Want To Avoid Painting Tile? 8 Easy Alternatives That Look Just As Elegant

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When your tile is looking rough or outdated, painting it provides a low-cost transformation. But a paint job usually entails hours worth of work, and sometimes, lackluster results. If you're looking for alternatives to painting your tile that don't require ripping it out and starting from scratch, there are many to consider. You can change your floors in a flash with peel-and-stick tiles, refresh the grout, or repair what you already have with a tile repair kit. For professional-looking coverage of your existing wall tiles, they can also be overlayed with beadboard or another type of wall paneling.

It can be hard for a room to feel complete when the flooring or wall design isn't quite right. Fortunately, as long as you're willing to get creative and put in a little elbow grease, you can transform your tiles to match any style decor. Whether you're after an ultra-modern look, a soft vintage style, or anything in between, we'll walk through the options you have for changing up your tile when painting just isn't your jam. 

Peel-and-stick tiles are typically vinyl, lightweight ceramic, or composite with an adhesive backing. After thoroughly cleaning the tile to be covered, you can install these DIY-friendly stick-ons by removing the backing and positioning each tile in place. They're available in many shapes, sizes, and colors, so you'll likely find an option that fits your design preference. While they're easy to install and can look beautiful, carefully consider where they will be installed. One of the disadvantages of waterproof peel-and-stick floor tile is that they may not be a long-lasting solution in high-traffic rooms.

Sometimes the tile isn't what looks bad; it's the dingy grout. If your grout is cracked or severely discolored, a little grout refresh may be enough to give your tiles a whole new look. There are two ways to approach this. First, if the grout is damaged, remove it and re-grout the tiles. The second, and often easier, option is to use a grout pen, like the one from Rainbow Chalk Markers Limited. These pens are specialized paint markers you can use to change the color of your grout, while also adding a waterproof layer.

Tile stickers are another renter-friendly hack for updating your tile flooring or walls. Similar to peel-and-stick tiles, they're made of a thin sheet of vinyl with adhesive backing. They also come in many designs, shapes, and styles, and since they can be cut with scissors or utility knives, they're one of the easiest do-it-yourself solutions. While tile stickers won't last as long as traditional tile, they're typically budget-friendly. So when they start to peel, you can replace them with a new design to switch up the room's look.

If the reason you dislike your tile is that it's cracked or chipped in spots, a tile repair kit may be worth your while. These kits often include putty that hardens for filling cracks or holes, as well as a variety of pigments so you can match the repaired area to your tile's color. These kits are best suited for minor damage. If a tile has a bunch of cracks or there are many problematic tiles on your floor or wall, you may want to consider a different solution.

Instead of painting your wall tile, consider covering it up entirely. Wall panels can be attached to existing tiles with construction adhesive. And best of all, the choices are wide-ranging. For high-moisture areas, you'll want a water-resistant paneling, such as high-density polyurethane in with brick or stone look, or you could use a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paneling. For areas where moisture isn't an issue, you can opt for wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) fashioned as beadboard, wooden planks, or shiplap. For an elegant finishing touch, add trim along the edges of the paneling.

If a new flooring material is in the budget, but you don't want to rip out your existing tile, consider a floating floor, such as luxury vinyl plank or laminate. A floating floor can breathe new life into your room and serve as a long-lasting solution to your unsightly tile problem. There are some limitations, though — for this to be a viable option, your floor must be level and free of loose or severely damaged tiles. If there are any cracked or loose pieces, they need to be addressed before installation.

Looking for a cheap and non-permanent solution to painting your tile? Vinyl mats resemble regular rugs, but are made of a vinyl material that's extremely durable. Since they're waterproof, they work well even in high-moisture areas like the kitchen and bathroom. These inexpensive mats are available in runners and standard rug sizes and come in countless design options. Whether you need to cover the tile in a small bathroom or a large kitchen, you'll likely be able to find a vinyl mat that spans most of the floor.

If you're looking for a permanent solution and enjoy the modern look of concrete, consider a microcement coating as a tile painting alternative. Microcement is composed of cement, mineral pigments, and water-based resins, and it sticks to almost any surface –including tile. Best of all, it comes in many colors, allowing you to customize it to your space. This material should be applied in several thin layers via a trowel, and it is a job you can DIY to save some money.