Is your bathtub chipped, stained, or stuck in a color palette from the 1970s? Before you start budgeting for a full demolition, you should learn how to paint a bathtub the DIY way.
Refinishing your tub, often called reglazing, can make an old fixture look brand new. It is a perfect solution for budget renovations, house flippers, and rental properties.
Replacing a tub can easily cost upwards of $750 once you factor in labor and plumbing. By contrast, painting a bathtub yourself usually costs between $75 and $200. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it.
Key Takeaways
- Buy a high-quality epoxy bathtub refinishing kit rather than standard paint.
- Clean, sand, and de-grease the tub thoroughly; prep is 90% of the job.
- Remove old caulk and hardware before applying any coating.
- Apply thin coats and allow full cure time (often 3 days) before using water.
Can You Paint a Bathtub?
Yes, you absolutely can paint a bathtub, though pros often call it “refinishing” or “reglazing.” While the process is straightforward, it requires patience. The most demanding part isn’t the painting itself; it is the deep cleaning and preparation required beforehand.
If you do not clean the surface properly, the paint will peel within months. The coating needs a perfectly clean, slightly rough surface to grip onto.
Most DIYers use specialized refinishing kits that include brushes or foam rollers. Stick to the tools recommended in your kit, as standard rollers can leave bubbles or lint in the finish.
Rust-Oleum has a popular epoxy kit for projects like this. It is a solid choice because it is a trusted brand proven to withstand the moisture of baths and showers.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Bathtub?
You cannot just grab a can of latex wall paint and go to work. Standard paints will bubble and peel the moment hot water hits them. To ensure your renovation looks professional, you need to choose the right coating.
Epoxy and Enamel Kits
The industry standard for DIY bathtub refinishing is a two-part epoxy or a specialized enamel. These coatings dry much harder than standard paint, creating a shell that mimics the look and feel of porcelain.
Consider the Material
Most refinishing kits work on fiberglass, acrylic, and porcelain enamel steel tubs. However, if your tub is made of plastic or a specialized polymer, check the label on the kit.
Aerosol vs. Roll-On
You will generally find two application types:
- Roll-on Kits: These are easier to control and produce less overspray. They are ideal for beginners.
- Spray Cans: These provide a glass-smooth finish but require extensive masking of the entire bathroom to prevent overspray from settling on your vanity, toilet, and walls.
How to Prepare a Bathtub for Painting
The secret to a lasting finish is preparation. You need to strip away decades of soap scum, body oils, and cleaning residue.
What You’ll Need
- Caulk removal tool or razor scraper.
- Screwdriver (for removing the drain/overflow).
- TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or heavy-duty de-greaser.
- Empty bucket and sponge.
- Abrasive scouring pad.
- Acetone (for final wipe down).
- Epoxy putty (for fixing chips).
- 400-grit and 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper.
1. Remove Caulk and Hardware
Start by removing the metal drain cover and the overflow plate using a screwdriver. Next, grab a caulk removal tool or a spackling knife and scrape away every bit of silicone caulk between the tub and the tile. Paint will not stick to silicone.
2. Clean and De-Grease
Ventilation Is Key
Open the windows and turn on the bathroom exhaust fan immediately. Cleaning chemicals and epoxy paints release strong fumes.
Clean the bathtub thoroughly. While some people use bleach, a cleaner like TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is better for cutting through deep grease and soap residue. Scrub the tub vigorously, then rinse it thoroughly with water.
3. Repair and Sand
If your tub has deep chips or gouges, fill them with a tub repair kit or epoxy putty. Once dry, you need to sand the entire tub.
This step is critical. Use 400-grit sandpaper to roughen the shiny surface; this “mechanical tooth” helps the new paint stick. Smooth it out with 600-grit paper, then rinse the tub and let it dry completely.
Dry Time
Do not rush this. If there is any moisture in the pores of the tub or around the drain, the epoxy will fail. Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying around hardware areas.
How to Paint a Bathtub
Once the tub is prepped, dry, and masked off, you are ready to transform your bathroom.
What You’ll Need
- High-quality tub refinishing kit (like this kit from Ekopel).
- Painter’s tape.
- Plastic drop cloths.
- Respirator mask.
- High-density foam roller and brush.
1. Mask the Area
Apply painter’s tape to the tile walls where they meet the tub. Use plastic drop cloths to cover the faucets, the floor, and the toilet. Epoxy is incredibly difficult to remove once it drips, so cover everything you don’t want painted.
2. Mix the Epoxy
Put on a high-quality respirator mask. If using a two-part kit, mix the hardener and base exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some kits require an “induction period” (letting the mix sit for 5-10 minutes), while others need to be used immediately. Read your specific instructions carefully.
3. Apply the First Coat
Start in a top corner and work your way down and across. Use a brush for corners and tight spots, and a foam roller for the large flat areas to get a smooth finish. Keep the coat thin and even to prevent drips.
4. Apply the Second Coat and Cure
Wait the recommended time between coats (usually 1 to 2 hours, but check your box). Apply the second coat to ensure full coverage.
Once finished, remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly tacky (this prevents the tape from pulling up the dry paint). Let the tub cure for at least three days before using water.
Keep In Mind
Epoxy is self-leveling, which helps hide brush marks. However, watch for sagging or “curtains” on vertical surfaces and smooth them out gently with your roller.
Tips For Maintaining a Painted Bathtub
A refinished tub looks great, but it is more delicate than the original factory porcelain. Here is how to keep it safe:
- Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads (like steel wool) or harsh acidic cleaners (like bleach) on a refinished tub.
- Use gentle, non-abrasive liquid cleaners to keep soap scum at bay.
- Do not use a suction-cup bath mat; the constant pulling can cause the coating to lift.
- Fix leaky faucets immediately, as constant dripping water can wear through the epoxy over time.
- Be careful not to drop heavy shampoo bottles, which can chip the new finish.
Alternatives to Painting a Bathtub
If dealing with toxic fumes and sanding sounds like too much work, consider these options:
- Professional Reglazing: Hire a pro to do the spraying for you (usually costs $400 to $700).
- Bathtub Liners: Install an acrylic liner that fits over your existing tub (more expensive but very durable).
- Deep Cleaning: sometimes a heavy-duty acid wash can restore an old tub without painting.
- Recaulking: Simply re-caulking your bathtub can freshen the look significantly.
FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions about DIY bathtub refinishing.
Why is My Bathtub Peeling?
Peeling usually happens because the surface wasn’t cleaned or sanded properly before painting. It can also occur if moisture was trapped underneath the paint during application.
How Long Does a Painted Bathtub Last?
If prepped correctly and treated gently, a DIY paint job should last 3 to 5 years. Professional reglazing can last 10 to 15 years. Using trusted brands like Rust-Oleum or Ekopel helps ensure longevity.
What is the Difference Between Reglazing and Refinishing?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, “refinishing” refers to the entire process of repair and prep, while reglazing refers specifically to the application of the new coating.
Can You Paint a Sink?
Yes, you can paint a bathroom sink using the same epoxy kits used for bathtubs. Kitchen sinks are trickier because they endure heavy wear from pots and pans, so painting them is generally not recommended for long-term results.
Can I Use Regular Spray Paint on a Bathtub?
No, standard spray paint from a hardware store will not bond to the tub and will peel off very quickly when exposed to hot water and soap. You must use an epoxy or enamel specifically rated for tubs and tile.
In the End
Your bathtub takes a beating every day, but that doesn’t mean it has to look beaten up. Learning how to paint a bathtub is a satisfying weekend project that saves you hundreds of dollars. Just remember: scrub it clean, sand it well, and give it plenty of time to dry.
