Plastic is frequently used to make bathtubs to make them sturdy and long-lasting. Even the most durable material, plastic bathtubs, can look scuffed, faded, and past their prime due to stains and discoloration.
So, how about spray painting a plastic bathtub? Can you spray paint plastic bathtub? Is it effective, or does the spray paint stay on plastic?
A plastic bathtub may be painted easily with spray paint, which comes in various colors. It might not be as long-lasting as other types of paint, so it’s crucial to apply it correctly according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent drips or overspray.
Check out the following guide before deciding to spray paint your bathtub.
Can You Spray Paint A Plastic Bathtub?
A quick and inexpensive fix for various mobile home renovation tasks is spray paint. A bathroom that needs updating can be given new life by learning how to spray paint plastic tubs.
You can paint your plastic tub using spray paint with excellent effects as well. Spraying may seem like fun, but the mess quickly takes over. You should safeguard the other items in your bathroom before painting your bathtub.
The surface of a plastic bathtub needs to be prepared before you can spray on it. Ensure you have all the tools and equipment you need for your project before you begin.
Before you start plastic bathtub painting, cover all the surfaces that could get stains and apply some tape to the bathroom tiles. Additionally, you are free to paint your bathtub with any color you like!
You can begin painting the tub with acrylic paint as soon as the primer is fully dry. The ideal item to utilize to achieve a more professional finish would be a spray gun.
The best recommendation is to use spray paint made specifically for plastic, but if you can’t find a color you like in that selection, you may always lightly sand the plastic beforehand to produce texture for better adhesion. Use Mod Podge to seal it after the paint has dry.
However, spray paints won’t ensure that the bathtub is painted uniformly. The spray can be more intense in some locations, while in others, it cannot. You won’t get the bathtub’s desired appearance from this.
How To Spray Paint A Plastic Bathtub Step by Step?
Cleaning your plastic bathtub completely is the first step in painting it because any soap residue, filth, or oils will prevent the paint from sticking properly. Clean the surface of the tub by using a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to get rid of soap scum, filth, or grime.
After cleaning the tub, you should sand it to make a better surface for the paint to adhere to.
When you’ve finished cleaning and preparing, follow these instructions:
1- Use Drop Cloths Or Old Towels To Protect The Area Around The Bathtub
Protect the area around the plastic bathtub from paint spray by using drop cloths or old towels. It will prevent paint from landing on your floors and nearby surfaces.
To improve ventilation while painting inside, you should consider opening a window.
2- Cover With Tape Any Areas You Don’t Want To Spray
It will make it easier to make sure you paint the tub and nothing else, only the tub.
3. Begin Spray Painting The Tub
Once the area has been cleaned and ready, you can start spray painting plastic tub. You should begin by painting the tub’s interior. After that, you can proceed to paint the exterior.
Spraying must be done evenly, and each coat must have time to dry before the next.
If you are having trouble with runs or drips, move the tip of your paint can a little farther away from the surface while accelerating your passes.
To smooth out the surface, you can (after they have dried) softly sand down these runs.
4. Allow The Spray Paint To Dry Before Removing The Tape
You can take off the tape and let the spray paint dry after you’re done painting. Before applying the second layer, give the paint at least two hours to dry.
5- Add A New Coat Of Spray Paint
When the first coat of paint has dried, you might add a second coat. It will be more likely that the spray will be applied evenly and endure long.
Wait at least 24 hours before applying the bathtub again after the second coat has dried. To be cautious, use the bathtub for the following three days.
Additionally, make sure the space is well-ventilated and make every effort to direct the fumes outside rather than into the rest of the house.
Test the paint before putting it to use in the bathtub. Run your palm along the tub’s surface to check that the spray paint is dry and not tacky. Use the tub normally if the paint appears to be dry.
Is it Safe to Spray a Plastic Bathtub?
Plastic isn’t particularly well suited to withstand weathering elements like rain and sun. Because of this, during the production process, it is frequently treated with chemicals, which can make it toxic if not handled carefully.
If you follow the manufacturer’s directions, it should be safe to apply on the surface of your bathtub, even if you do require special paint for plastic material instead of just any old spray paint.
The issue is that paint frequently lacks a professional appearance and is not resistant to normal wear and tear.
Your tub will look great for a long time if you use the right paint. Finding a paint that meets your demands by researching several brands and paints is the simplest approach to figuring out which one will work best for you.
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Plastic Bathtub?
Before using one product, it’s crucial to understand that different surfaces call for different kinds of paint.
It is important to use paint that is made especially on plastic surfaces when painting a tub. Plastic tubs can be painted with various paint types, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the top paints for plastic tubs are acrylic, epoxy, and spray paint.
1. Acrylic Paint
A plastic bathtub can be painted with acrylic paint because it adheres well to plastic surfaces and is reasonably long-lasting. Depending on the area of the object you are painting, you can use several types of brushes to apply this paint.
Apply multiple coats if you are using a brush to apply it. However, it is essential to wait until each layer is entirely dried before adding the next.
Additionally, because acrylic paint is water-based, it is simple to clean up after use and won’t harm the bathtub, even if it becomes wet.
2. Spray Paint
Spray paints are most frequently used to paint plastic surfaces because they can adhere to plastic surfaces. It might not be as long-lasting as other types of paint, so it’s crucial to apply it correctly according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent drips or overspray.
Please tape off any areas where you do not want the paint to go before spraying it. Once the painting is finished, the tape can be removed. Before painting, the spray paint can also be shaken for a full minute.
The paint may not have the desired color depth in just the first layer. So, we suggest that you apply as many coatings as you think are necessary.
3. Epoxy Paint
Since epoxy paint is sturdy and resistant to chipping and scratching, it is a good option for a plastic bathtub. Additionally, it resists fading and doesn’t darken with time.
But it can be trickier to apply than other kinds, and it could need a primer or good preparation.
Regardless of the paint you select, it is imperative to carefully clean and prep the tub’s surface before painting to guarantee that the paint adheres and has the greatest possible appearance.
Can I Use Enamel Paint on a Plastic Bathtub?
The ease with which enamel paint adheres to plastic is one of its best features. That is especially true because it was created with non-porous materials like plastic in mind.
In reality, the plastic surface of the painted object adheres to the enamel paint so well that regular use is possible. Additionally, you can wash it without worrying about the paint falling off!
Plastic tubs perform best when painted with enamel paints since they cure rapidly and produce durable effects. Additionally, they stop rust from developing on the surface. They are also quite practical because they are simple to rinse off with water.
When painting your plastic bathtub in a home, paint quality is crucial; therefore, always use enamel paint for the best results. Glossiness ratings for enamel paints range from satin to high-gloss finish.
Is Painting A Plastic Bathtub A Good Idea?
Absolutely! Everyone ought to think about painting their bathtub. As you use it frequently, it may start to seem worn and unclean. Your bathroom will seem brand-new and hygienic when you paint the bathtub!
The bathtub must be painted with particular materials, though. You may easily give your bathtub a glossy finish using the appropriate materials.
If you want to update the appearance of your bathroom without spending a fortune, think about painting a plastic tub. It is particularly true if your tub is more aged and has, over time, picked up some stains or discolorations.
For instance, if your current bathtub is largely free of dings and other imperfections, painting it would likely give it the fantastic, brand-new look you desire.
How Do You Refinish A Plastic Bathtub?
Your plastic bathtub painting usually becomes worn out with time, and you desire to replace it. But if you try refinishing it, it will acquire an entirely new appearance.
A plastic bathtub can be easily refinished. Just thoroughly clean the surface and check for any needed repairs.
For your paint to adhere correctly, let your bathtub entirely dry before applying a bonding agent, such as a primer. Apply acrylic or water-resistant paint evenly to the bathtub after allowing the primer to dry, giving it a glossy sheen.
Refinishing and fixing a plastic bathtub is identical to doing so for a fiberglass or porcelain bathtub. The surface must first be chemically cleaned to get rid of any soap scum, mineral deposits, or body oils. After that, all chips and cracks are filled and smoothed out.
FAQs
Is painting a bathtub a good idea?
Painting a bathtub saves you the time and effort required for a larger bathroom remodeling project and is typically more affordable than replacing it with something new. Additionally, it enables you to maintain an older design that gives charm to a mobile home bathroom but has seen better days, like an antique clawfoot tub.
Is it easy to stick paint on bathtubs?
Molded surfaces can often be challenging to paint. When you paint with a similar color, it’s not that tough. However, some of the skills you can pick up will enable you to conceal objects and preserve the colors of your paintings. It’s crucial to clean your surfaces of any grime. It aids in preventing future paint peeling.
Conclusion
Thankfully, you can spray paint a plastic tub. Painting bathtubs has proven to be a popular method for giving aging bathtubs a fresh look. And when you employ this technique to hide the current stains, the bathroom will appear brand-new.
The surface must first be completely cleaned and sanded before primer can be applied, so follow the instructions for each step carefully. Before using, evenly paint the tub and allow it to cure fully.
Even though you may easily paint your bathtub, you will need some painting expertise to do it uniformly and with a glossy finish.