A bathroom makeover doesn't have to break the bank or disrupt your home with weeks of renovation. With the right preparation, products and techniques, you can completely refresh tired wall tiles, floor tiles, timber benchtops and aluminium window frames using paint.
Whether you're updating an outdated colour scheme or simply looking to give your space a cleaner, more modern look, painting is a cost-effective way to transform your bathroom. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a durable, professional-looking finish that can breathe new life into one of the most used rooms in your home.
Part 1 – Wall Tiles
Outdated wall tiles can make your entire bathroom feel tired, but replacing them can be expensive and time-consuming. Painting your wall tiles is an affordable alternative that can dramatically update the look of your space. With the right preparation and the Dulux Renovation Range, you can achieve a fresh, professional finish that transforms your bathroom without the cost of a full reno.
Step 1: Clean
Remove all grease and dirt from the tiles with Selleys Sugar Soap. Repeat this process twice with clean water. Allow the tiles to dry.
Step 2: Repair
Assess the tiles for any loose and flaking paint or damage that needs to be repaired. Remove the flaking paint and fill any cracks or holes with a hard epoxy-based filler like Selleys Knead-It Aqua. Allow the filler to dry completely.
Step 3: Sand
Once the repaired areas are dry, sand the tiles to dull the glossy finish with 400 grit sandpaper. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove dust once the tiles are sanded.
Step 4: Mould Prevention
Next, thoroughly clean the tile surface with Selleys Rapid Mould Killer.
Expert Tip – Use a brush to ensure the mould killer cleans the tiles and the grout effectively.
Step 5: Remove Silicone
Remove all silicone sealant from joints using a silicone remover tool. For an easier time, use a sealant remover like Selleys Sealant Remover to break down and soften the old silicone before removing. Allow the grout line to dry fully before moving on.
Step 6: Mask
Mask the painting area with masking tape. Use masking film and drop sheets to protect any surfaces you won’t be painting such as the bath, vanity and floor. Allow the tiles and grout to dry completely before starting to paint.
Expert Tip – Keep the masking tape fanned out to catch any drips when painting.
Step 7: Prime
Mix the additive into the Dulux Renovation Range Primer and stir until the additive is completely mixed in. Then, using a brush, cut in the grout lines with the primer before rolling. We recommend using a mini roller for this project to ensure the tile surface has even coverage. Allow 4 hours drying time for the primer.
Step 8: Paint
As with the primer, mix the additive into the Dulux Renovation Range Tiles & Benchtops. Stir thoroughly until the additive is completely mixed in. Again, cut in the grout lines with a brush before rolling. Allow 8 hours drying time before applying the second coat.
Expert Tip – Once each section is coated, lay off by going over the surface with minimal pressure in the same direction with an unloaded roller. This will give you a smooth, professional finish. Do this after both coats of paint.
Step 9: Protect
Finally, apply 2 coats of Dulux Renovation Range Clear Coat Gloss to the tiles. Like with the previous steps, cut in before rolling and then lay off after each section is coated. Allow 8 hours drying time between coats.
Expert Tip - Wait 2 days for light use of the tiles, 7 days for general use. This will allow the paint to cure and prevent damaging the finish.
Refreshing your bathroom tiles is not only a great way to update one of the hardest working rooms in your home, but it’s the perfect way to keep it looking fresh and modern for years to come.
Part 2 – Floor Tiles
Bathroom floor tiles experience daily foot traffic, moisture and wear, making them one of the hardest-working surfaces in the home. Fortunately, you don't need to rip them up to achieve a fresh new look. The Dulux Renovation Range can help you revitalise worn or outdated tiles while creating a durable finish designed to withstand everyday use.
Step 1: Clean
Remove all grease and dirt from the tiles with Selleys Sugar Soap. Repeat this process twice with clean water. Allow the tiles to dry.
Step 2: Repair
Assess the tiles for any loose and flaking paint or damage that needs to be repaired. Remove the flaking paint and fill any cracks or holes with a hard epoxy-based filler like Selleys Knead-It Aqua. Allow the filler to dry completely.
Step 3: Sand
Once the repaired areas are dry, sand the tiles to dull the glossy finish with 400 grit sandpaper. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove dust once the tiles are sanded.
Step 4: Mould Prevention
Next, thoroughly clean the tile surface with Selleys Rapid Mould Killer.
Expert Tip – Use a brush to ensure the mould killer cleans the tiles and the grout effectively.
Step 5: Remove Silicone
Remove all silicone sealant from joints using a silicone remover tool. For an easier time, use a sealant remover like Selleys Sealant Remover to break down and soften the old silicone before removing. Allow the grout line to dry fully before moving on.
Step 6: Mask
Mask the painting area with masking tape. Use masking film and drop sheets to protect any surfaces you won’t be painting such as the bath, vanity and walls. Allow the tiles and grout to dry completely before starting to paint.
Expert Tip – Keep the masking tape fanned out to catch any drips when painting.
Step 7: Prime
Mix the additive into the Dulux Renovation Range Primer as per the instructions on the can. Stir until the additive is completely mixed in. Then, using a brush, cut in the grout lines with the primer before rolling. We recommend using a mini roller for this project to ensure the tile surface has even coverage. Allow 4 hours drying time for the primer.
Step 8: Paint
As with the primer, mix the additive into the Dulux Renovation Range Floors. We’re using the satin finish for this project. Stir thoroughly until the additive is completely mixed in. Again, cut in the grout lines with a brush before rolling. Allow 8 hours drying time before applying the second coat.
Expert Tip – Once each section is coated, lay off by going over the surface with minimal pressure in the same direction with an unloaded roller. This will give you a smooth, professional finish. Do this after both coats of paint.
Step 9: Refresh Grout
Refresh or re-whiten any grout lines with the Dulux Renovation Range Grout Pen. Apply directly to the grout.
Expert Tip - Wait 2 days for light use of the tiles, 7 days for general use. This will allow the paint to cure and prevent damaging the finish.
Avoid the cost and pain of removing and replacing floor tiles. Paint them instead. The Dulux Renovation Range makes this process simple so your bathroom space can evolve along with you and your family.
Part 3 – Timber Benchtop
We love timber in a bathroom. It is a fantastic way to add warmth to what is traditionally one of the coldest rooms in the house. But if you want to maintain this warmth for years to come, you need to protect your timber. That’s where Cabot’s CFP Floor comes in. And yes, this is a floor product, but trust us… there’s nothing better to protect your hard working timber surface.
Step 1: Clean
Using mineral turpentine, remove any stains, dirt and grime from the timber.
Expert Tip – For previously coated surfaces, clean with Cabot’s Floor Clean and allow to dry before testing a small area with the Cabot’s CFP Floor to determine if the coting will lift.
Step 2: Sand
In the direction of the grain, sand the timber surface with 180-240 grit sandpaper. Once the surface is smooth, remove all the dust with a microfibre cloth.
Step 3: Coat
Stir the Cabot’s CFP Floor thoroughly before cutting in around the edges of the timber benchtop with a brush. Next, roll an even coverage across the timber surface. Allow 3 hours drying time before applying the next coat.
Expert Tip – Bare timber surfaces require 3 coats of Cabot’s CFP Floor. Previously coated surfaces need 2 coats. If you are staining the timber, apply a single coat of Cabot’s CFP floor before the stain. Then, once the staining is complete, finish the timber with 2 coats of Cabot’s CFP Floor.
Protect your timber and keep it looking great for years to come. Whether you're reviving an existing finish or restoring bare timber, a quality coating will enhance the appearance of the surface while providing long-lasting protection against everyday use.
Part 4 – Window Frames
Aluminium window frames are often overlooked during bathroom updates, yet they can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the space. A fresh coat of paint can instantly modernise dated frames, helping them blend seamlessly with your new colour scheme while giving the room a more polished finish.
Step 1: Clean
Start by cleaning the window frames thoroughly with Selleys Sugar Soap. Pay attention to any areas with stubborn stains or buildup. Once you've cleaned the frames, rinse them with water and allow them to dry completely.
Step 2: Mask
Using masking film, cover the areas you want to keep free from paint. Take your time during this step to ensure that the tape adheres firmly and that all desired areas are adequately covered. The spray paint will travel further than you think so take this into account when masking.
Step 3: Prime
Apply 1 even coat of Dulux Metalshield All Surface Primer to the aluminium window frames. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Paint
Spray 2 coats of Dulux Metalshield Epoxy Enamel Flat in your chosen colour to the window frames. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second.
Step 5: Reveal
Once the paint is dry, remove the masking film from around the window frame to reveal the refreshed aluminium.
Painting aluminium window frames is a quick and effective way to complete your bathroom transformation. With only a few cans of spray paint, you'll have a clean, refreshed look that ties the entire space together and helps elevate the overall result of your DIY bathroom makeover.
Transforming your bathroom with paint is an achievable DIY project that can deliver impressive results without the cost and inconvenience of a full renovation. From the correct prep, using the right products and following our expert advice, you can create a fresh, updated space that looks great and stands up to everyday use. From tiles and benchtops to window frames, a simple coat of paint can make a dramatic difference, helping you achieve a stylish bathroom makeover for a fraction of the cost of renovating.