If you have ceramic tiles that are past their best or just the wrong colour then there are a number of things that you can do. The best approach is to remove them completely and re-tile the room. You can tile over existing tiles but it is not advisable as you increase the depth of the tiles behind taps, on skirtings etc.

The other option is to paint them. Painted tiles will always look like painted tiles as you will lose the grout lines unless you rake out all the grout before painting and then re-grout once the paint is fully dry.

Essential tools and preparation advice

• Make sure that the tiles to be painted are clean, dry and free from mould growth, grease and grout residues. Tiles must be in good condition and firmly adhering.
• Ceramic/Glazed tiles do not require a primer or undercoat. For best results, lightly scuff the tile surface with wet & dry abrasive paper and a solution of water and washing up liquid. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry before painting.

Painting advice

• Dulux Tile Paint is more shower resistant than conventional water-based satin paints, which means that it won't peel off in areas continually soaked with water e.g. shower enclosures. It is self-undercoating, quick drying and recoatable within 4 hours.
• Stir the paint thoroughly with a palette knife or similar implement before use and do not thin it, even if it is a bit sticky to apply.
• Apply 1 or 2 coats of Dulux Tile Paint using a synthetic brush. This will provide the best results in terms of the brush marks showing. Apply the paint liberally and evenly to avoid runs and sags. Do not overspread the paint or it will look patchy. Where a strong colour change is involved, 2 or more coats may be required. Allow 4 hours drying time between coats.
• You should not use the paint when the room temperature is below 10°C or in damp, humid conditions. Under normal drying conditions, the tile paint is touch dry within 2 hours and re-coatable after 4 hours, but allow a minimum of 24 hours for the paint to thoroughly dry and harden off before using the shower. If the surface becomes marked, use a non-abrasive household cleaner or a soft damp cloth or sponge to clean the surface.