Interior Painting · Sep 2019
Bathroom with teal tile: peeling walls repaired and repainted
Bathroom with teal tile: peeling walls repaired and repainted. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Sep 2019. This interior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Bathroom With Vintage Teal Tile: Peeling Walls and Ceiling Repaired and Repainted Gray
This bathroom has original teal wall tile with a black trim row, and the walls and ceiling above it were in rough shape. The before photos show large sheets of paint peeling off the ceiling around the light and vent, torn wallpaper and old green paint flaking near the medicine cabinet, and bare plaster showing in patches beside the window. In progress, the walls are covered in skim-coated and primed patches, and the tub, tile and mirror are wrapped in plastic and taped at the tile line. A new white ceiling now surrounds a square exhaust fan grille. The finished photos show smooth medium gray walls with a soft sheen running from the tile cap to a bright white ceiling. The teal tile, black accent row and white window and door trim look crisp against the gray. Fixtures, the medicine cabinet and the vanity lights were kept in place.
How We Repaired and Repainted This Peeling Bathroom
- We covered the tub, tile, mirror and floor with plastic and tape. Older tile and fixtures are hard to replace, so protecting them came first.
- All loose and peeling paint on the ceiling and walls was scraped off. Leftover wallpaper and its backing were removed so nothing soft stayed under the new coating.
- Bare plaster, torn areas and rough edges were skim-coated with joint compound in thin layers, then sanded smooth so the old peel lines would not show through.
- We applied a stain-blocking, bonding primer to every repaired area and the full ceiling. In a damp room, a good primer is the base that keeps new paint from peeling again.
- Two coats of moisture-resistant paint went on: bright white on the ceiling and medium gray on the walls, cut in carefully along the tile cap and trim.
- We pulled the plastic, cleaned the tile edges, and checked the ceiling around the exhaust fan and light so the finish was smooth all the way around.
Paint Colors Similar to This Gray Bathroom With Teal Tile
These are similar colors to consider for a bathroom with vintage tile like this one. They are not the exact paint used in this room.
Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017
A medium gray close to these finished walls. It calms down bold teal tile and makes the black trim row stand out.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170
A lighter cool gray for a smaller or darker bathroom. It still works with teal tile but keeps the room brighter.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006
A clean bright white for the ceiling and trim. It helps a bathroom with older tile feel fresh, like the new ceiling here.
Questions About Fixing Peeling Paint in a Bathroom
Why does bathroom paint peel off the ceiling?
The most common causes are moisture from showers, weak exhaust fans, and paint applied over a dirty or glossy surface. Layers of old paint can also lose their bond over time. Fixing peeling paint means scraping the loose areas, repairing the surface, priming, and improving ventilation when possible.
Can you paint a bathroom with old tile without replacing it?
Yes. Many older bathrooms have tile that is still in good shape. Painting the walls and ceiling around it can update the room for much less disruption. Choosing a wall color that works with the tile, such as gray with teal, helps the room look intentional.
What sheen is best for bathroom walls?
Satin or semi-gloss is usually best for bathroom walls because these sheens resist moisture and wipe clean. Ceilings often get a flat or bathroom-rated ceiling paint. Running the exhaust fan during and after showers helps any bathroom paint last longer.
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