Should You Ever Paint Over Vintage Bathroom Tile?

While it may seem like painting over outdated pink tile is a cheap and effective way to hide it, experts say it’s not a good long-term solution, given how humid bathrooms get.

“There are some spaces where you might do this to buy a little more time (such as backsplashes), but in a high-use and damp room like a bathroom, we absolutely do not recommend it,” says Carolyn Fife Bever, principal designer and co-founder of Foundry House. Rather than painting over the tile, the designer recommends either embracing it or replacing it altogether.

If you try painting over the tile, experts say you’ll likely end up doing more work in the long run. Because bathroom tile gets wet regularly, the painted surface will deteriorate quickly.

“Paint peels, flakes, and scratches easily—this makes the original tile look worse than it did before,” says Bruno Mendolini, designer, tile and flooring expert, and the co-founder and VP of sales at Tile Choices. Additionally, if you’re considering selling your home in the near future, painted bathroom tile can negatively affect its resale value. “It indicates that the owner took the easy way out,” Mendolini says. The expert notes that while you can paint vintage tile if you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s best to leave it in its original state so the new homeowners can decide what to do with it. Plus, it can actually serve as a selling point for some prospective buyers. “Many people are now searching for homes that come complete with original, colorful bathrooms—they find the retro charm irresistible,” Mendolini shares.

How to Make Colorful Tile Look Updated

“So often people can become fixated on a singular element that they dislike, like a vintage colored tile,” says Dusti Jones, founder and principal interior designer at Dusti J Design. Instead of focusing on the eyesore that is the colorful tile, the designer suggests viewing it as an opportunity to create something beautiful and unexpected. “Begin to research color palette combinations or hire a designer to create a cohesive look and feel,” Jones recommends.

If the vintage tile is staying, Fife Bever suggests giving it a quick facelift by refreshing the grout if it’s dirty or damaged. If the tile goes mid-way up the wall, the designer recommends choosing a paint color that enhances the tile’s color, either a similar hue or a complementary tone. “Bonus tip: many colorful vintage tiles look especially sharp in a space with high-gloss painted trim,” Fife Bever says.

Mendolini’s trick for making vintage tile work and even seem modern is to keep the focus on surrounding design elements. Paint the walls, opt for an interesting wallpaper pattern, replace the toilet and vanity, swap out tacky old hardware for stylish knobs and pulls, and install new light fixtures. By focusing on these things, you distract attention from the tile color and even make it look intentional. “The tiles will look like they are an aesthetic aspect, rather than an error of the past,” Mendolini says.

Pairing the original bathroom tile with modern design elements is a lovely way to bridge the gap between the old and the new and honor the home’s history. “If your end goal is to embrace the period of your home—which I often recommend for the most timeless approach—then vintage tile is a great way to celebrate the history of your home,” Fife Bever says.

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When Does Vintage Bathroom Tile Need to Be Replaced?

There are some instances where replacing colorful vintage tile is necessary. “Vintage tile needs to be replaced when there are cracks, significant chips, it’s dirty beyond cleaning, or there’s damage that is past repair,” Jones says.

If you notice structural damage or tiles falling off, Mendolini warns that this could indicate a more serious problem, such as water damage or mold, in which case the vintage tile needs to be ripped out.

“It can also be difficult to find an exact match to do a colored tile replacement from decades ago,” Jones says. If several damaged or fallen tiles are ruining the bathroom’s overall appearance, finding an exact replacement may be nearly impossible, in which case removing all the old tiles may be necessary.