Painting tiles is a popular budget-friendly alternative to a full retile, and it can genuinely transform a tired bathroom or kitchen. Done properly with the right products and preparation, painted tiles can last several years — but cut corners and you'll be peeling paint off grout within months. Here's what you need to know before you crack open a tin.
Is Tile Paint Actually Worth It?
Tile painting works best as a cosmetic refresh, not a permanent solution. It's ideal if your tiles are structurally sound but dated in colour or style. If tiles are cracked, loose, or your waterproofing is compromised, painting over the problem will only delay — and potentially worsen — the issue.
As a rough guide, a DIY tile painting project costs a fraction of retiling, which can run into thousands of dollars for a full bathroom. That said, professional results require patience and the right materials.
What Products Should I Use?
Not all paints are suitable for tiles. You need a product specifically formulated to bond to hard, non-porous surfaces and withstand moisture, steam, and regular cleaning.
Look for:
- Tile-specific enamel or epoxy paints — these are harder-wearing and moisture-resistant
- Two-part epoxy coatings — more durable, often used in commercial settings
- Primer designed for slick surfaces — essential for adhesion
Resene and Dulux both stock products suitable for tiled surfaces — speak to their in-store colour consultants about the best system for wet areas. Wattyl is another option worth checking. You'll also find tile paint kits at Bunnings and Mitre 10.
Avoid standard wall paint — it won't bond properly and will peel quickly in a steamy bathroom.
Preparation: The Most Important Step
Professional painters will tell you that preparation is 80% of the job. Tiles are non-porous and often have a slick glaze, so paint has very little to grip onto without proper prep.
Step-by-step preparation
- Clean thoroughly — remove all soap scum, grease, mould, and grime. Use a sugar soap or a dedicated tile cleaner. Any residue will prevent adhesion.
- Sand the surface — lightly sand tiles with fine-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) to scuff the glaze and give the primer something to grip.
- Repair grout — re-grout any cracked or missing grout lines and allow to cure fully before painting.
- Mask up — use quality painter's tape to protect edges, fixtures, and fittings.
- Apply a bonding primer — this is non-negotiable. A primer designed for slick or non-porous surfaces is essential.
Painting the Tiles
Once your primer is fully dry (check the manufacturer's drying times — don't rush this), you're ready to paint.
- Apply thin, even coats — thick coats are more likely to drip, sag, or peel
- Use a short-nap foam roller for flat tile faces and a small brush for grout lines
- Apply at least two topcoats, allowing full drying time between each
- In a bathroom, ensure good ventilation while painting and drying — open windows or run an extractor fan
Floor tiles: Think carefully before painting floor tiles. Foot traffic, wet feet, and cleaning will wear paint away much faster than wall tiles. If you do paint floor tiles, use a product specifically rated for floors and apply a durable clear topcoat.
NZ Climate and Moisture Considerations
New Zealand bathrooms — especially in older homes — can struggle with moisture and condensation. BRANZ research highlights that poor ventilation is a leading cause of moisture damage in NZ homes. Before painting tiles, make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation (an extractor fan that vents outside, not just into the ceiling cavity).
The NZ Building Code clause E3 covers internal moisture, and clause G12 covers water supply in wet areas. While painting tiles doesn't trigger building consent, any underlying waterproofing issues behind tiles are a different matter entirely — and should be assessed by a professional.
If you're renting out your property, be aware of Healthy Homes ventilation standards that apply to rental properties.
How Long Will Painted Tiles Last?
| Area | Expected Lifespan (with good prep) | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom wall tiles | 3–7 years | Steam, moisture, cleaning products |
| Kitchen splashback tiles | 3–5 years | Grease, heat, frequent wiping |
| Floor tiles | 1–3 years | Foot traffic, wet feet |
Lifespan varies significantly depending on product quality, preparation, and how well the space is ventilated.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a qualified painter if:
- You have a large area to cover and want a consistent, professional finish
- The tiles are in poor condition and need assessment before painting
- You're unsure about the right product system for your specific tiles
- You want a result that will last and potentially add value to your home
A professional painter will have access to trade-quality products and the experience to get prep right the first time. You can find qualified local painters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Note on restricted work: Painting tiles is not restricted work under NZ law. However, if your project involves touching electrical fittings, moving plumbing, or repairing waterproofing membranes, those tasks must be carried out by licensed tradespeople registered with the EWRB or PGDB respectively.