How Much Does it Cost to Paint Tiles?

Painting tiles has become a popular way for UK householders to give their kitchens and bathrooms a bit of a refresh, all without the hassle, mess, or expense of ripping out the tiles and starting again.

You can paint tiles anywhere - on kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, and shower areas - and it's a great way to give an old space a bit of a modern look, without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we'll break down the costs of how much it will cost to paint over tiles.

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How Much is Painting Tiles?

The cost of tile painting in the UK will range from as low as £150 to £800, and this all depends on the size of the space, the type of tiles you are painting and whether you want to tackle it as a DIY project or get a professional involved.

For small, isolated jobs like kitchen splashbacks, you will be looking at a relatively low cost, especially if you can source and supply the materials required yourself.

However, for larger areas like full walls, the cost is much higher, purely down to the extra materials you will need, the additional preparation and completion time and further things to consider, such as sealing.

As a general rule of thumb, it costs more to paint floor tiles than wall tiles. This is due to the heavy traffic that floor tiles get, meaning you need to add things like thicker paints, extra coats and a sealant layer.

Of course, the condition of the existing tiles plays a huge role in this, too, as if you have heavily damaged tiles, they will need to be fixed before any painting work can be completed.

Tile Painting Prices

Tile Painting Supply Costs

If you are taking this project on yourself, a DIY tile painting project will cost somewhere in the range of £80 to £200 for the supply costs only. Now, this does depend on the size of the area and the quality of the materials you purchase.

Typically, the materials you need are tile paint, a primer or bonding agent, a degreaser or cleaning solution, paint rollers and brushes, and a sealant. The average costs for these items are below:

• Tile paint:: £25-£50 per tin
• Primer or bonding agent: £15-£30
• Degreaser or cleaning solution: £5-£15
• Paint rollers and brushes: £10-£25
• Paint Trays: £5 to £10
• Sealant: £200-£40

Of course, different paints come with different prices, and sometimes this doesn’t even relate to quality, and instead it is purely brand. Bear in mind that epoxy-based paints and some specialist paints are more expensive, but do offer greater durability, making them better suited for floors.

Enamel paints are cheaper and are fine for wall tiles in low-traffic areas, but are not the most durable solution. There are a few specialist paints that have things related to mould resistance, and these types will be perfect for bathrooms; however, you may pay a premium for them.

Additional Costs of Painting Tiles

Painting tiles sounds like an incredibly straightforward job on paper, but there are some additional costs that can arise during the project. For one, intensive cleaning will need to be done first to ensure that the paint bonds and sets correctly.

During this stage, there may be a requirement to repair cracked or damaged tiles. At the preparation stage, you may also need to repaint any grout lines and mask the surrounding fixtures and fittings before painting.

Each of these additional costs may not be necessary for every project, but it’s good to understand how much they may cost. A list of costs is below:

• Intensive cleaning or degreasing: £50-£100
• Repairing cracked or damaged tiles: £10-£30 per tile
• Sealant application for floors or wet areas: £50-£150
• Repainting grout lines or using grout pens: £10-£20
• Masking surrounding fixtures and fittings: £20-£50

Labour Costs and Timescales for Painting Tiles

If you opted for a professional to complete the project instead of DIY, you would likely pay around £150-£250 per day, or £15-£30 per square metre, which should give you a good idea of how much your space would cost to paint.

For example, a small splashback might only take 3 hours, whereas a bathroom would take 1-2 days. Floor tiles would take 2 days or more due to the additional steps required.

Drying time between coats is crucial. Some specialist paints require 12–24 hours between coats, which can extend the overall timescale, something which professional installers will factor into their quote.

Cost Factors for Painting Tiles

There are several factors that can impact the final cost of painting tiles, and you should consider each of these carefully when it comes to setting a budget.

Firstly, the size of the space is crucial, due purely to the amount of time and materials you will require. Costs still also vary depending on whether you are painting wall tiles or floor tiles, as floor tiles require more steps of preparation and completion.

As we’ve mentioned, the condition of the tiles needs to be considered, and if there are major repairs to be made on the tiles, this will need to be costed out first.

The type of paint and finish will need to be considered too, and if you require a specialist paint, such as a mould-resistant one, you will have to ensure that the higher cost for this has been factored into the overall estimate. Similarly, if you require a sealant, price that up too and work it into the final figure.

Of course, the main decision to be made is whether this is a DIY project or whether you will need to factor in the cost of a professional to complete the job.

Of course, a professional will offer a higher quality job, but if you are on a tight budget, this may not be a viable option.

Preparing for a Paint Job

Getting a paint job right means doing all the prep work properly first; it's a matter of getting a good start to ensure a great final finish.

You can't just put paint on dirty, grimy tiles and expect it to stick; you need to give them a good, deep clean to get all the old dirt, grease and paint off before applying a new coat.

You also need to fill in all the cracks and holes, smooth the whole surface out so it's nice and even before you start. Getting a primer on is pretty crucial to all this, too - it'll make the paint stick, last longer and look better.

Plus, choosing good tools, long-lasting paint and brushes is just common sense and will make the whole thing a lot less of a headache and look a whole lot better when it's all done.

Don't forget to factor in how much it's all going to cost and how long it's going to take, especially if you're paying someone else to do it. By doing all this prep and getting the right tools and materials, you'll end up with a paint job that not only looks fantastic but will still be looking good years from now.

Right Tools for the Job

If you want a really great finish on your tiles, you've got to get the right tools and materials sorted first. Best results come from using a paint that's been specifically made for tiles - it's all about getting something that will stick and take the wear and tear.

Good-quality brushes and rollers are vital. Pick the right tools and products for the job at hand, and you'll get a paint job that looks and lasts really well, whether you're painting the bathroom or kitchen tiles.

Tools

• Sugar soap or degreaser
• Sponge or scourer
• Masking tape
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• High-quality tile paint
• Bonding Primer
• High-qulaity rollers and paintbrushes

The Benefits of Giving Your Bathroom Tiles a New Lease of Life

Painting your bathroom tiles can be a real game-changer for homeowners who want to give their bathroom a bit of a facelift without breaking the bank. There are loads of reasons why this is a great option - not least that it saves you the hassle and expense of ripping up and replacing all your existing tiles.

Using a special tile paint which is designed to be long-lasting and water-resistant is key; this means your new look will be able to withstand all the humid conditions that are a part and parcel of bathrooms.

All of which adds up to you being able to get a fresh, modern look in your bathroom without having to pay a fortune. Plus, painting your tiles is a job that can be done pretty quickly, making it ideal for those who are keen to see the results fast.

Provided you do the prep work and get the right paint, your newly painted tiles should last for years to come, which means a longer lifespan for your bathroom in general.

If you're thinking of changing up your colour scheme or just giving your old tiles a bit of a revamp, then painting is a really practical and cost-effective way to go.

Building Regulations Related to Painting Tiles

There are no specific UK building regulations governing the painting of tiles. However, best practice should always be followed, especially in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Remember, surfaces must be prepared and cleaned properly to ensure that the paint sticks and sets properly, preventing peeling or water damage. Health and safety regulations may also apply when using solvent-based paints or sealants, including adequate ventilation and protective equipment.

Types of Tile Paint Finishes

The finish of a tile paint can dramatically impact how the finished version looks, meaning that it is a crucial consideration when purchasing tile paint. There are three main finishes: gloss, satin and matt, and we will delve into each in a little more detail below.

Gloss finishes are the best options for bright and clean spaces due to their being highly reflective. The reflected light makes spaces look more open and large, and these tend to be the best ways of keeping a space looking fresh. Gloss finishes are also the best options for cleaning, as they wipe over very easily, which makes them quite a practical option.

Matt finishes offers quite an understated look, and they are the best options for hiding any imperfections due to their lack of reflectivity. However, they are less effective at moisture resistance, making them poor choices for bathrooms. However, they can be effective in the right spaces.

Satin finishes offer a middle ground between matte and gloss. They have a very subtle sheen and provide a softer look, whilst also still being easy to clean and suitable for all areas. This is probably the most popular finish, as you really get the best of both worlds in terms of design and functionality.

Alternative Types of Tile Refurbishment

If the painting of tiles isn’t an option you find suitable, there are a few alternatives you would consider, but each has its own drawbacks.

Stickers or vinyl wraps are a low-cost and DIY friendly option that can very quickly change the look and feel of a room; however, they are not very durable at all and offer hardly any moisture resistance, meaning they will likely begin to peel soon after installing.

Replacing tiles is the option that offers the best long-term result; however, the cost of not only purchasing and installing new tiles, but also removing the current tiles, makes it a very drastic solution. You can tile over existing tiles, but that eats into the surface areas of your rooms, albeit minimally.

Decorative wall panels and custom splashbacks are quite a popular alternative that homeowners look to. These options vary quite widely in terms of cost and durability, but they can usually be installed as a DIY project.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Painting Tiles

Before hiring and committing to a contractor, you should consider a few key things to make sure you have the right person.

Firstly, start by checking what experience they have with painting tiles, as this is quite a specialist job, and someone without any experience may not understand the steps fully. Next, ask about the types of paints and sealants they plan to use, and ensure they know what rooms they are intended to be used in.

Clarify exactly what is included in the price, as cleaning, sanding, priming, and many other things are crucial to a successful project. You should also discuss the period of drying and curing, asking whether this is included in the total price.

Finally, review any examples of previous work, and check up on testimonials and reviews to make sure you’ve got the right person.

Removing Painted Tiles: Considerations and Costs

The removal of painted tiles can be quite a time-consuming and labour-intensive project, and depending on the size of the area, this can cost between £200 and £500.

The process involves chiselling and breaking the tiles away from the wall and onto the floor without damaging the wall itself. Of course, there are minimal material requirements for this, and the cost is purely labour.

In some cases, you may want to consider tiling over them instead of removing them, but this removal is usually necessary if the tiles are already damaged or loose. The proper removal of tiles should leave a fresh, undamaged wall to install new tiles or plaster on afterwards.

Of course, this can be completed as a DIY job, just be mindful that you do not damage the wall or substrate, as this can generate much more costly repairs.

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