Is there a method to rejuvenate the color of these floor tiles and improve their appearance without having to cover them up with new materials?
Asked by Mestan Yetkiner 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 6, 2024
Is there a way to change the color of these floor tiles? I’m not loving the current color and the grout always looks dirty. Any suggestions? I really don’t want to cover up these perfectly good tiles with more tile or LVP that we like better.
Those tiles look really old. You could just install a new ceramic tile floor on top of the existing one, although you may need to remove the toilet bowl.
Trust me, it’s not a good plan. The new mortar won’t adhere properly to the old tile glaze.
Hey , you should definitely invest in the thinset with the additive instead of the cheap stuff for 8 bucks a bag. Or you could opt for some self-leveling thin set. It’s not a big floor so it won’t cost too much.
It’s important to note that the new mortar bed won’t adhere well to the glaze. Even with a bonding agent, there’s a high chance of it popping and tenting at some point. It’s recommended to remove the old tile, address the subfloor properly, and then install the new tile correctly.
That is so true! The correct way to do a project is always the best way, but unfortunately, many people don’t have the budget for it. They often have to find a more affordable alternative to get it done.
I’ve heard great things about Rustoleum tile paint. Some people even use it to stencil a new pattern or leave it as is for a solid color.
Tile paint could be a great solution!
Have you considered having them professionally steam cleaned? It made a huge difference for my floor.
Neutrals are all the rage right now. If it were up to me, I’d focus on updating other elements and getting the tiles professionally steam cleaned to keep the grout looking fresh. Making a few updates could really transform the space: swap out the mirror/medicine cabinet for a more modern style, paint the vanity a creamy white color like SW Creme and add some bronze or modern drawer pulls, invest in new fluffy towels and a nice Persian-style bath rug, consider replacing the shower doors with a curtain, add a storage cabinet or framed artwork behind the toilet, and opt for nice quality blinds instead of curtains.
I totally agree with you. If you update the rest of the elements, that tile could really stand out. I would suggest choosing a color from one of the darker tile squares for the right wall, and a complementary color for the other walls. It would be a good idea to install a recessed medicine cabinet. Instead of a cabinet above the toilet, I would go for some artwork as it would visually open up the space.
I’d recommend updating everything else and you’ll likely appreciate the tile more. From left to right, consider frameless clear glass shower doors, a wall color that matches one of the darker (but not the darkest) tile squares, blinds or a Roman shade for the window, and the tile bar/tp holder/soap and toothbrush holders – they may be a hassle to replace but with the right wall color, they’ll look great. If you find a new toilet that you really like, go for it. Hang a nice framed picture over the toilet and maybe even think about using a really nice wallpaper on the right wall. I’d suggest installing a recessed medicine cabinet with new lights above it. You can save some money by painting the vanity. How about adding some porcelain knobs on the vanity to complement the faucet handles? Lastly, steam clean the floor and grout so your bath will stand out in the house.
Start by tossing a box of baking soda into a gallon of water and letting it overflow.
Install LVP on top of it
LVP.