Wall tiles are a common feature in many homes. Most often found in the bathroom, they are also known to appear in moisture-prone and high-traffic areas including kitchens, laundry rooms, and bootrooms. While tiles can look smart, they are hard to clean and can age badly so what to do when you’ve had enough? You can take hours to carefully remove them one-at-a-time, but you could simply cover them. Here’s how.
Over time, everyday wear, moisture, and changing styles can make even the most durable bathroom tiles feel tired, dragging down the beauty of the whole space. While you might initially think about removing them, quite often it's far easier to cover them, giving you a quick refresh that revives the whole space.
If the tiles themselves are still structurally sound but look dated or worn, it’s usually a good time to cover them. Where the tiles might feature outdated colours or patterns, stubborn stains that won’t come clean, minor chips, or grout that’s discolored but intact, covering them with paint, wall panels, or peel-and-stick options works well when there’s no underlying water damage and the surface is flat and stable.
Painting bathroom tiles is a quick and budget-friendly way to refresh a space without the disruption of a full renovation.
Using specialist or epoxy paint allows you to update outdated colours and create a cleaner, more modern look, making this option particularly well suited to bathrooms and kitchens. It’s an accessible solution that offers plenty of creative freedom and can often be completed in a short time, even as a DIY project.
While specialist tile paints are designed to withstand moisture and regular cleaning, the finish is not as long-lasting as other tile-covering methods.
Careful preparation is essential, as inadequate cleaning or sanding can lead to chipping over time, especially in high-use areas. That said, if painting isn’t durable enough or you want a more modern, seamless look, there are other options to consider…
Plastering or applying microcement over established bathroom tiles is a popular choice for creating a sleek, contemporary bathroom with a seamless effect. This method allows tiles to be fully concealed beneath a smooth, continuous surface, removing the visual interruption of grout lines and instantly modernising the space.
Microcement in particular is well suited to bathrooms, as it is water-resistant, durable, and works beautifully across walls, floors, and even shower areas when applied correctly.
While the result is highly polished and long-lasting, this approach does require careful preparation and skill. Tiles must be properly primed and levelled to ensure an even finish, and professional installation is often recommended to achieve the best outcome. Although it sits at a higher price point than paint, plaster or microcement offers a more robust, design-led solution that balances practicality with a refined, architectural aesthetic.
Fine quality shower panels are a fast, stylish way to cover existing tiles and create a grout-free, waterproof surface. At Naturewall, we have ranges of both PVC and SPC finishes that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to mould and mildew, making them perfect for bathrooms and showers.
Unlike traditional tiling, shower panels install quickly using adhesive and a tongue-and-groove system, giving a seamless, modern look with minimal mess. From marble-effect stone to wood-inspired textures, shower panels transform a space instantly, providing a practical, low-maintenance upgrade that refreshes your bathroom without the hassle of ripping out tiles.
With easy installation and large panel sizes, Naturewall shower panels make bathroom transformations faster and DIY-friendly. Available in ten nature-inspired finishes, these panels are fully waterproof, offering a seamless, grout-free finish without the mess or hassle of traditional tiling, not to mention the time and cost saved compared to alternatives.
While painting or plastering over your tiles can give your bathroom a fresh look, shower panels offer a uniquely effortless combination of style, durability, and low maintenance. They cover your existing tiles completely, create a seamless, modern finish, and resist moisture, mould, and grime - making them an ideal choice for busy bathrooms. For a quick, stylish, and long-lasting transformation, wall panels truly make refreshing your bathroom easier than ever.
