Bathroom Tile Make-over

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I have a shop bathroom (pictured below) that I need to do a quick facelift or make-over on. I have a new pedestal sink & faucet, a new toilet, and new ceramic tile for the floor, but what are my options for the tiles that are on the walls?

None of it is cracked or broken, but it is very 1970s dated. I really don't want to take them down at this point, so are there any options as far as possible painting or filling the grout lines with something and then smoothing the entire surface prior to paint?

Ohh, since the shop is a vintage automobile repair shop, having it look rather antique in the bathroom is a possible plus however there are/will be upscale clients (ladies) that would be using this from time to time, so I don't want to venture too far into the 'man cave" theme of decorations.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

.

 

[PoorOwner]

There are companies who does bathtub refinishing and they will spray epoxy (probably white) over the tile and grout to give it a new look.

 

[6768rogues]

I have seen a layer of cement board and new tile installed over old tile. I never did it, but I have seen it done with good results.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Second on painting it with a epoxy type paint by a company. They will come in remove all the calking, clean and then finish it so that it looks new and will last very well. The ones around here clean everything up and leave it ready for mother-in-law inspection...

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

There are companies who does bathtub refinishing and they will spray epoxy (probably white) over the tile and grout to give it a new look.

Interesting thought. Thanks!! Since I have a full paint & body shop in-house, kinda seems redundant to hire a company to come in to spray epoxy when we could spray something ourselves. I am wondering if just using a DA sander with 320 grit would scratch the surface of the tile for a 2k epoxy to adhere.

My fear with removing the tiles would be the expense (labor) and the condition of the drywall behind the tile, but it may be quicker and easier to demo the bottom half and just re-sheetrock that area and finish. Ultimately I really did not want to turn this in to a week long project. Was hoping for a ½ day dismantle, a day to repair & repaint drywall, and then a few hours spread over a couple of days laying floor tile.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Tile can be scuffed and painted, I've done it before myself. Since you have your own paint facilities I think you could do it yourself easily enough. Make sure to clean the tiles and grout really well beforehand to get rid of soap scum, dirt, etc. For a vintage look you could go with a black and white checkerboard effect, or similar.

 

[PhysicsDude]

+1 on the tile resurfacing. Lots of companies do it. I got a flier in the mail the other day advertising it. Looks pretty impressive based on reviews and before/after pictures:

 

[dta1984]

I've used the Rustoleum tub and tile kit in a stand up shower and have had great results. Been painted for 3 years now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PTSBKW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RobHRN]

There are companies who does bathtub refinishing and they will spray epoxy (probably white) over the tile and grout to give it a new look.

Hey, it's a true, these works are the most effective and cheap and you can do it by yourself after watching of professional videos or good advices.

+1 on the tile resurfacing. Lots of companies do it. I got a flier in the mail the other day advertising it. Looks pretty impressive based on reviews and before/after pictures:

Well done, gratz!
If you need consultation dedicated to bathtub refinishing and repair, feel free to contact me anytime. site

 

[Zippercat]

Your tile looks like it’s in near perfect condition after over 40 years of use. It clearly does not see rough or heavy use and should be a perfect candidate for the resurfacing.

But, if you do want to replace the tile don’t attempt to save the drywall behind the current tile. Cut the drywall just above the current tile. Demo the tile, which should be fast and easy. I’d probably start with a 3 lb. hammer, then pull the the old tile and drywall off in chunks. Install cement board using correct screws per manufacturer’s instructions. Install new tile going slightly above the cement board, up onto the remaining old drywall to make the top finish easy with no drywall patching.

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

I would do what Zippercat just described...but then I like doing tile work.

You could paint it but it would look like painted tile...

You can find tile that is the vintage look that you want. Not sure the era you are after but a lot of '30s and '40s tile was 4 inch square in wild colors like pink with black trim. We had a '40s Bungalow and were lucky to have pale yellow with burgundy trim. The neighbors had some wild colors.

The 4 inch tile is cheap and they usually have little nubs to space the tile. They like to be placed on a very smooth surface. They are not tolerant of a bumpy substrate because they are placed right up against the substrate.

It will be interesting to see what you do!

Good Luck!

 

[Bert_]

It's clean and in good shape I say embrace it. I think painting the walls above would make a big difference. Different vanity is a good choice.

 

[dwasifar]

I agree with Bruce and Zippercat. If you're unhappy with it because it looks dated now, you'll be unhappy with it when it looks like a cheap compromise later.

Demo the drywall and retile. You will be surprised at how fast it comes off.

 

[rburke65]

We have a full bath in a finished basement but the tile was ...not a pretty green! We followed the directions on the 2 part epoxy paint and my wife painted the tiled shower. It came out great!

 

[timbowilly]

Bonifide tile/stone guy for to many years. 35. Love it or Rip it out and update the tile. All other options compromise quality..