Painting your ceramic walls: is it possible?

Indeed, painting is an excellent option for refreshing or rejuvenating ceramic wall tiles. By choosing this solution, you avoid the entire demolition process—which is often long, costly, and messy—associated with replacing tiling.

With the right choice of color and finish, it is entirely possible to harmonize a ceramic wall with the rest of your decor while giving it a new lease on life.

That said, ceramic is not painted like a standard wall. To achieve a result that is both aesthetic and durable, certain key steps must be followed and the right products must be used.

First and foremost, it is essential to thoroughly clean the ceramic to remove all traces of grease and dirt.

To achieve this, use a cleaner suitable for pre-painting work. Black soap or a surface preparation degreaser are two good options available to you. The goal is simple: remove all residues that could hinder paint adhesion or compromise the uniformity of the finish.

In the case of very dirty ceramic—for example, a backsplash behind a stove—a more powerful product like Krud Kutter may be necessary to overcome stubborn stains.

Tile joints should not be overlooked, if there are any. These are often the areas where dirt and mold accumulate the most, sometimes even more than on the surface of the tiles.

To clean them properly, you can use a product specifically designed for joints and grout. Otherwise, with a good preparation cleaner and thorough scrubbing with a small brush, you should achieve a very satisfying result.

Once the ceramic is completely dry, proceed to the sanding stage. Since it is a very smooth surface, the goal is to create a slight porosity to allow the paint to adhere properly.

To achieve this, use a fine-grit sandpaper, ideally between 180 and 220. Sanding is preferably done by hand or with a sanding block, which gives you better control and reduces the risk of damaging the tiles.

The use of an electric sander is generally discouraged, as it can be too aggressive for this type of surface. If you have no other choice, ensure you never stay too long in the same spot.

Also, remember to wear a mask to avoid inhaling the dust generated by sanding.

Once sanding is complete, it is essential to remove all dust. Start by vacuuming, then finish with a slightly damp cloth to ensure no residue remains on the surface.

How to choose the right primer for ceramic paint

The choice of primer is a decisive step if you want your paint to truly last over time. On a surface like ceramic, you must opt for an ultra-adherent primer.
Why? Because ceramic is very smooth. If you apply a standard primer, the paint may not grip well and could become fragile, to the point of peeling or flaking at the slightest impact.
Ultra-adherent primers are specially formulated for this type of surface. They create a solid base that allows the finish paint to adhere well and offer much more reliable durability.

Benjamin Moore Stix

This is an ultra-adherent primer designed to be applied to smooth surfaces like ceramic. It forms a thin but very resistant film that allows the paint to anchor well while providing a uniform and polished finish.
This type of primer acts as a true bonding coat: without it, the paint is likely to remain on the surface and weaken quickly. With this primer, you create a stable base that improves both the adhesion and durability of the finish paint.
Another significant advantage: it is generally ready to be recoated after only 3 to 4 hours, allowing you to move through the steps without slowing down the project too much.

The main advantage of Stix? Unlike most ultra-adherent primers, it is a water-based product. This means:

• Very low odor
• Low VOC levels
• More pleasant to apply, especially in small spaces like bathrooms.

Apply the ultra-adherent primer

Once your surface is properly prepared, you can proceed to application.

To obtain the smoothest finish possible, use a microfiber roller. This type of roller limits texture marks, often called “orange peel,” and allows for a much more uniform result, close to the original appearance of the ceramic.

Are you working on a small surface or on tiles with very deep joints?

A brush may be a better option. In this case, be careful not to overload the bristles: excess paint increases the risk of drips and leaves visible marks upon drying.

Once the primer is completely dry (after 3 to 4 hours), you can perform a light sanding with very fine sandpaper, around 320 to 400 grit. This is not a mandatory step, but sanding will allow you to achieve an even softer and smoother finish—in short, closer to a professional result.

Choosing the right finish paint for painting your ceramic wall

You have finally reached the finishing stage. Here, the choice of paint is not to be taken lightly: it will determine both the appearance and the durability of your project.
Before even choosing a color, ask yourself a simple question: what will the surface you are painting be used for? The usage will directly influence the type of paint and, especially, the finish to prioritize.

Choosing the paint finish

Not all ceramics are exposed to the same conditions. A decorative wall in a well-ventilated bathroom is not exposed to the same constraints as a kitchen backsplash.
In areas where the surface is frequently used—splashes, grease, frequent cleaning—you benefit from opting for a pearl (or semi-gloss) finish. This type of finish is more stain-resistant and withstands repeated cleaning much better without being damaged.
Conversely, marks will appear quickly on a matte finish, and it may deteriorate faster if you have to scrub it regularly.

Investing in a resistant and durable paint

Beyond the finish, the quality of the paint plays a key role. On a surface like ceramic, you want a paint capable of forming a resistant film.

By choosing quality products like Advance or Aura Bath & Spa, you ensure a solid finish that will last over time. Now, it remains to be seen which of the two will best serve your project.

We have created a table to help you choose:

Advance is a hybrid paint often recommended for doors and cabinets, surfaces that require a finish that is both durable and aesthetic.

Its unique feature is its slower drying time. This might seem like a constraint, but in reality, it is a major advantage: the paint has time to level properly, resulting in a very smooth finish, almost without marks—an effect reminiscent of melamine.

If your goal is to reproduce the look of standard ceramic, it is an excellent choice. The result is uniform, taut, and visually very clean. Additionally, Advance is available in several finishes (pearl, semi-gloss, and high gloss), allowing you to adjust the level of shine according to the result you seek.

Finally, as this paint is designed for surfaces subject to abrasion and frequent cleaning, you can expect excellent durability over time. Once properly applied, the finish remains stable and maintains its appearance for several years.

In a bathroom, the choice of paint is not based solely on aesthetics. Above all, its ability to resist humidity and limit the appearance of mold must be considered.

If the ceramic you want to paint is not directly exposed to a water jet, you can opt for a washable matte finish. This is a very popular choice for bathrooms due to its soft and uniform appearance, which easily modernizes the space.

A product like Aura Bath & Spa is particularly suitable in this context. It combines the elegance of a matte finish with anti-mold properties designed for humid environments. Result: you get an aesthetic wall that is also better protected over time—making it an excellent choice for bathroom wall ceramic.

Applying the ceramic paint

You can apply the finish paint with either a flocked foam roller or a brush, depending on the tiling and the finish you want to achieve. If you have chosen a pearl finish paint, it is highly preferable to avoid the brush. Indeed, the glossier a finish is, the more it makes brush or roller marks apparent.

The application of the finish paint requires particular attention. This is the stage that will reveal all the work done beforehand… and the one that remains the most visible in the end.

• To ensure a result that is both beautiful and durable, it is recommended to apply 2 to 3 coats of paint.
• Observe the drying time between each coat by following the indicated drying time. (16 hours for Advance and 2 hours for Aura) This is what allows for uniform coverage and good resistance over time.
• If you want a truly smooth finish, perform a light sanding between the first and second coats with 320-grit paper. This step is particularly useful with a pearl or glossier finish, where defects are more prominent. Sanding allows you to correct small imperfections and unify the surface for a cleaner, more professional look.

If you are working on a small or medium-scale project and want to give your ceramic a more creative look, there is an interesting alternative: Fusion Mineral Paint.

Thanks to its excellent adhesion, Fusion can be used on ceramic, provided that a coat of Fusion Ultra-Grip Adhesion Medium is applied first.

This primer creates a solid base to ensure the durability of the result. Take the time to let it dry for about 12 hours before applying the paint.

Why choose Fusion?

Fusion stands out for its ease of application and high covering power. Its matte finish provides a soft and modern look, perfect for transforming a surface without seeking an ultra-smooth or glossy effect.

• For application, use a microfiber roller to obtain a uniform result and limit marks.
• Apply 2 coats, allowing 3 hours of drying time between coats.

For a decorative effect (mosaic type)

If you want to take the project a bit further, you can create a unique visual effect with stencils. After a first coat of Fusion:

• Use a stencil adapted to the size of your tiles
• Apply a second color that contrasts with or complements the first
• Work tile by tile for a consistent result

You can thus recreate a mosaic effect without replacing your ceramic.

Protecting the finish

If your surface is exposed to frequent cleaning or friction, it is recommended to add protection:

• Light to medium colors: apply 2 coats of Fusion Tough Coat
• Dark colors: prioritize a varnish like Blanchon Océanic Air Protect to avoid any whitening effect

With proper preparation and the right products, you can completely transform ceramic without demolition—with the added bonus of being able to add a truly personalized touch.

Start your project now!

You will find all the products you need directly on our website.

1. Start by measuring the dimensions of your ceramic wall to calculate the quantities you need. One gallon covers approximately 500 sq. ft. (1 coat)
2. Choose the finish and color that you like.
3. Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.

For more paint projects that you can easily do yourself, feel free to consult our blog!