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How to remove paint from bathroom tiles?

How do I remove paint from tiles in my bathroom. Half a tile just peeled off and I was inspired to remove the rest. I tried a scraper but this is not a valid method for me. I’m not sure what of paint it is . The tiles have a raised pattern on them so they are not flat. Advice would be welcome .
thank you

rosemary

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @RosemaryK. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing tile paint.

Chances are it's some type of epoxy paint designed for tiles. You'll likely need to use a chemical stripping agent to get the paint off, which will be a messy and potent smelling process. Depending on how many of these tiles need to have the paint removed from them, I'd advise considering painting over. If the stripper is really effective, it could make short work of the job, but in my experience, trying to remove epoxy paints is not exactly a fun process.

Make sure you use appropriate PPE gear like safety glasses and a respirator whilst working in a well-ventilated space.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

RosemaryK

Thanks Mitchell

that was quick !
Painting over them again wouldn’t work. I have no idea why they painted over them in the first place. But removing the paint sounds like a difficult job. Do you mean that even with the stripper it will be difficult to remove?
Rosemary

MitchellMc

How difficult the removal process will be, depends on how well the stripper works, @RosemaryK. A little tip is to apply the stripper to the tiles and then tape down plastic bags over them to encapsulate the fumes. The stripper will be much for potent if it is confined like that. It might take a few applications to remove all the paint. Depending on the paint type, sometimes even with strippers, it can be a laborious job removing it.

Mitchell

RosemaryK

Thanks Mitchell -would it be something I would be better off paying someone to do ?

Rosemary

MitchellMc

@RosemaryK,

I'd believe if the paint was hard to remove, that'll be the same for everyone, whether they are a professional or not. I'd encourage you to give it a go. You'll soon find out if the paint wants to budge with the stripper or not.

Mitchell

RosemaryK

so happy - it worked - polystrip with a paint brush - did a few tiles a time, just reapplied in the corners as it was a bit stubborn- otherwise so satisfying- you could actually see the paint bubbling up before your eyes. Thank you Mitchell !

MitchellMc

I'm thrilled that worked for you @RosemaryK! Sometimes it can be a little bit hit and miss.

As you previously mentioned, I'm not quite sure why they painted over them in the first place. The tiles look far nicer than the brown/grey paint.

Great restoration; what's next on your list of home improvements?

Mitchell

RosemaryK

Hi Mitchell

Next is painting my garden fence and then I need to go back to the bathroom . I have a washing machine in there and I want to get a big cabinet around it with shelves as well. I think I’m going to have to get someone to make it though

rosemary

EricL

HI @RosemaryK

Thank you for sharing your list of home improvements. My colleague @MitchellMc is on a well-deserved break and will be back on Friday.

In reference to your list, I suggest using the Tuabmans Sunproof Exterior Paint for your fence. It's water-based so cleaning your brushes will be easy. It has UV protection mixed into it and can be tinted in almost any colour. For fence applications, I usually suggest using a low sheen finish as it does not absorb dust easily.

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the location of your washing machine? I would be more than happy to make a sketch for you. This will allow you to see what the layout will look like once the box and shelf are in place. If you wish to add any other projects to the list, please let us know. We would be more than happy to provide assistance and information to your project.

Eric

annievdm

Hi @MitchellMc . You advised Rosemary above to paint over her flaking painted tiles. I have a similar problem where paint has begun peeling from tiles we painted about 4 years ago (we used regular tile paint and tile primer but not the special renovation range) but I'm not wanting to use paint stripper in our small bathroom as we have small kids in the house and it isn't very well ventilated.

I was wondering what steps roughly I would need to take to repaint our already painted tiles! Would it need a big sand before starting all the primer/paint/sealer steps (using renovation range) or does it just need a sugar soaping before commencing? I would be worried it would look lumpy where I do the fresh coat over peeled parts if you can picture that? Thanks in advance 🙂

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @annievdm. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring painted tiles.

You'll certainly need to sand and feather out that chipped edge for it not to show through your final coats. A good indicator is to run your finger over the transition between the old paint and tile. If you can feel the chipped edge, you'll likely see it through the new topcoat and need to continue sanding and feathering. The more time you spend on getting this edge blended, the better your results will be.

If this were previously painted with Dulux products, then you'd sand the chipped areas until they are smooth and blended in, give the painted tiles a scuff up with 240-grit sandpaper to remove any gloss, clean the wall down with Sugar Soap and rinse with fresh water. Once the tiles are dry, prime the areas where the paint has chipped and coat over the wall with your new topcoat. No need to prime the already painted areas. You might like to apply the clear coat for added protection. Given that the current coating isn't the Dulux Renovation range, it would be difficult for me to comment on the compatibility of the products.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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