How to Remodel Pink Bathroom Tile

Pink tiles can be easily painted for a quick and inexpensive remodeling job.

Updating bathrooms is one of the best things you can do when preparing to put your home on the market. Home buyers today are educated people. They understand the value renovation adds to a home, and they aren't opposed to paying for the work you put into their new place. If you've got an outdated bathroom, perhaps with pink tiles that came out of the 1970s, it's time for a face lift. Remodeling bathroom tiles is simpler than you may think.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Drop cloth
• Tile
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Paint it. The easiest way to remodel pink bathroom tile is to change the color. Not many people consider painting an option, as it is not widely known that paint will adhere to bathroom tiles. Purchase a spray-on primer that is specially formulated to bond with tile. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to rough up the tile for better paint adhesion before spraying on primer. Purchase an oil-based spray paint for tiles that won't get wet and an epoxy-based spray paint for tiles in the shower or the bathtub. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before applying the coat of regular paint.

2. Call in a professional. If your pink bathroom tiles are in good condition (i.e., no cracks or chips in the tile, all grout in place), then a professional tiler can change their appearance through a process of applying a specialized primer, multiple coats of pigmentation and catalyzed acrylic urethane. Once these elements are set in place, the tiles are then buffed to perfection. The only downside to this type of tile remodeling is its short lifespan. Professionally refinished tiles are only guaranteed to last for five years, so an educated buyer may be hesitant to accept your method of remodeling if you go this route.

3. Tear down the old and replace it with new. If you'd rather completely revamp your bathroom tiles, use a pry bar and hammer to remove old tiles. Throw down a drop cloth to protect floors and other surfaces. Wedge the pry bar, or a utility knife for a small job, in between the tiles. Use a hammer to gently tap the bar beneath the tiles one by one until removal is complete. Sand the previously tiled surface before applying new tiles.

References

• This Old House: Changing the Color of Tile
• Miracle Method: Refinished Bathtubs, Countertops Resurfaced, Tile Reglazing

Resources

• The Tile Doctor: How-To Tile Showers