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Bathroom window, mirror, and sink.

Overview

Who says you need to totally replace your old bathroom tiles? If they’re drab or dated there’s a simple way to make them modern and fab! Why not give them a total refresh by painting directly over the top – it’s an affordable way to give your bathroom a totally new look.

Steps

1Clean your bathroom tiles

Before you do anything else get in there and give your tiles a really good scrub. Use a bucket, some water and sugar soap to make a solution, then grab a scrubber and go nuts. If you're working with a smaller area you may choose to simply use Selleys Sugar Soap Wipes. Then take a toothbrush and scrub your grout lines – use a mould killer to really get in there and make sure any mould spores are gone. Make sure you have your respirator on for this bit, or open a window – this stuff is noxious. Leave for a few minutes before cleaning off.

A person pouring sugar soap into a bucket.

2Dry and sand

Now your bathroom tiles are clean, you're ready to give them a light sand – this will help your new primer and paint adhere to the surface better. Wear a dust mask for this bit – and get stuck in! Once you've finished, wipe away the dust with a microfibre cloth and you're good to go.

A person sanding bathroom tiles on a wall.

3Repeat the process

You've cleaned, scrubbed and sanded – now do it all over again! We know – it's boring. But trust us – if you repeat this process, your paint will go much easier and there will be no need to re-do your hard work down the track.

4Apply masking tape

Mask up any areas where you don't want your paint to go – use painter's tape for this bit or apply masking tape.

Person applying masking tape to vanity.

5It's time to prime

Once you're all taped up, you're ready to prime. We're using the Dulux Renovation Range Plastic and Laminate Primer – it comes with an additive that you add to the primer, then stir for two to five minutes. The great thing about this product is that even though it's specifically designed for plastic or laminate, you can also use it on all tiles. Once your primer is mixed, pour it out into a tray, then grab a paint brush to cut in around the edges and the grout lines of your tiles. Once you've done this, use a roller to finish painting the tiles. Leave your primer to dry for four hours.

Person pouring paint into a paint tray.

6Apply your top coat

Once your first layer of primer is dry you can apply the second coat of paint. You can choose any colour you like from the Dulux Renovation Range – the sky's the limit! We went with ‘Whisper White'. Add your additive to the paint and stir for two to five minutes. As with the primer, use a paint brush to cut in along the grout-lines then use a roller to apply the colour across the surface of the tiles in long, even strokes. Allow the first coat to dry for eight hours, then apply a second. To get a nice, even finish gently go over your tiles once more with an unloaded roller in the same direction.

Person painting tiles white with a roller.

7Fresh and clean

Your bathroom's all brand new again! And you didn't need to spend a fortune getting the tiler in – winning!

8Looking for more bathroom inspo?

Check out Mooch Styles' bathroom makeover and more simple projects from Make It Yours season one, bathroom episode.

Inspiration from the Bunnings Workshop community

Bathroom refresh with large timber benchtop

Tom updated his peach-and-blue-themed bathroom by painting the wall and floor tiles with the Dulux Renovation Range in Lexicon Quarter, and used a black grout pen to define the grout around the floor tiles.

Bathroom with timber benchtop, round sink and black tapware next to a bath and shower
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.