How to Decorate a White Tile With Gold Flecks on Bathroom Walls

Add gold flecks to white tile for a glamorous look.

Remodeling the walls of your bathroom is no easy undertaking. Replacing the tile involves removing the old tile and installing brand-new tile, both involving considerable mess and expense. Painting tile is a great way to add interest and new life to your bathroom without the hassle and high cost of new tile. You can add any sort of accent color to your bathroom with a little bit of paint. Painting the tiles white and adding gold flecks will transform your bathroom instantly.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Rags
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Palm sander
• Oil-based primer
• Paintbrush
• White oil-based paint
• Small artist's brush
• Gold paint
• Urethane topcoat

Instructions

1. Clean the tile thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP). Apply the TSP to a clean rag and scrub the tile to remove all the soap scum and residue that has accumulated on the tile over the years. TSP will also dull the shine on the tile, better preparing it for paint.

2. Sand the tiles with fine-grit sandpaper. Create enough texture on the tile that the primer will sink in and adhere firmly to the surface. Sand larger areas with a palm sander: this will make the job much quicker. Wipe away all sanding dust with a damp rag.

3. Prime the surface of the tiles with oil-based primer. Oil-based primer is durable and will withstand exposure to moisture from the shower. Apply the primer with a good-quality brush. Work from the top of the tile downward. Avoid conspicuous brushstrokes by keeping enough paint on your brush that you won't need to feather it at the end of the stroke. Let the primer dry.

4. Paint the tiles using a white oil-based paint. Choose a high-gloss paint to most closely resemble ceramic. Apply the paint in the same way that you applied the primer. Multiple thin coats will be more durable than one thick coat. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Dip a small artist's brush in gold paint. Gently dab the brush onto the surface of each tile to create a flecked effect. Step back often to check your work. Continue adding gold flecks to the entire wall. Allow the paint to dry.

6. Coat the tiles with a urethane topcoat. Urethane will further protect the tiles from water damage and scratching. Use a clean brush to apply the topcoat and allow it to dry. Let the paint job cure for seven days before heavy use.

References

• HousePaintingInfo.com: Painting Bathroom Tiles