The comparison
Paint fails on moisture. Tile fails on grout.
Both are cheaper on day one. Neither is cheaper across ten years of wash-down, and only one of them gives an inspector nothing to write down.
Painted plasterCeramic tilePVC cladding
Harbour points for bacteriaPorous once chippedGrout absorbsNone — welded seams
High-pressure wash-downBlisters and peelsGrout erodesDesigned for it
Impact from trolleys and racksScuffs immediatelyCracks and shattersFlexes, absorbs
Time on sitePrep, coats, dryingBedding and curingDry fix, phased
Cost across ten yearsRepeated redecorationRegrouting, replacementFit once, clean daily
Book the survey. Decide afterwards.
One visit, measured elevations, a written specification and a fixed price. No charge, no obligation.