The Best Tile Paints to Transform Your Space with

Home The Best Tile Paints to Transform Your Space with
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Sunny Best (Product Reviews) Sunny Avenue
31 May 2024

When it comes to revamping your kitchen or bathroom, replacing the tiles can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour. However, with the best tile paints, you can easily breathe new life into your space, creating a fresh and modern look without the hefty price tag.

In this insight, we take a detailed look at the best tile paints available in the market today, offering you insights into their key features, application process, pros and cons, and much more.


Key Takeaways

  • Tile paint offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for revamping your kitchen or bathroom without the need to replace tiles.
  • The best tile paints are water-resistant, mould-resistant, and durable, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and damp environments.
  • When choosing tile paint, consider factors such as durability, coverage, colour options, finish, and ease of application.
  • Some top tile paint options include Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint, Dulux Tile Paint, Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint, Rust-Oleum Universal Paint, and Wilko One Coat Tile Paint. Each of these options has its unique features and benefits, so choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

What is Tile Paint?

Tile paint is a specially formulated paint designed for use on ceramic tiles. It's an excellent choice for updating the look of your kitchen or bathroom tiles, adding a fresh coat of colour and providing an extra layer of protection against water and mould. Tile paint comes in a variety of finishes, with satin and gloss being popular choices for kitchen and bathroom applications. Many tile paints are self-priming, meaning they can be applied directly to the tile without the need for a primer.

Why Use Tile Paint?

Tile paint offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for transforming your kitchen or bathroom. Instead of having to replace old or outdated tiles, you can simply paint over them to create a new look. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, as well as reduce the amount of waste generated from removing and disposing of old tiles.

Moreover, tile paint is designed to withstand the damp conditions often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Most tile paints are water and scratch-resistant, providing a durable finish that will last for years. This makes tile paint an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and surfaces that come into regular contact with water and cleaning products.

Choosing the Right Tile Paint

When choosing the best tile paint for your project, there are several factors to consider:

  • Durability: Look for tile paint that is water-resistant and able to withstand regular cleaning. The best tile paint will also be resistant to mould and mildew, which are common problems in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Coverage: Consider how much area the paint can cover. This will depend on the size of your tiles and the number of coats you'll need to apply.

  • Colour Options: While many specialist tile paints come in neutral shades, some brands offer a wider range of colours. If you have a specific colour in mind, look for a brand that offers custom colour mixing.

  • Finish: Tile paint is available in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss. The finish you choose will depend on your personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.

  • Ease of Application: Some tile paints are easier to apply than others. Look for paints that are self-priming and require fewer coats.

Now, let's delve into our top picks for the best tile paints in 2022.

1. Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint

Available Colours: 11 Finish: Satin Coverage: 8 m²/L Drying Time: 2 hours

Considered one of the top tile paints in the market, Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint provides a durable, mould resistant, and waterproof finish, perfect for both kitchen and bathroom tiles. This tile paint is known for its excellent coverage and ease of application, requiring no primer and leaving no brush marks.

Best Tile Paint 1

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Key Features

  • Usability: Suitable for both bare or previously painted tiles.
  • Resistance: Offers a waterproof and mould resistant finish.
  • Coverage: Provides excellent coverage in just one coat, unless covering a bright colour or heavily patterned tile.
  • Odour: Emits a low odour during application.

How to Apply

Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint can be applied using a brush or roller. Start by ensuring your tiles are clean and free of dust or debris. Fill in any cracks or chips, give the tiles a light sanding, then apply a coat of the paint. A second coat can be applied after 16 hours if needed.

Pros and Cons

While this tile paint offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider its limitations as well.

Pros:

  • Provides a durable finish with a soft-sheen, satin look.
  • Offers excellent coverage and is easy to apply.
  • Dries quickly, allowing for a second coat after just 16 hours.

Cons:

  • The name may be misleading as a second coat is sometimes required for optimal coverage.
  • The paint is quite runny, which may lead to drips if not applied carefully.

Overall, Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint is an excellent choice for transforming your kitchen or bathroom tiles with a fresh, modern look.

2. Dulux Tile Paint

Available Colours: 4 Finish: Gloss Coverage: 18m²/L Drying Time: 2 hours

Dulux Tile Paint is another top-rated tile paint known for its toughness and water resistance. It is self-undercoating and quick-drying, providing a high gloss finish that can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom tiles.

best tile paint 2

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Key Features

  • Durability: Offers a finish that is ten times tougher and more water-resistant than standard satin paints.
  • Primer: Does not require a primer, saving you time and money.
  • Odour: Low odour makes it safe and comfortable to use.

How to Apply

Begin by cleaning your tiles with a universal cleaner and degreaser to ensure the paint adheres properly. Check for any cracks or chips that need filling, then lightly sand the tiles to create a 'key' for the paint. Use masking tape to mask off the area for a neat finish, then apply a coat of the paint. Allow it to dry for 1-2 hours before applying a second coat if necessary.

Pros and Cons

While Dulux Tile Paint is highly recommended, consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros:

  • Provides a highly durable, water-resistant finish.
  • Doesn't require a primer, making it easy and quick to apply.
  • Offers excellent coverage, covering up to 18m² per litre.

Cons:

  • Can be relatively pricey compared to other tile paints.
  • May require an additional coat of paint for the best finish.

In conclusion, Dulux Tile Paint is a highly durable and easy-to-use tile paint that offers excellent coverage and a high gloss finish, making it a great option for updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles.

3. Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint

Available Colours: 3 Finish: Gloss Coverage: 12m²/L Drying Time: 2 hours

Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint is a budget-friendly tile paint that offers a tough, high gloss finish. It is moisture-resistant and covers in one coat, making it an excellent choice for updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles.

best tile paint 3

Key Features

  • Usability: Can be used on bare or previously painted tiles.
  • Resistance: Offers a moisture-resistant finish, perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Coverage: Provides excellent coverage in just one coat, making it a cost-effective option.

How to Apply

Make sure your tiles are clean and free of dust or debris before applying Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint. The paint can be applied using a brush or roller. Start by painting the edges using a paint brush, then use a mini-roller to paint the rest of the tiles. Allow the paint to dry for the recommended time before applying a second coat if necessary.

Pros and Cons

Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint offers several benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

  • Offers a low-odour solution, making it comfortable to use.
  • Provides excellent coverage and a high gloss finish.
  • Easy to apply and doesn't require a primer.

Cons:

  • Coverage can be a problem, as you may require more paint to cover larger areas.
  • The paint can drip if not absorbed quickly, which may create a messy workspace.

Johnstone's Revive Tile Paint is a practical and economical option for updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles, providing excellent coverage and a high gloss finish.

4. Rust-Oleum Universal Paint

Available Colours: 17 Finish: Satin Coverage: 9.4m²/L Drying Time: 2 hours

Rust-Oleum Universal Paint, while not specifically a tile paint, is an excellent multi-surface paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including tiles. It's a self-priming universal paint, making it an ideal choice for revamping your space.

best tile paint 4

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Key Features

  • Versatility: Can be applied directly to wood, metal, plastic, ceramic and even rust.
  • Durability: Provides a durable finish suitable for both interior and exterior use.
  • Coverage: Offers decent coverage, although not as high as some other tile paints.

How to Apply

Start by cleaning your tiles to remove any dirt or dust. Use a brush or roller to apply the paint to your tiles. Allow the paint to dry for at least two hours before applying a second coat, if needed.

Pros and Cons

Rust-Oleum Universal Paint offers several benefits, but also has a few drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

  • Provides a durable, weather-resistant finish.
  • Can be applied to a variety of surfaces, offering flexibility in its use.
  • Dries quickly, allowing for a second coat after just two hours.

Cons:

  • The paint is quite expensive compared to other tile paints.
  • The coverage is not as high as some other tile paints, meaning you may need more paint to cover larger areas.

Overall, Rust-Oleum Universal Paint is an excellent multi-purpose paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including tiles, providing a durable and attractive finish.

5. Wilko One Coat Tile Paint

Available Colours: 7 Finish: Gloss Coverage: 12m²/L Drying Time: 2 hours

Wilko One Coat Tile Paint is a budget-friendly tile paint that offers a tough, high gloss finish. It is moisture-resistant and covers in one coat, making it an excellent choice for updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles.

best tile paint 5

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Key Features

  • Usability: Can be used on bare or previously painted tiles.
  • Resistance: Moisture-resistant, making it suitable for use in bathrooms.
  • Coverage: Provides excellent coverage in just one coat, making it a cost-effective option.

How to Apply

Make sure your tiles are clean and free of dust or debris before applying Wilko One Coat Tile Paint. The paint can be applied using a brush or roller. Start by painting the edges using a paint brush, then use a mini-roller to paint the rest of the tiles. Allow the paint to dry for the recommended time before applying a second coat if necessary.

Pros and Cons

While Wilko One Coat Tile Paint offers several benefits, it also has a few drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

  • Offers a low-odour solution, making it comfortable to use.
  • Provides excellent coverage and a high gloss finish.
  • Easy to apply and doesn't require a primer.

Cons:

  • Coverage can be a problem, as you may require more paint to cover larger areas.
  • The paint can drip if not absorbed quickly, which may create a messy workspace.

Wilko One Coat Tile Paint is a practical and economical option for updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles, providing excellent coverage and a high gloss finish.

How to Apply Tile Paint

While the process may vary slightly depending on the specific tile paint you choose, here are some general steps to follow when applying tile paint:

  • Preparation: Clean your tiles thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. This will ensure the paint adheres properly to the tile surface.
  • Sanding: Depending on the tile paint you choose, you may need to lightly sand your tiles to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
  • Masking: Use masking tape to protect areas you don't want to paint, such as grout lines or the edges of the tiled area.
  • Priming: Some tile paints require a primer to be applied before the paint. This will help the paint adhere better to the tile surface and provide a more durable finish.
  • Painting: Apply the tile paint using a brush or roller, making sure to cover the entire tile surface evenly. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying a second coat.
  • Finishing: Once the paint is completely dry, remove the masking tape and clean up any drips or spills. You can then enjoy your newly painted tiles!

In Conclusion

Painting your tiles can be a cost-effective and satisfying way to update your kitchen or bathroom. The best tile paint will offer excellent coverage, a durable and water-resistant finish, and a variety of colours to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or trying your hand at home improvement for the first time, there's a tile paint out there to suit your needs and budget.

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ABOUT THIS AUTHOR - STUART CRISPE

Stuart is an expert in Property, Money, Banking & Finance, having worked in retail and investment banking for 10+ years before founding Sunny Avenue. Stuart has spent his career studying finance. He holds qualifications in financial studies, mortgage advice & practice, banking operations, dealing & financial markets, derivatives, securities & investments.

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