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Paint can do wonders—especially if you’re looking to give your bathroom a budget-friendly upgrade. DIY expert Angie of How We Do recently proved this when she painted the outdated vinyl floor in her kids’ bathroom, giving the illusion that it was replaced with white hexagon tiles and black grout.
In a bathroom, you can bring this DIY to life on vinyl flooring or existing tiles you no longer like. The best part? It actually lasts, and you don't have to take special care of it. “I'm able to clean the floor as usual, and it's held up perfectly for about nine months,” Angie tells House Beautiful.
If this beginner-level project sounds like the non-renovation trick you need in your life, Angie showcased the entire process in a video on Instagram. Here's a step-by-step guide that digs even deeper into how she executed it:
- Clean the floor well.
- Lightly sand the floor to remove any sheen on the vinyl or tile surface.
- Prime the floor with a high-quality primer, like Zinsser 123 Primer. Apply it using a roller to cover the main areas and a brush along the edges.
- Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply a second coat of primer and let dry.
- Decide if you want to paint a solid color or pattern. For a pattern, consider using a stencil or painter's tape.
- Paint two coats of your base color, allowing time in between for each to dry.
- If you’re using a stencil, practice using it on a piece of cardboard first. As you paint, use a stencil spray adhesive to keep the stencil in place on the floor. Note: Try to use as little paint as possible to prevent it from bleeding through the stencil.
- Move the stencil around your floor until the pattern is complete. Cut the stencil for harder areas, like around the tub, toilet, and vanity.
- Allow the painted pattern to dry completely.
- Paint as many coats as you want to achieve your desired look, with plenty of time for each coat to dry in between.
- There’s a good chance some paint will bleed through a stencil, so touch up mistakes using a paintbrush as necessary.
- If you want a border around your pattern, use painter's tape to get a clean line.
- Seal the floor with three coats of Minwax Clear Matte Polycrylic.
Shop DIY Painted Tile Materials:
Scotch Painter's Tape Painter’s Tape (3 Rolls)
Minwax Polycrylic Finish
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Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
