How to Successfully Paint a Bathtub Yourself

Upgrading the look of your bathroom doesn't have to mean a full renovation. With some simple prep work, the right supplies, and a little elbow grease, you can transform an old, dated bathtub by painting it yourself. Painting a bathtub can give a facelift to your bathroom, often at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.

Painting over the existing bathtub surface with a fresh coat (or coats) of paint allows you to change the color and restore a uniform appearance, concealing scratches, chips, stains, and other signs of wear. Epoxy, acrylic, or enamel paints formulated for bathtub surfaces adhere best and hold up well to moisture and heavy use.

Preparing to Paint a Bathtub

Choose the Right Paint

Selecting the appropriate type of paint for a bathtub project is key to achieving long-lasting results. The best options include:

• Epoxy paints: Offer excellent adhesion and durability for cast iron or porcelain tubs
• Acrylic paints: Flexible paints ideal for coating acrylic, fiberglass or plastic tubs
• Enamel paints: Provide a smooth, glass-like finish well-suited for clawfoot or cast iron tubs

Consult your bathtub manufacturer for specific recommendations on paint types approved or warranted for use on your tub model. Where the tub meets tile and around fixtures, choose paint products that are compatible with multiple surfaces for best results.

Bathtub Surface Preparation

Proper prep work before painting a bathtub is essential. First, use a caulk removal tool to eliminate existing caulk from around the tub's rim and all fixtures. Removing the caulk allows the paint to adhere directly to the tub surface rather than sit atop a layer of silicone.

Next, clean the tub thoroughly with a tub cleaner or bleach solution to eliminate soap scum, oils, dirt and grime that could interfere with paint adhesion. Rinse well. To remove any existing paint or finish, you may need to lightly wet sand the surface with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper before painting.

Finish preparations by wiping down the tub with a tack cloth to remove dust. Cover nearby surfaces with painter's tape and protective sheets before starting to paint.

Sanding and Cleaning

If there are areas of paint chipping or peeling on your existing bathtub, use 180-220 grit sandpaper to sand and feather those edges. For a smooth surface, you may also lightly sand the entire bathtub with 240 or 280 grit sandpaper.

After sanding, remove all dust by thoroughly cleaning your bathtub with a tub or tile cleaner degreaser. Use warm water and rinse well until all residue is gone. Let the tub dry completely before attempting to paint.

How to Paint a Bathtub

Apply Primer

Using an angular paint brush for hard-to-reach areas and a small foam roller for large flat spaces, apply a coat of tub and tile primer formulated for slick surfaces. Combination tub and tile primers work well for areas where the tub meets surrounding tile walls. Allow primer to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions before painting.

First Coat of Paint

Working in well-ventilated area and wearing protective gear including gloves and a respirator mask, use your paint brush and roller to apply the first coat of tub paint. Use long, even strokes and paint in the same direction across the entire surface of the tub from top to bottom for the most uniform look.

For hard-to-reach spots like around the drain and overflow plates, use small trim paint brushes. Paint all sides of the tub, using brushes and angled tools as needed for tight areas.

Allow your first coat of paint to dry thoroughly before adding another layer. Refer to your paint manufacturer's instructions for exact drying times before recoating or using the tub. Expect to wait at least 24 hours for epoxy or enamel paints to dry between coats.

Second Coat of Paint

Once the first coat is fully cured, apply the second coat of paint following the same steps as your first application. The second coat of paint serves helps cover any thin or uneven patches from the first coat.

Allow the paint another 24 hours or longer to fully harden before removing painter's tape and reapplying caulk around the tub. Avoid caulking for as long as possible to give the paint ample time to cure.

Curing and Drying Time

While your bathtub paint may dry to the touch within a few hours, the curing process takes much longer. Most tub paints require three full days of curing before recoating or water exposure in the tub. During this curing phase, paint hardens fully and develops resistance to moisture. Rushing this step risks damage or delamination.

Once your paint has completely cured, run hot tap water for at least 15 minutes before using your tub for bathing. Check for any issues with paint adhesion or plumbing leaks around fixtures. It's better to identify and address any problems early rather than after caulking.

Longevity of Paint on Bathtubs

Maintenance

Properly prepped and applied bathtub paint can last 3-5 years or more with proper care. To keep your paint looking like new, use a gentle cleaner and avoid abrasive scrubbing. Acidic cleaners can dull or strip tub paint over time. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Touch-ups Over Time

Expect to need minor touch-ups at some point to cover small chips or scratches in your bathtub paint. Keep extra paint stored properly for such occasions. Address chips right away to prevent moisture getting under paint. Use small foam brushes for touch-up and avoid spraying if possible to prevent overspray on tile or fixtures.

Painting Tile Around Bathtubs

Painting projects often look best when the bathtub color ties into surrounding tile and fixtures. Use tub paint rated for multiple surfaces to coat tile walls. Select a coordinating grout color for a cohesive look.

Instead of painting, you can often update the look more easily by cleaning or re-grouting discolored existing tile and caulk. Refresh caulking last after painting any wall tile and the tub itself.

Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

While bathtub painting seems straightforward, the project can quickly go awry if proper steps aren't followed:

• Skipping surface prep lead to chipping or peeling paint down the road
• Insufficient drying times between coats can prevent paints from curing correctly
• Not cleaning tile or repairing leaks around the tub first causes issues later
• Applying the wrong type of paint leads to cracking or loss of adhesion when exposed to moisture

Protect nearby fixtures and surfaces from drips and overspray. Work carefully around plumbing and electrical. Having spare paint leftover from the original job helps tremendously for future touch-ups as needed.

Safely Painting a Bathtub FAQs

If you still have reservations about taking on an extensive bathtub painting project solo, consider contacting an experienced bath recoloring company to handle the job instead. Some professional paint options even carry long-term warranties against chipping and damage.

But if choosing the DIY route, review common questions below:

How long does bathtub paint last?

With proper surface prep and application methods, bathtub paint can last upwards of 5 years before needing touch-ups. Maintain the finish gently with non-abrasive cleaners.

Yes, with some handy DIY skills, painting your own bathtub is certainly achievable. Gather the necessary supplies and set ample time to follow each preparation and painting step closely.