How do I remove paint from bathroom tiles?

boobeansmum

The old owner of my apartment painted the entire bathroom with white paint, including the tiles in the shower and the bathtub.

How do I completely strip the paint? It's peeling in the shower and looks horrible.

How do I also change/clean the tiles? As you can see in the photos, they are an orange-brown colour from the 70s and look very worn. I wouldn't mind if they were clean, but don't know how to clean them.

JacobZ

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @boobeansmum. It is wonderful to have you with us.

Removing all the paint is possible, but it could be a slow process depending on a few factors.

I suggest starting with a plastic scraper to see how readily the peeling coating lifts. It looks like you'll be able to remove a fair amount by simply working from the exposed edge inwards with your plastic scraper. This is the least aggressive method you can use, which will absolutely minimise the risk of scratching the surface beneath, so it should be used until it can't be used any more.

If you find the plastic scraper has removed as much as it can, a metal scraper can also be used, but there is a higher risk of scratching the surface beneath if you are not careful about keeping it flat.

Heating up the paint with a heat gun can also be useful alongside your scraper, however it should be used with caution as they can create more heat than most people realise. Start on a low setting, a good distance away from the paint, then work your way in as you assess the effect. Make sure to wear gloves and long protective clothing to reduce the risk of burns. The metal tip can get very hot, so be careful.

As a last resort, paint stripper can be used sparingly. Usually, it will not harm the glazed surface of the tiles, however it can damage grout, weaken sealers or dull the finish if left too long. Be particularly cautious around the bathtub, as the correct method will depend on whether it is enamelled steel, acrylic or fibreglass. Paint stripper can damage some bath surfaces, so it would be worth identifying the material first. The grout and silicone may also need to be removed and replaced once the paint is stripped.

So, start with the plastic scraper, remove as much paint as you can, then consider a metal scraper and heat gun depending on how far you get with the plastic scraper alone. As a last resort, paint stripper can be used sparingly but be careful around the tub.

Afterwards, clean the tiles with a bathroom cleaner and a non-scratch scourer.

Unfortunately, removing and replacing bathroom tiles is rarely a simple job, as disturbing the tiles can also damage the waterproofing membrane beneath them. Once the membrane has been compromised, the area may need to be stripped back, re-waterproofed and retiled to meet current requirements, with licensed or qualified trades likely needed depending on your location and the extent of the work. It can be done, but it is almost always a lot of work.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob