Toilets are sold in various colors and designs. However, sometimes, the design you want is available in a color that does not match the bathroom décor, or the toilet gets stained over time.
Homeowners in such dilemmas are always wondering if it is possible to change the color of the toilet without buying a replacement. If you have been wondering if and how you can change the color of your toilet, come with us to the next section. So,
Can You Change The Color Of A Toilet?
Yes, you can paint a toilet, but you must have DIY skills to follow through the steps. The simple steps include: cleaning the toilet, draining the water, sanding the toilet bowl, primer application, paint application, allowing the paint to dry, and refilling the toilet.
1. Clean the toilet
2. Drain the water
3. Sand the toilet bowl
4. Apply primer
5. Apply paint
Homeowners understand that the design and color of the toilet contribute to the final look of the bathroom. Unfortunately, many people still do not know that they can paint their toilets.
This article brings you good news that you can paint your toilet to whatever color you prefer. With that said, let us look into the steps of painting a toilet in detail.
Types Of Paints You Can Use On Your Toilet
There are different types of paint you can use on your toilet. For the best results, use acrylic latex as the primer and epoxy paint as the main paint. However, epoxy only comes in three shades, black, white, and grey.
Therefore, if you need a different color from these, you will have to use spray paint. Regular spray paint comes in a variety of colors, and it is easy to apply. What’s more, you must apply a coat of clear epoxy as a top coat to make the toilet waterproof. This way, the paint underneath will last longer.
Irrespective of the type of paint you choose to use, make sure to ventilate the room by opening the windows or leaving the fan on. Also, for spray paint, put on a face mask to avoid inhaling the spray particles.
Five Steps On How To Paint A Toilet
To paint your toilet following the steps above, you must have average DIY skills. Otherwise, it is best to seek the services of a professional painter.
Also, before you start painting, it is crucial to decide on the best color. The last thing you want is to realize that you made a mistake with the colors after the job is done.
For the best color choice, consider the color on the bathroom walls and the color of other fixtures. If you cannot decide on your own, seek the help of an interior designer.
What’s more, ensure that you are working from a well-ventilated space. You can remove the toilet and paint it from the outside or keep the bathroom windows open. Also, keep a face mask on if you decide to use spray paint to avoid inhaling paint particles.
Materials you need to paint a toilet:
- Face mask
- Eye protection
- Sandpaper
- Basecoat paint
- Main coat paint
- Clear top paint
- Old newspaper, drop cloth, or painter tape
Once you get all your materials ready, follow the five steps below to paint your toilet:
1. Clean And Sanitize The Toilet
The first thing you want to do is give the toilet a good wash. Even if you have been washing the toilet daily, special cleaning is required before painting to remove all the grime and dirt.
For effective results, spray WD-40 on the toilet surfaces, let it sit for some minutes, use your toilet brush to scrub and rinse.
In addition to removing germs, the paint will not stick on a dirty toilet bowl, therefore ensuring that it is sparkling clean a dry.
For thorough cleaning, remove the toilet seat and clean the holes where the bolts were holding to remove rust and stains. If you have been thinking of getting a new toilet cover, this can be good to make the change.
2. Drain The Toilet
Paint cannot stick well on a wet surface hence the need to dry the toilet. You can drain the toilet in three ways:
a). Turn Off The Water
The first and easy way to keep the toilet dry is by cutting off the water supply to the toilet tank. Locate the pipe bringing in water to the tank and use a valve on the pipe to stop water from flowing into the tank.
b). Flush The Toilet
After turning off the valve, remove the toilet tank lid and flush the toilet. By so doing, you will determine if there is more water coming in. if the tank starts to refill, it means that you did not turn the valve correctly. Turn it in the other direction and see if the water will stop flowing in.
c). Raise The Tank Float
You will see several things on removing the tank lid, but our interest is on the plastic ball-shaped object. This object can help you stop water from filling the tank if you cannot find the valve or the valve is not working.
You will realize that the float drops as water drops. Once it reaches a certain level, it allows the water input to open and fill the tank. Therefore to stop its function, you need to raise the float so that it does not drop.
Raise and secure it at the level of the top of the tank. Once the float is secured, flush the toilet to remove the water inside the tank.
Note that the flush might not drain all the water. You need the toilet completely dry. Use a towel to drain the remaining water. Do not mind touching the water inside the tank because it is clean tap water.
3. Sand The Toilet
Porcelain is sleek and hence requires roughing up for paint to stick. For the sanding process put on your face mask. If you are working from the inside, keep the area well ventilated by opening the doors and windows or turning on the fan.
Using sandpaper with a grit of 120-160, scrub the toilet until it roughens up nicely. After the strokes, the toilet will be covered with porcelain dust, and therefore you need to rewash it before going to the next step.
4. Applying Primer
Before applying the primer, ensure the toilet is completely dry. Use a heater or a hairdryer to fasten the drying.
Also, at this point, prepare for painting by covering the surfaces and things nearby using newspapers or painter’s tape. Also, ensure to cover the handle and the bolts. What’s more, keep the room ventilated to keep everyone in the house safe from paint concentration.
Alternatively, you can paint from the garage or outside. However, it will be a hustle to take the toilet down and up, especially if you live in an apartment.
After the toilet has dried and you are done with the preparations, paint the primer and make sure to cover every part and corner of the toilet.
5. Painting
The magical moment is finally here. Wait for the applied primer to dry before applying the primary paint. Also, you will need to apply more than one coat for the best results. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the next. You can paint the toilet a single color or get creative as long as you are good at it.
After you are done with the last coat, give the paint enough time to dry completely. Reassemble the toilet seat cover, return the tank lid and open the valves to refill the toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Paint A Toilet Bowl?
Yes, you can paint a stained toilet bowl. To achieve this, clean the toilet, drain the bowl, roughen it up using sandpaper, apply a primer, leave it to dry, and then apply epoxy as main paint, leave it to dry, and enjoy a stainless and new looking bowl.
2. Can You Paint A Toilet Seat?
Whether to paint or not paint a toilet seat depends on the material it is made of. For porcelain seats, paint them following the same steps of painting a porcelain toilet. For seats made of enamel or plastic, spray them and add clear epoxy as a topcoat. Lastly, if you have a wood toilet seat, it is best to replace it.
3. Can You Spray A Ceramic Toilet?
Yes, you can spray a ceramic toilet. To do this, clean the toilet, drain the water, and leave it to dry, sand it, spray paint of the color of your choice, and then apply a layer of clear epoxy.
4. Can You Paint A Porcelain Toilet?
Yes, you can paint a porcelain toilet. Still, it would be best to use paints made for porcelain fixtures, including latex and epoxy products. Do not use acrylic or oil-based paints on porcelain. You can spray or roll on the paint of your choice.
Conclusion, Can You Change The Color Of A Toilet?
If you do not have the budget to replace your toilet bowl, you can paint it to change the color or remove stains through the simple steps discussed above. For the best results you must have average DIY skills or hire a professional.
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