How-to Paint Shower Tile (so it won’t peel)

This is the MOST detailed how-to paint shower tile tutorial you’ll likely find. As a paint industry veteran, I’ll teach you the RIGHT way to paint tile so it won’t peel.

This is a no sand, no epoxy, no clear coat method to painting shower tiles!

Plus I created a YouTube video walking you through the whole shower painting process too

A little about my background. I worked for one of the world’s largest paint manufacturer’s launching new paint technologies with Lowe’s Home Improvement stores.

So yep, I’m a paint expert and part of my job was training the correct way to apply paint products. In addition, I have an ACT (architectural coatings technologist) certification.

Not only do I know how to paint, but the science behind it!

Yes, You Can Paint Shower Tile

This shower tile painting method not only will save you time, but money too!

What is special about the method I use is IMPORTANT! You won’t have to use a nasty tub & tile epoxy kit and you won’t have to use a clear coat.

I PROMISE painting tiles in your shower can be as easy as painting a room.

Another time saver is YOU WON’T HAVE TO SAND the tile first. It’s NOT necessary to get the primer and paint to adhere to the surface.

Painting Shower Tile is MUCH Cheaper than Retiling

My beige shower tiles have been COMPLETELY transformed by the painted tile.

It literally looks like I spent $1,000s on a new shower tiles, but it’s only paint!

During my primary bathroom remodel I spent over $2,000 on JUST the shower tile plus labor.

How much does it cost to paint bathroom tiles?

1. Valspar Bonding Primer = $30
2. Specialty Tile Paint = $38
3. Caulk = $6
4. Painter’s Tape = $6
5. Brush, Rollers, Tray Liners = $20

For around $100 you can paint your shower tile, which is a MAJOR savings versus doing a remodel!

Can I use this shower tile paint tutorial for a tub with a tile surround?

Absolutely! It is exactly the same process to paint the tile and much easier in fact because you won’t have to deal with painting the shower tile floor.

If you need to change the color of the tub to match your newly painted tile, you’ll need to use a completely different process and paint.

To paint the tub a new color, please use a Tub Refinishing Kit which is a 2-part epoxy process that will be waterproof once cured.

Will the Painted Shower Tiles Fail and Peel?

My shower tile has been painted, used and cleaned regularly for 2 years. It still looks PERFECT.

What I want you to understand is I am recommending a paint designed to be used outside in the all sorts of weather.

It can withstand extreme temperature changes and LOTS of rain, sleet, snow and sun.

If you use an exterior rated paint in your shower and follow my method for properly preparing the surface and sealing in cracks, the paint can last a LONG TIME!

Critical Steps to Preventing Peeling Paint in the Shower

1. You MUST repair any failing grout prior to painting the tile.
2. You MUST seal and caulk all edges of the shower if you have a glass frame.
3. You MUST seal and caulk around the floor and faucet

Do I have to Use an Tub & Tile Epoxy to Paint Shower Tile?

No! Epoxy is hard to use and can’t be tinted to a color you choose. It’s a solvent base so you need to wear a respiratory mask.

The primer and paint I recommend for painting shower tile is low VOC and much safer to use.

Plus regular primer and paint can be applied like wall paint and doesn’t require mixing like epoxy does.

Do I have to use sandpaper on the tile?

Fortunately, my tutorial doesn’t require sanding the tile prior to priming or painting.

The process I use creates a chemical bond, so you don’t have to sand the tile – yay! 2 years later and the painted finish in the shower is still perfect.

What Do You Use to Paint Bathroom Tile (ceramic tile or porcelain tile)?

Many tutorials recommend using a two part epoxy paint system to paint shower tile. I’m not a fan of tub and tile epoxy paint for painting bathroom tile.

It’s has an extreme odor and is a multi-step process that requires mixing components.

Epoxy paint just isn’t user friendly and leaves room for error. Plus if it isn’t water based can really be bad for the environment and your lungs!

I’ve also seen recommendations for using a clear sealer over the top of epoxy.

What’s nice about this tutorial is you only use ONE tile paint for painting shower tiles. NO sealer required!

What you will use to paint your shower tile is Valspar Porch and Floor Paint in Satin.

It’s rated for outdoor use and perfect for a waterproof finish on your bathroom tile.

PLUS it can be tinted into 1000’s of colors. What color did I use in my shower?

Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005

Biggest Issues Painting a Shower? You Can’t Use it for a Week or Longer!

Let’s start with the fact that this is a process and it will take time. To paint shower tile or bathroom tile itself doesn’t take a long time.

The longest part of this process is DRY time! The tile paint that I am recommending for shower tile must dry at least 12 hours between coats.

You can see how after multiple coats that dry time turns into days. That actual project itself is like painting a wall…you can do it!

Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}

When You SHOULDN’T Paint Your Shower

Yes, this project isn’t for everyone or for every home. This tutorial can’t be used on FIBERGLASS shower surrounds.

Painting shower tile is SERIOUS and my tutorial will need to be followed EXACTLY to get the best and longest lasting results possible.

So you need to sign up for being detailed and allowing the dry times I provide.

Paint is NEVER PERMANENT. This is a great option to update a bathroom without replacing the tile or remodeling, but it’s a temporary fix while you save up for new tile 🙂

If you are considering this option for a rental property, I would like to steer you away from this option. Gentle use and cleaning is important to prevent peeling later and if you aren’t in control of this the paint can fail quickly.

Do you have a large family and only one shower? Unfortunately, due to the downtime with this project you absolutely need to have a 2nd shower to use.

Painting the Shower Timeline and Plan

BEFORE you start this process, know you will not be able to use your shower for 8 to 10 DAYS! That’s if you keep on a rigid schedule and nothing interrupts you.

If you were doing a tile remodel, you’d be out of your shower for 2 weeks or more so keep that in mind.

Curing Process

Even though the paint may feel dry to the touch it isn’t fully cured. You have to wait AT LEAST 3 days before using your shower.

You are DONE! Wait 3 to 7 days before running any water. 

Video Tutorial: How-to Paint Shower Tile

How To Paint Shower Tile In 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: clean the Shower Tile

First, you need to clean your shower like you NEVER have before with a special solution.

You MUST remove all mold and moldy caulk prior to starting this process.

It is CRITICAL to use the cleaning solution I provide to remove all soap scum and also to slightly etch the grout lines as well.

Liberally spray cleaning solution onto tile and use a manual or automatic scrub brush to THOROUGHLY clean off tile.

Work the solution into the grout lines to help etch the grout a bit. This will provide better surface adhesion for the primer.

Fill a bucket with water and rinse clean all cleaning solution using a microfiber rag.

It’s important to get ALL soap off of the tile and make sure the water runs clear.

DRY SHOWER OVERNIGHT. Don’t apply primer until the grout is DRY.

step 2: prepare the shower for painting

Look around your bathroom and shower space to see what areas need to be protected during this paint project.

Use painter’s tape and mask-off any areas you need to protect especially between the edge of a bathtub and tile or around a glass shower frame.

DO NOT TAPE OVER ANY SILICONE CAULK

Tape around faucet and cover with plastic. Tape around the shower head and protect it with plastic.

IMPORTANT: Use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease from your hands on tile while taping.

Step 3: Prime the Shower Tile and Grout Lines

I don’t recommend using a foam roller for this project. It won’t push the primer into the grout lines to fully coat them.

Start with the brush and apply primer in all grout lines first. Work the brush into the grout to ensure even coverage.

Brush all edges and areas that can’t be rolled.

Feather in any heavy areas with your brush, so you don’t have any hard primer edges.

Do not apply primer to a tile floor, but instead edge between the wall and the floor tile.

NOTE: Bonding primer is designed to help the paint stick to the tile. DON’T scratch at the primer to see if it is adhered!

Read all about bonding primer

Use a roller and roll on primer immediately following brushing.

Make sure to run the roller both vertically and horizontally to cover the grout lines.

DRY 1st Primer Coat 4 HOURS (pull tape and reapply if you let it dry longer).

Repeat process and apply a 2nd coat of Valspar Bonding Primer.

PULL all tape within 30 minutes of applying the last coat of primer.

DRY final primer coat OVERNIGHT!

Step 4: Caulk and Seal

Once primer is fully dry, look to see if it has pulled away from any caulk lines.

IF you see this, it is SILICONE caulk and you MUST cover it with an acrylic latex caulk.

Silicone caulk is not paintable, so any paint will pull away like the primer did.

You must caulk the following areas:

1. Around the faucet
2. Around the shower head pipe
3. Between the tub and tile or between the tile wall and floor
4. Along a glass frame where it was previously caulked
5. Over ANY silicone caulk, so it becomes paintable

You need to seal in all areas to prevent water from getting behind the primer and paint.

Once finished. Let the caulk dry for 1 hour prior to painting.

Step 5: Painting Shower Tile and Grout Lines

I don’t recommend using a foam roller for this project. It won’t push the primer into the grout lines to fully coat them.

Painting the shower will feel SO much EASIER! More like painting a room.

You won’t have to brush every grout line like you did with the primer.

My advice DON’T TAPE anything and use a steady hand. The risk of pulling up primer or caulk is high.

Using a brush, apply the Valspar Porch and Floor paint to all edges that can’t be rolled:

• Around faucet and shower head
• Between tub and tile or tile and shower frame plus floor
• Around any details like a soap tray or shelf

Use a roller and roll on paint immediately following brushing.

Make sure to run the roller both vertically and horizontally to cover the grout lines.

If you did any taping, PULL TAPE within 30 minutes. Don’t allow it to dry.

Turn on the fan in your bathroom to help with removing the moisture in the air to help the paint dry.

YOU WILL BE APPLYING 3 COATS of Porch and Floor Paint

1. Apply 1st coat of paint and dry 12 hours or more
2. Apply 2nd coat of paint using the same process and dry 12 hours or more
3. Apply 3rd coat of paint DRY THE FINAL COAT 3 days before exposing to water!

If you have a tub you are DONE and and skip to how to care and clean your painted shower tile.

If you have a tiled shower floor, move to the next tutorial.

Clean, Prime and Paint Shower Floor Tiles

Painting the tile floor is probably the hardest part of this project because you have to work in a small area.

Then you’ll have to be extremely careful with the primer coats not to disturb it in anyway.

Because you’ve been working in the shower to paint the walls you will need to clean the floor again.

Step 1: Clean the Shower Floor Tile

It is SO important to get the floor clean of all dust, dirt, and debris. Any debris under the primer can create a failure point.

Plus degrease the tile so the primer has the opportunity for maximum adhesion.

Start by vacuuming the tiles prior to cleaning anything.

I ended up taping over the drain cover to prevent any paint particles from entering the drain.

Next use a battery operated scrub brush or a regular scrub brush to lift up any weak or loose paint or primer around the edges of the shower basin.

THOROUGHLY VACUUM AGAIN BACKING YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SHOWER.

From this point forward, only wear socks and wipe your feet on a towel before stepping on the tile.

This will prevent grease and debris from getting onto the tile floor.

Use rubbing alcohol and saturate a microfiber rag (a lint free rag is critical to this process.

Thoroughly clean the tile and grout to degrease it as preparation for priming.

Work off any weak spots of primer or paint on the surface of the tile.

Remove the drain cover, fill with a paper towel, and REALLY clean around the edges to remove any dirt and debris plus degrease.

Getting this area clean is important due to how much water exposure the paint will get.

You want to ensure the best adhesion possible.

step 3: Prime the Shower floor tile

Make sure to wear socks and wipe your feet on a towel before stepping into the shower.

Take the can of bonding primer into the shower with you and work your way out of the shower.

Use a nylon polyester brush apply a heavy coat of bonding primer and work into grout lines and onto the tile.

Now this is where things get tough! The best application method is to immediately roll on the bonding primer right after brushing the grout lines.

You won’t be able to step on the tile, so you are going to have to lean in and stretch to roll on the bonding primer.

DRY PRIMER 4 HOURS.

Step 4: Paint the Shower Tile Floor

So you don’t disturb the primed tile floor, you will roll on the Porch and Floor Paint first.

Avoid stepping on the floor if possible. If you do, where socks and wipe your feet on a towel before entering the shower.

You can see I was leaning to apply the paint and never stepped in the shower.

Applying a layer of paint with a roller and not stepping into the shower will help keep the primer in tact.

DRY OVERNIGHT!

Apply 2nd coat of Porch and Floor Paint starting by applying a heavy coat working it into the grout lines.

Pay special attention to the corners, edges and around the drain.

You won’t be able to step into the shower, so get ready to stretch! Lean and immediately roll on a heavy layer of paint.

Again if you can’t reach, you can let the paint dry 12 hours and then roll on the porch and floor paint.

Focus HEAVILY around the drain to make sure it is thoroughly covered.

If you see any pin holes in the grout once you apply the paint, use your brush or edge of your roller to force paint down in those areas.

You will apply 3 coats with the following dry times:

• 1st coat of paint dry 12 hours or overnight
• 2nd coat of paint dry 12 hours or overnight
• 3rd coat of paint to the shower tile floor. DRY THE FINAL COAT 3 days before exposing to water!

Clean up your supplies because you just completed painting your shower!!

How to Repair Chips or Scratched Paint

I had this issue after only allowing the paint to dry a couple of days. I wasn’t gentle when I put the step stool in the shower to install the new shower head.

You can use this process anytime to have a man made scratch. DEAL with those IMMEDIATELY. If you run your shower and water gets under the painted surface, it will peel eventually.

Here’s how I fixed the scratched paint:

1. Lightly sanded the area with 220 grit sanding sponge.
2. Removed all sanding dust with a vacuum and damp rag.
3. Applied rubbing alcohol with a lint free rag to degrease.
4. Applied bonding primer and paint per the FULL tutorial.

When you apply the primer and paint extend out a few inches to fully cover the area. Let it dry and fully cure at least 3 days, before running water.

When You Can Use Your Shower

You MUST wait 3 days before running water in the shower. IDEALLY you should wait 7 days, but I know that may not be an option.

BABY your painted shower tile for the first week. It takes a LONG time for this urethane fortified paint to dry…especially on a glossy surface.

Your painted shower tiles won’t be fully CURED for 30 days!

How to Clean Your Painted Shower Tiles

The porch and floor paint is very durable and will be waterproof. HOWEVER, NEVER SCRUB your painted tiles.

A scrub brush will create little micro wounds in the paint that will start allowing water to penetrate the surface.

By not using a scrub brush to clean, you will extend the life of the painted surface.

You’ll be surprised at how clean the shower will stay now that the grout has been sealed with paint.

Plus it will be much easier to clean in general now that the surface is smoother.

You can use bleach from time to time, but I’d avoid using it on a regular basis and only use it if mold appears.

For regular cleaning, you can use the same spray bottle of dish detergent mixed with 50% water and a microfiber rag to clean.

You’ll be surprised at how well it works to get rid of soap scum.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions and I’ll try to help!

Also, I have other bathroom paint makeover tutorials that you may enjoy:

• How-to Paint Granite Counters to Look Like Marble
• Painting Bathroom Cabinets: PRO Finish on a Budget