We started to sand ours with 220 (as recommended in other videos), and it felt unchanged. I then went to 80 and again, felt smooth as can be. Is that normal and I just can’t feel or see the abrasion that’s happening?

[@sherriezabinski6629]

You are sanding to deglaze the tile, so you will not feel any difference. You also don't have to sand hard, just a scuffing, 320/400 grit is good.

[@whybsonosey8625]

What if your tile wraps into your shower? Will this paint hold up? I HATE HATE my bathroom tile. I want my tile white. Anybody know the answer? Thanks

[@lorettatollefson7010]

I'm intriques by the idea of epoxy paint. Can this be used on kitchen countertops?

[@lorettatollefson7010]

specifically, laminate countertops?

[@joannbecker7583]

@@lorettatollefson7010 yes it can be used on counter top. Then accent with acrylic paint technique. Finish clear coat to seal.

[@richardb.5691]

Green tile is beautiful - why paint it boring white?

[@terristaton7512]

Can you mix color into this epoxy paint? Can you make a video of that?

[@sarahmoore6759]

can this be used inside a tile shower? did you say it was epoxy paint? latex or water based? thanks!

[@LC_Boston]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@cynthiasizemore2814]

Question: when you sand the tile, is the gloss of the tile supposed completely come off before you move to the primer? I am using 320 grit but the gloss is not coming off. Thanks!

[@gageiger]

Ask your paint seller. I think you just need to scuff it enough to give the primer something to stick to so the paint can then stick to the primer. I don't think you need to get the finish totally gone. But... again... ask the paint manufacturer/store from whom you are buying your paint.

[@MB-vk8cv]

No, you just need to lightly scuff it.

[@muhbabiismith7795]

400 grit is needed

[@Jubileejones]

I have to redo the whole bathroom at my house because the previous owner spray painted the entire room with white, latex paint. It's peeling off the tub, vanity, floor, and walls! The old color was pink tub and vanity top, gray tile floor with black borders/trim. Smh. It's a mess either way.

[@flat-earther]

Jubilee I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.

[@priscillaesquilin-hernande894]

I have pink tiles all over in my bathroom. I would love to paint all white. I seen your video, the only thing that worries me is the smell, since there’s no window. How long does the odor last?

[@priscillaesquilin-hernande894]

I forgot to mentioned that I live in an apartment

[@MB-vk8cv]

A few days.

[@robertbamford8266]

Two coats, correct? Light sanding between?

[@flat-earther]

I believe no sanding between. BTW Robert I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.

[@davidcharlesworth648]

Does the epoxy paint come in any other color besides white?

[@susynjasper3886]

I was wondering that to

[@Nanci173]

Hi Mora, could I use the tile paint to paint a red bathtub? Would it look good?

[@MB-vk8cv]

I just had my bathtub reglazed by a company it cost me $400, it looks amazing. They told me with proper care it should last 5-10 years. For 5 years if I still live there $400 to re do it isnt bad.

[@chito89]

can you paint floor tiles for a bathroom ??

[@SeanBZA]

Yes, but better to use a self levelling epoxy, though there are epoxy floor coats that will work and are durable there. You need perfect surface prep though, sand, acid wash, rinse off and dry, then at least 3 coats of the solvent based epoxy. Leaves a very hard wearing surface. Commonly used to paint garage floors and such, along with industrial use where you have heavy traffic, but expensive.

[@mikeholmes3203]

should have used a sprayer, the brush strokes with that paint can be pretty heavy

[@nitan.5349]

The white tile looks very nice. However, they should have removed the toilet to get behind it. Also, that sink top could use an update.

[@marleonetti7]

also a job like that needs primer first before the paint .

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Something I routinely see done in public restrooms. Not sure I'd do it to my house.

[@silkhead44]

how did they paint behind the toilet without taking it off

[@sandhyanambiar6497]

Ohh the green tile was so good. Spoilt it

[@smartentity8458]

That dark blue looks horrible. Looks like a school toilet. Curious to see how the paint looks close up. I can't imagine it to have a finish as smooth and clean as a factory finish

[@kurthanushek5520]

As a lover of old houses, I value anything original I find in an old house. We just have to get middle aged houses past their awkward middle age. This house is getting close. In another twenty years, someone will come into this house, look at the painted tile, or whatever someone has replaced it with and be sad that it lost its original tile. I personally thought the before looked much better than the after.

[@Nicksonian]

I agree 100 percent.

[@heavingbehemoth789]

General wear and tear can make even a once beautiful tile seem dingy. People don’t always know the proper cleaning techniques and this can destroy a home’s value, even if you let it get past the “middle age” stage. I agree that we can be wasteful with materials, however. My theory is that if it would look good in the 80s or the 40s, it’s timeless and will stand the test of time. Haha.

[@trekkiejunk]

Absolutely. If the tile was actually white, it would look fine, too. But it so clearly looks painted, and now it looks cheap. The blue paint clashed with the green tile. They should have complemented the green tile with a different wall paint, and then replaced that awful contractor-grade vanity with something that would complement the tile. Perhaps a sleek dark brown or something.

[@akoznasovajusername]

That dark blue paint in the bathroom looks rather odd. A bit depressive, actually. Maybe a light blue would fit better. Or better yet, leave the tiles green and paint the wall white. Although the video shows us how tiles can be painted as well, it won't be long when the paint will start to chip and crack regardless it's an epoxy based paint, and then you need to sand it all down.

[@julieeckhoff2505]

What brand and color is the blue paint? Bathroom looks great!!

[@larry78cj7]

Nice

[@FirstCatch]

Thumbs up!

[@joeluy5473]

Hello! From Philippines 🇵🇭 what kind of paint used in tile thank you

[@flat-earther]

I believe they used Rustoleum tub and tile paint. I don't know for sure because they covered the label. The paint in the affiliate link in the description is not the one they used. BTW Joel I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.

[@akoznasovajusername]

They used an epoxy based paint. But you can do it with an oil based paint as well. Just sand down the tiles (make them look a bit dull) and wipe them all good before the painting (I use a microfiber cloth and a gasoline), otherwise the paint will not stick well.

[@khrystalkhoury62]

I found this vid bcause i have the 1950,s green in my bathroom and was going to paint it. I think im stuck with it bcause im not sure the paintjob will look professional .

[@susynjasper3886]

What if I want to do a color instead of just white?

[@hotglasschick]

You can tint it

[@susynjasper3886]

@@hotglasschick Thanks. I ended up using the Rust-Oleum in white. They offered a lot of tints but I love the white. Turned out great n was super easy. ✌️

[@shvaew]

You list TWO different paints...first a white epoxy tile paint, then epoxy acrylic tub and tile paint. Clicking the links, they are two completely different paint. So which is it??

[@YAWN....]

Nice way to get that "public toilet" look...

[@Th3Su8]

So I guess the paint mfg was not a sponsor or ATOH did not want to pay any royalties to show the product name.

[@nornibres]

This is just a stop gap before you eventually re-tile.

[@rogozzy1]

Yes Or Sell.

[@j.r.whitehead7195]

It's a half bath, but you can't trust that two part in a shower area!!

[@annewatson1978]

Is this emulsion paint he is using

[@kathleenbrown6734]

change the color of the cabinets.

[@Yorkie285]

Try re-grouting painted tile.

[@2aminitials]

Unless that was the only house bathroom I would've pulled the toilet out and the radiator cover off. More room to work for not much effort.