How To Cover Bathroom Wall Tiles

There comes a time when the tiles in your bathroom will lose their luster and sheen. So, what are the options available for you to bring new life to your bathroom? The most straightforward solution would be to renovate and replace the tiles, but that is too expensive. The next, more practical option is to cover the bathroom wall tiles – but the question is how? 

No matter what method you choose to cover your bathroom wall tiles, the most crucial factor is that they should be 100% waterproof. Whether it be paint or adhesive tiles, it is vital to make sure that it is waterproof and resistant to condensation caused by humidity. 

Now, we have four of the best ways to cover your bathroom wall tiles without needing to renovate the bathroom fully. If you are worried about the cost of retiling your bathroom wall, check out these cost-effective alternatives first. 

4 Best Ways to Cover Bathroom Wall Tiles

1. Painting Over the Tiles

The most practical and cost-effective way to cover your old bathroom wall tiles is to paint over them. Of course, you will need a special kind of paint to obtain the desired results: waterproof tile paint. Waterproof latex and epoxy paint is the best option available as it comes in matte, satin, and glossy variations. 

Before you start painting over the bathroom tiles, though, you need to conduct proper preparation to ensure the best result:

• Thoroughly clean the tiles and let them dry.
• Use sandpaper or sander (180 to 220 grit) for sanding the gloss off the surface. 
• Clear all the dust from sanding the tiles. 
• Apply an epoxy paint primer. 
• Put masking tape over the grout. 

If you are applying latex paint, you should apply two coats over the surface. Epoxy paint incorporates the same method of painting (two coats). However, epoxy paint comes with limited color options. 

Pros:

• Cost and time effective method of renovating your bathroom wall tiles.
• This method offers more versatility and flexibility when it comes to aesthetic choices. 
• High-quality tile paint is robust and provides excellent longevity to the surface. 
• Enhances the appearance of old tiles and make them look good as new.

Cons:

• The paint might chip or peel away if misapplied. 
• Painting over the tiles with multiple coats can take a bit of time to complete on your own.

2. Using a Shower Curtain

If you want a quick temporary solution to cover the bathroom wall tiles, then installing a shower curtain to cover the wall is an excellent option to take. This method is popular with renters who don’t want to spend too much time and money fixing old bathroom tiles. Instead, go with waterproof printed shower curtains to add a level of style to your bathroom without spending too much. 

Pros:

• Incredibly cheap way to cover bathroom tiles. 
• There are hundreds of shower curtains to choose from.

Cons:

• This method is a temporary fix only.

3. Adhesive Tiles

Using tile stickers is another quick and easy way to refresh your bathroom’s aesthetics without removing the tiles. You can find these waterproof adhesive tiles in various sizes, colors, and designs. In addition, these decorative adhesive tiles are completely waterproof. 

Installing tile stickers are quick and easy; make sure you properly clean and dry off the surface of the tiles before applying the adhesive tiles. However, if you are looking for the most affordable and straightforward option to cover wall tiles, using these adhesive tiles is your best bet. 

Pros:

• Adhesive tiles are the cheapest option around for renovating your bathroom wall.
• There are many designs out there, and you can truly personalize your bathroom to your liking.
• It is highly adhesive and easy to apply.

Cons:

• Removing some adhesive tiles can leave marks that you will need to scrape off.
• High humidity areas can affect the adhesive properties of the stickers.

4. Utilizing Beadboards

The beadboard is a wall panel made from thin layers of wood. It is often used in the living room, but it is also compatible in the bathroom. First, however, you will need to prepare the beadboard by applying waterproof paint. 

Also, it is highly recommended that you treat the edges with grout to prevent moisture from seeping behind the panel, leading to mold buildup. 

Pros:

• Beadboards are easier to clean and maintain. 
• This type of wooden panel covering can add a layer of modernity to your bathroom. 
• Installation is relatively quick and easy.

Cons:

• Beadboards are susceptible to mold and mildew problems if installed improperly. 

Final Thoughts

All the tile covering options we introduced come with their pros and cons. Each offers something different regarding aesthetics, and choosing which method to use is all about personal preference and budget. However, as long as these are installed correctly, you can bet you will get your money’s worth whichever option you choose.