Old and outdated tiles are an eyesore for any home and present challenges from discoloured grout to stained kitchen splashbacks and sometimes they simply lack personality. Not only are they a challenge style-wise, but they’re also a hassle to remove, being both time-consuming and expensive.
If you’re looking for some easy and cost-effective solutions for revamping your old tiles and giving your kitchens and bathrooms a refresh, we are going to take you through some simple, stress-free solutions. Keep reading to find out more and get inspired to start your next project.
Can you cover the bathroom and kitchen tiles?
Yes, you can very easily cover up bathroom and kitchen tiles without having to take them off and completely redo the room. The easiest way to do this is by using PVC wall panels, not only are they easy to install over your tiles but they’re easy to maintain as well, making them a great solution for renters and homeowners alike.
How to cover tiles using PVC Wall Panels
PVC wall panels are the perfect option for bathrooms and kitchens as they’re praised for their waterproof qualities and ability to handle large amounts of moisture. They also come in a wide range of styles and textures to suit any interior style. So if you’re considering using PVC panels to cover up your old tiles then below you can find a detailed guide on how to install them.
Before you can get started, there are a few things you’ll need to ensure you have to get the job done right:
- Fine tooth saw or jigsaw
- Stanley knife
- Tape measure
- Solvent-free adhesive or sealant
- Pins, staples or screws
Having the right items for the job is essential for making the process as easy and efficient as possible, and now you’ve got your tools, let’s get into the step-by-step process of covering your tiles with wall panelling.
- First, you’ll need to measure the length of your panels and wall to ensure that the panels will fit correctly. If you need more guidance on how to measure your wall panels correctly then you can read through our full guide for more help.
- Once you know your measurements you can begin cutting up the panelling to the right size with the fine-tooth saw or jigsaw
- Once they’re cut, they’re ready to be stuck onto the tiles. Run a generous portion of solvent-free adhesive or sealant along the back of the panel, before fitting on the wall.
- Next, you’ll need to secure the panel to the wall using screws, staples or pins through the panel’s tongue - do this every 30cm on each panel. Our panels here at The Panel Company have a convenient tongue and groove system that’s watertight and helps to cover any staples or screws - making them a great choice for a seamless interior look.
- Repeat this process until all tiled walls are covered and sealed, and you can sit back and enjoy your new bathroom or kitchen look!
Covering wall tiles using paint
While panels are the best way to cover up tiles and offer a wide range of styles and textures, paint is another great choice for giving your home a little refresh with a brand-new colour. For this process, there are a few things you’ll need as painting on tiles isn’t the same as painting on walls and needs to be done properly. The tools you’ll need for this include:
- Tile cleaner
- Waterproof tile paint
- A paintbrush
- Paint primer
- Sealant
- Sandpaper
When painting over tiles, you need to ensure that you take the right steps otherwise it can lead to paint chipping and peeling. To help make sure you get long-lasting and crisp results we’ve included a helpful step-by-step guide below.
- Before anything, you need to ensure your tiles are clean from dirt and dust for the best results. This can be done with a tile cleaner and sponge or scourer, depending on how bad the dirt is (make sure they’re completely dry before sanding and painting).
- Once dry, you’ll then want to sand your tiles down using sandpaper to help roughen up the gloss of matt coating - this will help the pain stick to the tiles better for long-lasting results.
- Next, you’ll be applying primer onto the tiles and grout (ensure you open all windows and doors for ventilation during this process).
- Once the primer is dried, it’s time to apply the paint. It’s advisable to use two coats, but it is also important to check the manufacturer's recommendations as, depending on the type of paint you use, it’ll be different for every application.
- For a watertight seal, make sure to apply some sealant for a strong finish and long-lasting hold.
Painting over tiles can provide a nice fresh colour, however, it isn’t always the fastest solution when you consider the multiple coats, sanding and priming, and speeding up the process or not doing it correctly increases the risk of a bad paint job. So if you’ve decided to paint your tiles rather than cover them with panels, ensure you take your time and are prepared to tackle the process properly.
Ideas for covering up your wall tiles
PVC panels offer a wide range of styles and patterns for your bathrooms and kitchens - they can completely transform the look and feel of any room. Not to mention their waterproof features and easy-to-clean and maintain benefits make the upkeep effortless. They’re a great option for both homeowners and renters alike.
From rustic to modern, if you’re looking to not only cover your tiles but achieve your dream decor look, then PVC panels are the best choice. With so many panel styles to choose from you might be torn on which kind of style you want to go for. Below we’ve included some great styles for covering up your old bathrooms and kitchen tiles to get your creativity flowing and showcase some of the best trending interior decor styles.
Making a dark bathroom lighter
A particularly great idea for those with small, dark bathrooms is to lighten up the space with some brighter styles. For example, these Beige Marble wall panels will help to add an airy, light feel to your small bathrooms, which in turn can make them feel bigger. The panel also comes equipped with flush fittings that give a seamless finish, even against your old tiles.
Beige Marble wall panels - £15.99
Swapping out bland tiles for bold colours
When you’ve been stuck with bland white or grey tiles for a while, sometimes the best way to give your home the refresh it deserves is to add a simple pop of colour. Whether it is a pop of blue to accentuate beachy vibes in your bathroom with our Aquarius marble wall panels or a rose feature wall in your kitchen using our Antique Rose Herringbone tile wall panels for a uniquely bold kitchen look. These panels are a perfect choice for those looking for something a little different from the usual, standard bathroom look.
Aquarius marble wall panels - £15.99
Multipanel Antique Rose Herringbone Tile Effect Panels - £169.68
Add rustic textures
Sometimes the best way to upgrade your kitchens and bathrooms isn’t just by changing the colour. Textures can make a huge difference in the aesthetic of your room. If you’re thinking of trying a more rustic and natural look then we would recommend wall panels that showcase stunning textures such as these Vox Motivo Modern Loft Brick wall panels. Though these are not 3D effect tiles, the panels feature a realistic print and the white colour will be easy to pair with a variety of interior decor while promising a rustic, flat texture that provides easy cleaning in your bathrooms and kitchens.
Vox Motivo Modern Loft Brick wall panels - £54.46
You can also try a more cosy look with some wood effect panelling. Take these Marino Natural Wood Effect panels, they pair perfectly with some plants for an all-natural and nature-inspired look for your bathrooms and kitchens. As with all panels, these wood panels are fully waterproof and are easy to clean and maintain, making them the perfect choice for both adding a unique tropical flare and a practical look.
Marino Natural Wood Effect panels - £43.95
Upgrading your tile look
If you enjoy your tiled look but find they’re getting old and outdated and just aren’t up for the challenge of priming, sanding and painting a great alternative is to use tile effect wall panels. With plenty of great choices, you can enjoy the classic tile look with updated and modern designs.
A great example of this is these Stone Graphite Tile Effect wall panels. Offering a modern take on a classic bathroom look, these wall panels offer clean lines and rugged textures. Better yet - they allow you to enjoy a tiled look without the issue of mould and grouting, making them both a stylish yet practical option for contemporary home decor.
Stone Graphite Tile Effect wall panels - £20.00
Get the perfect PVC panels to cover up your old tiles
There’s no worse feeling for a homeowner or renter when it comes to decorating than feeling stuck with old tiles and depressing styles. Covering up tiles saves both precious time and money so you can create the home of your dreams with ease.
Here at The Panel Company, we have a wide range of PVC panelling to help you cover up your old tiles and refresh your rooms with a wide range of kitchen wall panels and bathroom panelling.
