Spray painting is a great way to spruce up your space. It is fast, affordable, and instantly transforms any surface. You might be wondering if it's possible to spray paint a bathtub. We have conducted thorough research to answer your question.
You can spray paint a bathtub, but it isn't advisable as most spray paint won't adhere to bathtub surfaces. However, there are specific spray paints made for bathtubs which include the following:
- MTN Pro bathtub and tile paint
- Ekopel 2k touch-up bathtub refurbishing paint
- Krylon epoxy aerosol paint
- Rust-oleum specialty tub and tile spray paint
There are other factors you should note if you intend to spray paint your bathtub. Stay put and keep reading to gain more insight on how you can spray paint your bathtub and what kind of paint is suitable for this project.
Spray Painting A Bathtub
Spray painting can improve the appearance of your bathtub, but it needs to be done following the correct procedure. Keep in mind that home decor experts who are concerned about adhesion sometimes discourage spray painting a bathtub.
Bathtubs have a smooth glassy surface, and using just any kind of paint won't be effective as the paint can easily come off.
In addition, bathtubs are usually exposed to water, making it easy for the paint to wash off. Sanding the surface of the tub before painting might help, but not in all cases.
Spray paints are not as thick as regular paints. They are not made to withstand constant use, so they have a thin texture. Since bathtubs are used on a daily basis, the paint will easily wear off with time.
Another thing to note is that you need to be more careful when painting with spray paint. You must use a protective covering in areas around the tub. You don’t want to make a mess of your whole bathroom and have to have it repainted or repaired.
How To Spray Paint a Bathtub
Spray painting a bathtub is sometimes referred to as bathtub glazing. The bathtub is one of the areas in the home that you can spray paint all by yourself. Just make sure you use the right method and tools.
Step 1 - Get The Right Spray Paint
The first step is to get the appropriate spray paint. There are specific spray paints that you should not use on your bathtub. The spray paint for your bathtub should adhere to ceramic and porcelain.
It should also be highly resistant to humid environments since there will be a lot of water vapor in the bathroom. Hot places are usually more humid than cool places because heat causes faster water evaporation.
Step 2 - Prepare The Bathtub Surface
The next step is to prepare the surface by scrubbing it with a sponge and a cleaning solution. This will “open up” the surface so that the spray paint can stick to it. Wash the surface thoroughly until it is clean and has no residue left.
If there are noticeable cracks on the surface of the bathtub, you should use a polyester filler to fill in the cracks and sand them when they dry up. You can clean it up again before spray painting.
However, if your bathtub has prominent cracks causing water leakage, you should replace the bathtub instead of spray painting it.
Step 3 - Spray Paint Your Bathtub
Next, spray paint the bathtub. Shake your spray paint well before spaying your bathtub. It is usually recommended that you first test the distance and flow of the paint on a surface to verify its consistency.
Hold the spray paint in a vertical position and spray evenly on the surface of the bathtub. Spray three thin, even coats to achieve a perfect finish as opposed to spraying one thick coat. It creates a smoother finish.
After spray painting the bathtub, you should leave it for about 72 hours (three days) before using it. However, if you wish, you can use another spray paint on the bathtub after 24 hours.
What Kind Of Paint Is Best For A Bathtub?
The best type of paint that you can use for your bathtub is oil-based bath paint. But the answer to this question ultimately depends on the type of bathtub you have.
It is advisable to check with your manufacturer about the type of paint you can use on your bathtub. Bathtubs are not like concrete walls, which are easier to paint.
The paint may not last if you use a type that is incompatible with your bathtub material. It can also have an unpleasant end result. For instance, epoxy paints are great for acrylic bathtubs. Another type of paint may wash off as you use your bathtub.
Check out this Rust-Oleum Epoxy Paint on Amazon
For cast-iron tubs, the paint you use must be suitable for metal, while acrylic polymer paints are good for an acrylic bath. Pay attention to the material from which your bathtub is made, and use the required paint.
However, if you don’t have the time or intention to paint your bathtub yourself, you can use a bath painting service.
These experts have the right knowledge about the type of paint that your bathtub needs. They also have a variety of colors that you can choose from and access to materials that you may not find easily.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bathtub?
DIY kits for bathtubs are usually available at home centers for up to $25. You may need up to a one-quart kit to cover a bathtub, but you can get two if you need to also paint the tiles around it.
Painting a bathtub involves more than the necessary paint. You may also need to get other tools or items for the painting, which will definitely cost you.
You need to get cleaning agents or scrubs if you don’t already have them. You should also get bleach to clean hard stains. These shouldn’t cost much.
As mentioned earlier, you need to fill in cracks if your bathtub has any before proceeding to paint it. As a result, you will need polyester fillers for the cracks and sandpaper to smooth the surface when it dries.
Painter’s tape is also required for the job. You need it to cover the tiles around the tub if you don’t intend to paint them.
You can these material online or at most home improvement or paint stores. However, if you are getting a DIY kit for painting, you may not need to buy all these other tools individually.
Check out this Bathworks DIY Bathtub and Tile Refinishing Kit on Amazon
Can You Spray Paint Your Bathtub Yourself?
Yes, you can paint your bathtub by yourself. You only need to get the materials necessary for painting. Check the instruction manual for further guidance.
A general tip is to wear a respiratory mask to avoid inhaling the paint. The smell of the paint can affect your body, so you should protect yourself, especially while mixing and painting. Paints contain chemicals that might cause irritation to the skin, so you should protect yourself.
Placing a fan near the bathtub is also a good way to reduce the effect of the paint smell in the house. It also helps the paint dry faster.
Wrapping Up
Spray painting can help you save money. You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to buying the needed materials to spray paint your bathtub. The spray painting process takes a relatively short time, so it is less labor-intensive.
Spray paint also takes less time to dry than regular paint. Use the information in this article as a guide to spray painting your bathtub.
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