Updated on 26 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
Ripping out and replacing the tiles in a kitchen or bathroom means building work, mess and money. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche, and often there's a far cheaper way to give them a fresh look: painting them. Let me tell you when it's worth it and how it's done so it lasts.
Why paint the tiles
Dated tiling (green, brown, with a 90s border) ages the whole kitchen or bathroom. Painting it completely changes the look for a fraction of what it costs to hack off and re-tile, with no rubble, no lifting the floor and in far less time. It's the smart option when the tiles are sound but ugly.
How it's done properly (it's not ordinary paint)
Tile is smooth and non-absorbent, so any old paint won't grip. The correct process is:
- Clean and degrease thoroughly (grease in the kitchen; limescale and soap in the bathroom).
- Apply a specific tile primer, which is what makes it grip.
- Apply the right enamel (water-based, low-odour) in the coats needed.
- Respect the drying times before using the area.
Where it works and where it doesn't
Painting tiles works really well on kitchen walls, splashbacks and bathrooms in general. Where you have to be more careful is in areas of direct, constant contact with water, like the shower tray or the inside walls of the shower: there the demands are greater and it's worth weighing up carefully. I'll tell you honestly whether painting is worth it in your case or not.
How long it lasts and what I do for you
Done properly (with the right primer and enamel), painted tile holds up perfectly to daily use and cleans as normal; what it doesn't like is heavy knocks and a metal scourer. I do it as part of the kitchen and bathroom painting service: I prepare, prime, enamel and leave it looking like new. I'll come and take a look and give you a fixed price for free.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Does paint really hold up on tile?
- Yes, if it's prepared properly: a thorough clean, a specific tile primer and the right enamel. The secret is in the primer; without it, it peels. Done like that, it holds up to daily use for years.
- Can I paint the shower tray and the shower walls?
- That's the most demanding area because of the constant contact with water. Sometimes it's worth it and sometimes it isn't; I assess it when I look and tell you honestly whether it's worthwhile or whether another solution is better there.
- Do you paint the grout lines too?
- Yes, when you paint the tile everything is unified, grout included, which gives a cleaner, more up-to-date look (goodbye to dark grout lines). If you prefer to keep the grout pattern, that can be done too; we'll talk it over.