Covering Bathroom Tiles? Here's How
Is your bathroom starting to show its age? Do you cringe every time you see those outdated, yellowed tiles or the chips and cracks in the grout? A full bathroom remodel can be expensive and time-consuming, but you don't have to live with an ugly bathroom. Covering your existing tiles is an affordable and easy way to give your bathroom a much-needed facelift.
With a little bit of handiwork, you can transform the look of your bathroom in a weekend without the hefty price tag of a remodel.
Why Cover Tiles?
Covering tiles offers many advantages over fully replacing them. Here are some of the top reasons to consider covering your bathroom tiles:
- It's much more affordable than retiling
- Takes less time and labor than removing and replacing tiles
- Allows you to change the color and style without damaging the underlying surface
- Conceals cracked, damaged, or outdated tiles
- Ideal temporary solution for renters who can't make permanent changes
Whether you want to update the look, hide imperfections, or just need a quick facelift, covering tiles is a budget-friendly way to give your bathroom a fresh new style.
How to Prepare for Tile Covers
Before starting any project, proper planning and preparation are key steps. Follow these tips to get your tiles ready for their makeover:
Clear the Space
Remove everything from the walls and around the perimeter where you'll be working. Taking down any wall-mounted fixtures, shelves, and accessories gets them out of your way and prevents damage.
Clean Thoroughly
Cleaning the tiles well is crucial for proper adhesion. Scrub tile surfaces with an abrasive bathroom cleaner or a solution of hot water and dish soap. A vinegar-water mixture also helps remove any soap scum or hard water buildup. Rinse and let dry fully.
Repair Grout
Fix any cracked or missing grout between tiles. Remove old caulk and re-caulk around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Good surface prep leads to better results.
Gather Materials
Buy your covers of choice, along with recommended adhesives or wall panels. Also pick up additional supplies like grout, grout sealer, caulk, and any specialty tools needed for that type of cover.
Measuring and Planning Tile Layout
Knowing the accurate measurements of your space allows you to calculate how many tile covers you need to purchase. It also helps you map out the layout.
Tile Size
Carefully measure the length and width of one full tile, excluding any spacers or grout lines. This gives you the size of each tile you need to cover.
Measure and Calculate Square Footage
Measure the height and width of each wall surface to find the total coverage area in square feet. Having these calculations ensures you buy enough covers.
Map the Layout
Draw a simple grid outline representing each tile and how the covers should be positioned. Plan the layout so seams between covers are less visible. Cut covers as needed around fixtures or along edges.
How to Apply Adhesive
Proper adhesive application creates a strong, lasting bond between the covers and tiles. Follow product instructions for spread rate and set time.
Use Proper Adhesive
Choose the adhesive specially made for that type of cover and for use in bathrooms. Many thin ceramic tile covers, for example, use a supportive acrylic adhesive.
Spread Evenly
Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of the covers using a notched trowel or adhesive spreader. Take care not to overdo the amount.
Allow Proper Set Time
Let the adhesive sit for a few minutes before installing covers. This allows it to get tacky so covers adhere better but doesn't let it dry too much.
Installing Tile Covers
Once adhesive has set up, it's time to put up the tile covers. Go slowly and carefully during this step to get the placement just right.
Press Covers in Place
Starting at the top, press covers gently but firmly onto the prepared tiles. Work row by row from top to bottom to avoid accidentally kneeling on newly installed covers.
Check for Bubbles
Look over each cover after pressing it on to ensure there are no air pockets or gaps where it didn't adhere correctly. Smooth any bubbles out.
Use a Grout Float
A grout float is a handy tool for installing thin ceramic tile covers. The hard rubber helps apply even pressure to set the covers in the adhesive.
Continue Until Complete
Keep going until every tile is covered. Tile covers apply quickly, so you can usually install several walls in a day. Let adhesive fully cure for 24-48 hours before grouting.
Grouting Tile Covers
Filling the seams between tile covers with grout gives a polished, seamless look. Use a pre-mixed, mold-resistant epoxy grout designed for wet areas.
Prepare Grout
Mix up a batch of grout per package directions. Let it slake, or sit, for 10 minutes so polymers activate for a stronger cure.
Spread Grout
Use a rubber grout float or squeegee to spread grout over the covers, forcing it into the seams. Hold at a 45deg angle to prevent pulling it out of joints.
Wipe Away Excess
Let grout haze dry slightly. Then go over the surface with a damp sponge, rinsing often, to remove any film. Avoid wiping so much as to pull grout out of seams.
Allow Proper Cure Time
Leave grout to fully cure for 72 hours. Keep the room ventilated and dry during this time. Avoid showering directly on it.
Finishing Touches
Adding the final details completes your bathroom's tile cover makeover. Enjoy your stylish, updated space!
Seal Grout
Once grout has cured, apply a penetrating grout sealer. This adds waterproof protection in a damp bathroom environment.
Reinstall Fixtures
Put back any fixtures, shelves, shower rods, and other accessories you removed before starting the project.
Caulk Edges
Finish by caulking along the top edges, seams, and around fixtures with a flexible, mildew-resistant bathroom caulk.
Relax in Your New Bathroom!
After all that work, it's time to pour a nice bath or enjoy your first shower in your refreshed bathroom with its stylish covered tiles!
Tile Cover Options
There are a variety of options when choosing products to cover bathroom tiles. Consider factors like your existing tiles, skill level, and budget.
Tile Paint
Painting over tiles allows you to change their color easily. Epoxy or acrylic paints formulated for tile stand up to moisture and scrubbing. Priming ensures better adhesion. Choose satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning.
Waterproof PVC panels install quickly with adhesive and trim pieces. Choose from many patterns and finishes like subway tile, marble, or abstract designs. Panels resist mold and mildew.