When it comes to renovating your home on a budget, there are many ways to get creative. One way that you may not have considered is spray painting your bathtub! Spray painting a bathtub is a great way to give it a new look without spending much money.
You can spray paint a bathtub yourself with proper preparation and paint selection, but it is a fairly difficult process that might not produce the results you are looking for with a spray application. Spray painting a bathtub can lead to runs, drips, and peeling that must be sanded and touched up repeatedly.
This blog post will provide you with all the information you need to know about spray painting a bathtub. We will discuss the supplies you need, the process for spray painting it, and the best way to care for your newly painted tub.
Can you spray paint a bathtub?
Yeah, you can – But it might not be the best recommendation!
You can spray paint a bathtub with the right supplies and preparation. However, it is important to note that not all spray paint is created equal. You will want to use high-quality spray paint that is specifically designed for painting bathrooms. This type of spray paint will be able to withstand the humidity and moisture that are typically found in bathrooms.
Before you begin spray painting your bathtub, you will need to gather all the necessary supplies.
In addition to high-quality spray paint, you will need the following:
- painters tape
- sandpaper or orbital sander
- drop cloths
- primer (maybe)
Once you have all of your supplies, you will need to prepare the bathtub for painting.
How to prepare the bathtub surface for spray painting
The first step in spray painting your bathtub is to clean it thoroughly because any soap residue, dirt, or oils will prevent the paint from adhering properly. Use a degreaser or general-purpose cleaner to remove the soap scum, dirt, or grime on the tub’s surface.
Once the tub is clean, you will need to sand it down to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to.
Of course, whether or not you need to sand and how much sanding you’ll need will depend on the material your tub is made of in the first place.
Most bathtubs are made of porcelain tiles, which don’t always require sanding but it is still generally recommended.
Also, if you have already painted your bathtub once before, sanding it before re-painting will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Plastic – Sand lightly and apply a universal or plastic-bonding primer
- Porcelain – Sand lightly and apply an acrylic latex spray primer to the tub
- Iron – Sand away any rust and apply an iron-bonding primer
The primer will help the paint to stick to the surface of the tub and will also create a barrier between the spray paint and the tub. Once the primer is dry, you can begin spray painting the bathtub!
Related: Can you spray paint aluminum?
How to spray paint a bathtub step by step
Once the preparation process is done, follow the below steps below to spray paint your bathtub
Before you start, be sure that the area is well-ventilated!
1. Cover the area around the bathtub with drop cloths or old towels:
Cover the area around the bathtub with drop cloths or old towels to protect it from spray paint. This will help to protect your floors and any nearby surfaces from spray paint.
If you are painting inside, you should also want to open a window to help with ventilation.
2. Tape off any areas that you do not want to spray paint:
You will need to tape off a few areas around the tub:
- Around fixtures and drains
- The wall around the tub’s edge (I recommend that you also tape plastic cloths to the wall!)
- The floor around the tub’s edge (I recommend that you also tape plastic cloths down here!)
This will help to ensure that you only spray paint the tub and not the surrounding areas.
3. Begin spray painting the tub:
Once the area is prepared, you can begin spray painting the tub. You will want to start by spray painting the inside of the tub. Then, you can move on to spray painting the outside.
Be sure to spray paint in even strokes and allow the paint to dry between coats.
If you are struggling with runs or drips, pull back a bit from the surface with the tip of your spray paint can and speed up your passes.
If necessary, you can lightly sand down these runs (after they dry) and spray a fresh coat to even out the surface.
4. Remove the tape and allow the spray paint to dry:
Once you are finished painting, you can remove the tape and allow the spray paint to dry.
You will want to allow the spray paint to dry for at least two hours before applying the next coat.
5. Add a new coat of spray paint:
After the initial coat of spray paint has dried, you may want to add a second coat. This will help ensure that the spray paint is evenly applied and that it will last a long time.
Once the second coat of spray paint has dried, wait at least 24 hours to use the bathtub again. However, I recommend not using the bathtub for the next three days to be safe. You should also keep the area well-ventilated and try to blow the fumes outside as much as possible rather than into the rest of the house.
When you are ready to use the bathtub, be sure to test the spray paint first. You will want to run your hand along the tub’s surface to ensure that the spray paint is dry and not tacky. If the paint feels dry, you can use the tub as usual.
Congratulations, you have successfully spray-painted your bathtub!
Also read: Can you spray paint copper pipes?
Tips for getting the best results
These are some of the tips from my side for getting the best results while spray painting your bathtub:
1. Use high-quality spray paint specifically designed for bathrooms:
When you are spray painting your bathtub, you will want to use a high-quality spray paint specifically designed for bathrooms. This type of spray paint is designed to withstand the humidity and moisture that is typically found in bathrooms.
2. Prepare the surface of the tub before spray painting:
Before you begin spray painting, you will want to ensure that the tub’s surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris. You will also want to sand down the tub to create a smooth surface for the spray paint to adhere to.
3. Use painter’s tape to create clean lines:
To ensure that you get clean lines when spray painting your bathtub, you will want to use painter’s tape to create a border around the area that you will be painting. This will help prevent spray paint from getting on areas you do not want to be painted.
4. Apply multiple thin coats of spray paint:
Instead of trying to apply one thick coat of spray paint, you will want to apply multiple thin coats. This will help to ensure that the spray paint evenly covers the surface of the tub and prevents any drips or runs.
5. Allow the spray paint to fully dry before using the tub:
Once you have finished spray painting your bathtub, you will want to allow the spray paint to fully dry before using the tub. This will help to ensure that the spray paint adheres properly and does not come off when the tub is in use.
What to do if you make a mistake while spray painting your bathtub
If you make any mistake while spray painting your bathtub, don’t worry! There are a few things that you can do to fix it.
If you get spray paint on areas that you did not want to be painted, you can use paint thinners to remove it. Paint thinners will easily remove the spray paint from those areas without damaging the surface.
Apply the paint thinner in those areas as instructed by the manufacturer, and then wait for a few minutes. Afterward, you can use a cloth to wipe off the thinner and the spray paint.
For small mistakes like drips or runs in the paint, you can use a razor blade to remove them carefully. Be sure to do this cautiously so that you do not damage the tub’s surface.
Once you have fixed the mistakes, you can apply another coat of spray paint to even out the surface.
I hope these tips will help you while spray painting your bathtub.
Also read: How to spray paint door knobs?
Top Best Bathtub Spray Paint
There are so many different types of spray paint, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your bathtub.
This guide will help you choose the right type of spray paint for your bathtub. It is important that you use a quality product because if you don’t, you may end up with an ugly bathtub instead of a beautiful one.
We have found the following spray paints to be the most suitable for bathtubs:
1. Magic Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit
Magic Tub & Tile Refinishing Spray on Kit is a great solution to give your bathtub, bathroom sinks, or tile a fresh, long-lasting finish. This high-performance, water-resistant, one-part epoxy makes your fixtures look new.
This spray paint will restore life to your existing fixtures so you don’t have to worry about remodeling projects. The kit includes everything you need to get started.
Compared to various other spray paints, this spray paint provides a superior quality white color, superior smoothness, and glossy finish. The spray can has a 360° nozzle, and you can use it at any angle, even upside down.
It can cover up to 45 square feet, which is enough for an average size bathtub to refinish.
2. Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit
If you’re using this product, there’s no need to hire an expensive professional. This bathroom renovation kit saves you money by making bathtub improvements easy. Ideal for renters, apartment dweller, residential or commercial tub, sink, and shower.
They provide free video tutorials that help you understand how to reglaze your bathtub. They help you prepare, apply, and complete the application process. You can DIY recast your bathtub in 2 to 4 hours if you can follow the instructions.
With this tub & sink renovation kit, you get everything that you need including a foam roller with covers, a material scooper, an easy-pour enamel, and a safe-to-use EkoPel 2K enamel paint.
Once you’ve applied Ekopel, it will take 24 hours for it to “set” before using your bathtub. Keep the water temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit for the shortest cure. It takes longer to set in colder temperatures.
It’s an eco-friendly, nontoxic, and made in the U.S. product which is also fumeless and made without any harmful chemical ingredients. Ekopel’s long-lasting, oil free glaze never peels. Its thick, full-sealed coating restores bathtub surfaces to their original bright gloss.
Conclusion
You can easily spray paint your bathtub and give it a new lease of life. Just make sure to follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this article to get the best results. And don’t forget to allow the spray paint to dry completely before using the tub.
Have you ever spray painted your bathtub? Share your experience with us in the comments section below. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
What kind of paint do you use on a bathtub?
You will want to use a high-quality spray paint specifically designed for bathrooms. This type of paint is designed to withstand the humidity and moisture that is typically found in bathrooms.
Can you use regular spray paint on a bathtub?
No, you can not use regular spray paint on a bathtub. You will want to use a high-quality spray paint specifically designed for bathrooms.
Does spray painting a bathtub last?
Yes, spray painting a bathtub can last for many years if done correctly. Just make sure to follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this article to get the best results.
