When you want to restore your bathtub without breaking the bank, this question may arise: Can I spray paint a bathtub? There is no problem painting the bathtub with spray paint. But spray painting the bathtub isn’t as simple as spray painting the wood, paper, and small DIY crafts.
You need the right product and approach to make it happen. In this guide, I will discuss the dos and don’ts you should follow while applying spray paint to the bathtub. As part of my professional advice, I will share some tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Can You Spray Paint Bathtub?
Choose the right spray paint type and equipment to paint the bathtub. Not all spray paints are created equal. You need to use professional-grade spray paint designed for bathtubs and tiles. The bathtub is an area where spray painting needs specific conditions. You need to look for waterproof paint for a durable finish. Also, you need to prepare that bathtub surface for a durable and smooth spray paint finish.
What Kind Of Spray Paint You Should Use For A Bathtub?
When choosing spray paint, make sure it is the right one for the job. Here are the best options for bathtub spray paint.
Epoxy Paints
Epoxy formulas are the best choice for the bathtub. Epoxy acrylic spray paints are the perfect option for ceramic and porcelain bathtubs. These paints use high-strength adhesives that stick well to the non-porous surface, like fibreglass, acrylic, and ceramic. Many reliable brands like Rust-Oleum have introduced their Epoxy Acrylic paint as Specialty Tub and Tile paints. Epoxy paints are wholly non-porous and waterproof, allowing you a durable finish.
Enamel Paints
Enamel Spray Paint is another good choice for porcelain and ceramic bathtubs. Enamel paints are oil-based high-strength formulas that adhere well to hard surfaces like bathtubs. The ultra-glossy finish of the enamel paint makes them a perfect option for bathroom restoration projects.
Satin Spray Paint
MTN Pro Stain spray paint is one of the best speciality paints you can buy for a bathtub painting. Satin spray paints are another excellent choice for bathtub painting. Satin spray paint uses high-strength epoxy resins, making them fully compatible with porcelain and ceramic.
Do I Need To Prime The Surface Before Spray Painting?
The durability of the paint is one of the biggest concerns when you want to spray paint the surfaces like bathroom tiles and bathtubs. Bathtubs are made of ceramic, porcelain, or fibreglass. All these surfaces offer poor adhesion to the spray paints, and a direct paint application is not recommended.
You need to prime the surface sufficiently to strengthen the bonding between the paint and the surface. It is advised to use oil-based primers formulated for metal painting applications. Also, you must check that the primer you are using is fully compatible with the type of paint you want.
Do I Need To Sand The Bathtub Before Painting?
Sanding is not necessary in the case of bathtub spray paint. If the bathtub is new, skipping the sanding step is better. Sanding also improves the adhesion properties of the surface and helps you get a DIY-looking ultra-smooth paint finish. If you are painting a used bathtub, but the previous paint is not damaged, and is unnecessary. However, if the last finish paint is chipping or flickering, you may need to sand it down for a smooth finish. The following steps will guide you through painting your bathtub: Follow these steps to paint your bathtub:
Surface Preparation
Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the essential parts of the process. Clean the bathtub thoroughly and make sure it’s free of any dirt. Once you’ve cleaned it, let it dry well. Before primer application, makes sure there is no moisture in any part of the bathtub. A little humidity can result in poor adhesion and tacky paint finishes.
Priming
The tub should be primed evenly. It’s advised to use a brush for primer application for better coverage. Allowing the primer to be thoroughly dried before paint application is crucial. Oil-based primers may take as long as 24 hours to get fully cured.
Tape Off The Areas
You must tape off the areas you don’t want to paint for a mess-free process. To make the border look professional, you need fine lines. Remember that epoxy and enamel paints are high-strength formulas, and removing them from the tiles or walls can be a real challenge.
Cover The Floor
Cover the bathroom floor with towels or drop cloth to ensure the excessive paint doesn’t stick to the bottom. It makes the clean-up easy and quick.
Spray Paint Application
Once you are done with the prep work, it’s time to apply the paint. The bathtub is a big body, and it can be challenging to use even strokes. It is advised to use the stroke in the horizontal direction. Never apply a thick coat of spray paint to the bathtub. It takes longer for a thick coat to dry, and moisture may cause it to become sticky. A thin coat of paint must be applied multiple times.
It is also crucial to determine how long should pass between coats. Epoxy and enamel paints can take 14-24 hours to cure fully. After the first coat has dried well, a second coat should be applied. If you have painted the tub, you should not use it for 48 hours. Reduce the humidity in the bathroom by opening the window. It allows the paint to dry quickly and reduces the chances of stickiness.
Seal The Paint
Bathtub paint is highly prone to water damage, so apply a waterproof coat to enhance its durability. Paint protectors are available in a variety of types. Choose the one that has a better resistance against water and moisture. Ceramic clear coat and Auto Wax are the best options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Bathtub?
You should use epoxy paints on a bathtub. Epoxy paints can form a strong bond with all non-porous surfaces like ceramic, porcelain, metal, and fibreglass. Also, these pints are waterproof and last longer than your expectations.
Can You Use Rust-Oleum Spray Paint On A bathtub?
Yes, you can. Rust-Oleum has a wide range of speciality Tile & Tub spray paints. Depending on your budget and project requirements, you can choose the best one for you.
Can You Spray Paint A Ceramic Bathtub?
Yes, you can spray paint a ceramic bathtub. A wide range of specialty paints designed for ceramic tiles and tubs is available on the market. You can pair the spray paints with a professional-grade oil-based primer for better adhesion and maximum durability.
Can you Use Enamel Spray Paint On A Bathtub?
Oil-based enamel paints are an excellent option for spraying fibreglass, ceramic, and metal bathtubs. Enamel paint with remarkable adhesion properties works well with the bathtub.
Wrapping Up
From the above discussion, we can safely conclude that it is possible to spray paint the bathtubs. The availability of specialty products like paints and primers has made it possible to renew your bathtub within a limited budget for your ease.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.