Old barker board (also called tile board or fake tile) can make a bathroom look dated. Follow these straightforward steps to paint barker board and transform the space.
I just completed the first task of our bathroom renovation: painting the fake tile board that surrounds the bathtub.
In my last update I started tackling the barker board above the tub, and now the project is finished. The following guide explains how I painted that dated tile board and what worked best.
How to paint Barker Board (or Fake Tile) in a Bathroom
What is barker board (fake tile boards)?
Barker board looks like ceramic tile but is a manufactured board often used as an economical bathroom surround. It’s sometimes sold as tile board and is available at common home centers. The material cleans well and functions as a tile alternative, but its dated appearance can make a bath look stuck in an earlier decade. Painting barker board is an effective way to update the look without a full re-tile.
Important note: I do not recommend painting barker or tile board in a shower stall exposed to a constant direct water stream. I painted a tub surround that is not used with a shower head; paint in a high-traffic wet area may not hold up over time.
What kind of paint to use on fake tile in a bathroom
For a slick, smooth surface like barker board, use a primer designed for adhesion followed by a durable topcoat. I consulted my local paint store and used:
- Zinssser Primer All-Surface Bond Coat (recommended for smooth, slick surfaces)
- Top coat in a durable acrylic enamel — I chose Monamel in pure white
I also used a small foam roller for application. Both products were water-cleanup paints, which made cleanup easy, though the primer and paint had a strong odor during drying.
Step-by-step: How to paint barker board
Follow these steps for the best adhesion and finish when you paint tile board in a bathroom:
Step 1 — Remove old caulking and loosen fixtures: Cut away damaged or thick caulk and carefully loosen any fixtures that sit against the board. I didn’t fully remove an old tap assembly because I didn’t want to risk trouble reattaching it; I loosened the long screws and pulled it forward to paint behind it.
Step 2 — Clean and sand: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove soap residue and grime. Lightly sand the board to scuff the surface and improve primer adhesion. Good prep is essential—don’t skip it.
Step 3 — Mask: Use painter’s tape to protect the tub edge and any hardware.
Step 4 — Prime: Apply the adhesion primer in thin, even coats with a foam roller. The primer dries quickly; I applied a second coat, although it didn’t dramatically improve coverage over the original color.
Step 5 — Paint the top coat in thin layers: Apply thin coats of the topcoat to prevent runs and ensure even coverage. Read the paint manufacturer’s instructions for recommended dry times—mine required at least 24 hours between coats. It took multiple thin coats to fully cover the darker original color, but patience produced a smooth, durable finish.
After about a week and several thin coats, the barker board looked refreshed and modern. The white finish instantly brightened the space and made the tub area feel renewed.
A final professional-quality caulk bead restores the clean lines around the tub and is the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for painting fake tile and plastic tile board
- Choose an adhesion primer and a durable acrylic topcoat formulated for bathrooms; water-cleanup products simplify cleanup.
- Apply thin coats rather than thick ones to avoid drips and uneven texture.
- Lightly sand between some coats for a smoother finish and better adhesion of subsequent layers.
- When removing painter’s tape, score along the edge with a razor or X-Acto knife to prevent peeling fresh paint.
- Allow adequate drying time—painted barker board is a multi-day project because of recommended cure times between coats.
- Finish with a neat bead of caulk applied by someone experienced to seal joints and deliver a professional look.
More before and after bathroom renovation ideas
- See the full bathroom makeover reveal for this renovation.
- Look for powder room inspiration to update small bathrooms.
- Explore small bathroom storage ideas for farmhouse or compact spaces.
Painting barker board is an affordable, achievable way to update a bathroom without a full remodel. With the right primer, patient thin coats of paint, and careful prep, you can refresh a tub surround and dramatically change the room’s appearance.
