Barker board, also known as tile board or fake tile in a bathroom, can make a room appear old; discover easy methods to paint it and completely transform a space.
I recently completed the inaugural phase of our bathroom refurbishment. (Hooray!)
My previous update detailed my work on painting the fake tile board situated above the bathtub.
Painting Fake Tile Board in a Bathroom Guide
What exactly is barker board (fake tile boards)?
I aimed to improve the appearance of the 'tile' above the tub. Though it resembles tile from the 70s, it is actually barker board, sometimes called tile board, available in Canada at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Unlike my harvest gold and green accents, it now features a lovely white color. Intended for bathrooms as a tile and grout substitute, I find it a quite clever item.
It performs quite well and cleans up beautifully, which was my main concern regarding its dated aesthetic. A painter acquaintance mentioned that virtually anything can be painted with the appropriate paint, so I tested this idea.
**Crucial Advice: I strongly advise against painting barker or tile board in a wet area like a bathtub with a shower, as I cannot guarantee the paint will withstand constant direct water exposure. This procedure was only applied to a tub surround without a shower.**
What paint should be used for painting fake tile in a bathroom?
I visited my local General Paint store and asked about the suitable paint system for this somewhat unique scenario. The helpful employee suggested:
Zinssser Primer All-Surface Bond Coat (excellent on smooth, slick surfaces) and Monamel in pure white. I also picked up a small foam roller for application.
How to paint barker board:
Initial action: I cut out all the old, thick caulking and detached or loosened the fixtures.
Fearing I couldn't reattach the large tap fixture correctly if fully removed, I simply loosened the long screws and pulled it away from the wall.
Next, to prepare the surface, I cleaned it thoroughly and lightly abraded it with sandpaper. As with most painting jobs, preparation is vital for strong paint adhesion; never skip this step.
I also used painter’s tape to mask the edges around the tub.
Apply the primer.
The primer applied flawlessly and dried rapidly. Following the first coat, I applied a second layer of primer to check if it would better cover the avocado green. (It offered minimal improvement in coverage.)
Apply the top coat paint color in thin layers.
I soon realized erasing that 70s look would take time. Checking the can, I noted a minimum 24-hour drying period between coats.
Sigh…
However, my patience ultimately yielded results.
(After) 7 days and 7 thin coats, behold the result!
I am delighted with the vibrant, refreshed appearance it now possesses.
Additional advice for coloring faux tile and plastic tile panels:
- The paint I selected was excellent; both were easily cleaned with water, which I greatly appreciated. Keep in mind, however, that the odor from this paint is quite strong.
- Apply the paint using several thin layers instead of heavy ones to prevent messy drips and uneven runs.
- I performed a very gentle sanding between several applications of the paint.
- When taping around the tub with painters’ tape, use an x-acto knife to cut along the edges before removal to prevent paint damage from the tape!
- Although the painting itself is swift, the drying periods extend this into a multi-day endeavor.
- Ask a carpenter acquaintance to apply caulk for a flawless finish; this is the ideal final detail!
View more before and after examples of bathroom updates:
- The finished bathroom makeover reveal is available to view here.
- Discover lovely powder room inspirations.
- Check out storage suggestions for small bathrooms in a farmhouse aesthetic.
