How to Remove Paint From Tile in 5 Simple Steps

Imagine you are painting your bathroom and some paint drips onto the tile. Or you have moved into an older home and discovered antique tiles in the kitchen that have been painted over. Understanding how to remove paint from tile can help you restore tile to its former glory. There are multiple methods to choose from, depending on how much paint you need to remove and how stubborn it is. We have rounded up the best methods to help you get the job done well.

The difficulty level of this project depends on how the paint was applied, the type of paint that was used, and how long it has been there. In some cases, the paint will scrape off easily and you can be on your way. In other cases, you may need to use paint remover or a heat gun to loosen it enough to scrape it. 

1. Prep the Area

Photo: sjhuls / Adobe Stock

To prepare for removing paint from tile, you should gather all of your supplies, fix any cracked tiles, and clean the surface properly before beginning the project.

You should start by cleaning the entire area with either soap and water or a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. Plan on spot-cleaning after you scrape off the paint in order to maintain a clean surface throughout the project. If you are working in a space with old paint that dates to before 1975, it may be lead-based, so wear a mask and ensure proper ventilation.

Supplies vary depending on the method you choose, but you will likely need some or all of the following:

• Razor blade or utility knife

• Commercial paint remover formulated for tile and grout

• Cleaning cloths 

• Heat gun

• Toothbrush (standard or electric)

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Face mask

2. Scrape the Paint Off

In an ideal scenario, you will be able to scrape the paint off the tile easily. To do this, position a razor blade or utility knife at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape the paint from the surface, working slowly and being careful not to gouge the tile.

3. Try a Paint Remover

There are a few different types of paint remover that you can use to remove paint from tile, depending on the intensity of the spill or type of paint used. Before using paint remover on a large surface, test it on a small area to make sure it does not discolor or damage the tile. 

Vinegar

• Lay a vinegar-soaked cloth on top of the paint for a few hours

• Once it’s softened, scrape off what you can

• Avoid grout with this method

• Best for: small spills and drips, vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, or laminate

Baking Soda

• Lay a paste of baking soda and water over the paint, then scrape off

• Avoid grout with this method

• Best for: small spills and drips

Commercial Paint Remover

• Different formulas suit different tile materials—talk to your local paint stripping expert

• Apply the remover according to instructions, then wipe or scrape away

• Best for: all materials according to the product’s label

4. Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer

If the paint is proving stubborn, it may be time to bring in the big (heat) guns. Direct heat softens the paint and allows it to be scraped more easily. Using a heat gun or hair dryer, heat the paint in small areas and scrape the paint off, wiping the area clean with a damp cloth as you go.

5. Mix and Match

Depending on the amount and type of paint on the tile, you may need to use multiple methods to remove it all. For instance, you can use paint remover to remove any paint left over after using the heat gun. In most cases, you will be scraping the paint regardless of the method you use to loosen it. You can use a combination of razor blades, utility knives, scrub brushes, rags, toothbrushes, and more to facilitate the paint removal.

Tips for Removing Paint From Tile

Photo: Serenethos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Removing paint from tile and restoring it to its former glory can be an exciting prospect. But if you take the time to remove the paint and end up damaging the tile, it can be discouraging and costly. To avoid damaging the tiles, consider these tips:

• Scrape the paint off carefully to avoid gouging the tiles.

• Wipe the tile with a damp cloth after scraping the paint off to remove any residue.

• If using paint remover, wipe the area with the remover after scraping.

• Test your preferred method in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not damage the tile.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Removing paint from tile can be done as a DIY project, especially if you are just dealing with a few drips or small spills. But if you are trying to remove paint from a large area, reveal antique tiles that have been painted over, or if you suspect the presence of lead-based paint, it may be best to enlist the help of a tile repair professional in your area. Tile repair pros have experience removing paint from tile safely and without damaging the finish. If you choose to replace the tile completely, tile installation costs range from $400 to $6,000, depending on the scope of the project.

Cost to Remove Paint from Tile

Depending on whether you go the DIY route or choose to work with a pro, there is a cost that comes with removing paint from tile. On the DIY side, you can expect to spend around $100 or less on supplies, like paint remover and a heat gun. If this is just one portion of a larger tiling project, working with a pro might make more sense. Most painting professionals charge about $20 to $50 per hour on labor on top of the cost of supplies. 

Stephanie Mickelson contributed to this article.