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Waterproof Paint vs Tiles: The Ultimate Showdown

paint vs tiles
Posted By: admin
Posted Date: July 21, 2022

When decorating a home, a few options are available, including tiles or waterproof paint. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so deciding which is the best option for your needs can be challenging.

In this blog post, we will compare waterproof paint vs tiles and help you decide which is the better option in terms of cost and longevity.

Let’s jump in.

What Is Waterproof Paint?

waterproof paint

Waterproof paint is a type of paint that is designed to resist water, and people use it in areas where there is a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. You can apply waterproof paint to walls, floors, and even ceilings at a relatively low cost.

However, this paint has its drawbacks, including its inability to last as long as tiles. Many people choose it because they need a roller and brush, which pretty much anyone can use.

What Are Tiles?

blue tiles

Tiles are thin pieces of stone or ceramic used to cover floors and walls. They’re popular in bathrooms and kitchens because they are easy to clean and maintain, but tiles require special skills.

The best thing about tiles is that they are durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them as often as you would with paint. However, they can be more expensive than paint upfront.

There are so many tile types to choose between, including:

Ceramic: Combination of clays and other materials. Ceramic is a highly adaptive tile and one of the most popular choices.

Porcelain: Similar to ceramic tiles in many ways, the clay is usually more substantial.

Stone: Natural stone tiles are a premium type of tile which use marble, granite, and slate.

Glass: Manufacturers make glass tiles by fusing silica with other minerals. They look great and are highly durable but come with a hefty price tag.

Cost Of Waterproof Paint Vs Tiles

When it comes to cost, waterproof paint is usually the cheaper option upfront (no surprise there) – although waterproof paint is usually more expensive than other types on the market. Tiles are more expensive, but they come in all shapes, sizes and styles, so you might find that some cost more than others.

For example, ceramic costs less than natural stone, and specific designs, including marble and terrazzo, will be more expensive than plain patterns (in most cases).

However, tiles are a better investment in the long run because they last much longer than waterproof paint.

Paint will eventually peel and crack, especially in high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, so you need to not only perform regular maintenance – but repaint every few years.

Which Is Better?

applying tiles

When choosing between tiles and waterproof paint, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each. Let’s look at some of them in more detail and other factors that should influence your decision.

Mould Prevention

Mould can grow on tiles and paint, but it’s more likely to take hold in damp areas with little or no ventilation.

Waterproof paint contains chemicals that help to prevent mould growth, but it’s not foolproof. Tiles, on the other hand, provide a physical barrier that mould cannot penetrate, so if you’re worried about mould, tiles are the better option.

Ease Of Maintenance

Waterproof paint is easy to apply and doesn’t require special skills or knowledge – which is why many people choose it over tiles. However, it’s important to remember that waterproof paint requires reapplication every few years (or sooner if you live in a humid climate), which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Tiles, on the other hand, are straightforward to clean and maintain. You can either sweep or vacuum them regularly; if they get dirty, you can mop them with soapy water. The only drawback is that tiles can be trickier to install than paint (although this will depend on your DIY skills).

Longevity

As we mentioned earlier, waterproof paint does not last as long as tiles – in most cases; you need to reapply it. On the other hand, tiles are much more durable and long-lasting – in fact, they can last for decades with proper care.

The key to ensuring you get years of use out of tiles is to install them properly or hire someone to do it for you. Tiling is one of those skills that can open up other doors, and there are plenty of tiling courses to teach you everything you need to know.

Some people go on a course to tackle a home renovation project and then enter into a new career because there’s such a massive demand for tilers – and you can earn a lot of money.

Aesthetics

OK, some people might prefer the look of paint, and it’s entirely up to personal preference. However, while the paint is easier to change when you feel like it, tiles can create a more premium aesthetic, which enhances the rest of their interior.

If you’re undecided, we suggest looking at some examples online or in magazines to get an idea of what each looks like. Remember, paint inevitably fades, and even waterproof versions won’t achieve the premium look many people want, so it’s worth paying a little extra.

Cost

Finally, let’s talk about cost. As we mentioned earlier, waterproof paint is usually more expensive than other types on the market. Tiles are more expensive, but they come in all shapes, sizes and styles, so you might find that some cost more than others.

However, you can also tile the areas that need the most protection and save costs by using paint for places that don’t see much water.

The Bottom Line

OK, so we’ve looked at some key factors you need to consider when choosing between waterproof paint and tiles – but what’s the bottom line?

In our opinion, tiles are the better option for most people, as they’re more durable and easy to maintain, making them an excellent investment for your home.

Better still, you can take one of our tiling courses and tackle any job easily, ensuring you make the most of your property and learn a valuable new skill.

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