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Can You Paint a Plastic Bathtub? (All You Need to Know)

There is no ideal way to paint your bathroom equipment and cover the old marks. You can go about it in multiple ways. So can you paint a plastic bathtub? What kind of paint should you use? And what are the dos and don’ts associated with it?

We will break down these vital questions to make your painting journey easier. Read ahead to learn more.

Can you paint a plastic bathtub?

Yes, you can paint a plastic bathtub. But you will need to use a primer to lay the foundation for the paint. It will help the paint sit better and last longer. Once the primer dries, you can paint the plastic bathtub without any trouble. The ideal color for a plastic bathtub is eggshell paint.

You can always paint a plastic bathtub without any trouble. But there are some precautionary measures that will need your special attention. Before applying paint to your plastic bathtub, make sure that you have applied an even layer of primer on its surface.

This layer of primer will allow the coats of paint to sit better on the plastic. It will also prevent cracking in the future, protecting the paint from all sorts of vibrations and impacts.

Begin applying the paint on your plastic bathtub only after the primer has dried down. Painting following this particular method will provide great results and last longer on plastic.

Make sure to apply at least two coats of paint on top of the primer. If you want the paint to last you for a couple of years, it is ideal to opt for a couple of layers of coats. Don’t worry, you’ll only need a small tin of paint to get the job done.

Can you change the color of a plastic tub?

You can change the color of a plastic tub. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom or adding a new touch to the space, then changing the color of your bathtub will be a good idea.

Make sure to clean the previous paint, refurbish the tub, and apply a layer of primer on the surface. Once the primer dries, apply a fresh coat of paint and enjoy a new look for your plastic tub.

What kind of paint can you use to paint a plastic bathtub?

There are several kinds of paints that will allow you to paint a plastic bathtub. Here are some of the most efficient kinds of paint you can use to paint a plastic bathtub:

Acrylic enamel paint:

Acrylic enamel paint is the best paint for a plastic bathtub. It will get the job done smoothly and efficiently. You can get a tin of acrylic enamel paint from your nearest paint shop.

They come in tubs as well as spray bottles. Pick whichever you are comfortable with.

Majic Paints 8-4994-1 Diamond Hard Tractor, Truck & Auto Acrylic Enamel Paint, 1-Gallon, Gloss Black

Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint for Plastic Spray:

This spray paint is specially formulated for painting plastics. If you’re painting with this spray paint, your tub will not need an additional layer of primer. The spray paint can be applied directly to the bathtub.

Rust-Oleum 7701830 - 6 PK Stops Rust Spray Paint, Enamel, 12 Fl. Oz. Aerosol Can, Gloss Crystal Clear (Pack of 6)

What spray paint is good for plastic?

Spray painting on plastic is increasingly becoming a popular form of crafting. But people still have a difficult time deciding what spray paint is good for plastic. Let’s help you choose the right spray paint for plastic.

Krylon spray paint is an acrylic spray paint that adheres incredibly well to plastic. It also provides a protective layer to the paint, making it a top-notch choice.

You can also opt for Rust-Oleum spray paint which offers a gloss clear finish to the bathtub. It is formulated to bond to plastic. Not only that, but the spray paint also works well on ceramic, wood, and more.

When choosing paint for plastic, make sure that it is faster than any regular paint or roller. In addition, make sure that it delivers an even coat.

Performix 12213 Plasti Dip Black - 22 oz. Dip Can

How to paint a plastic bathtub?

Painting a plastic bathtub requires special attention to detail. To make sure that the paint on your bathtub does not wear out anytime soon, you will need to follow these steps to paint your plastic bathtub:

Gather all the gears:

Gather all the gears that you might need while painting the bathtub. This includes gloves and a face mask to ensure protection from the paint.

In addition, cover the floor underneath the tub with a sheet. This will protect the floor from drips of paint.

Clean the tub:

Now that you have all the gears ready, it’s time to prepare the tub for painting. Clean it thoroughly. Make sure that there are no mineral deposits, body oil or lotion, or soap leftovers on the surface of the bathtub.

You can use an abrasive sponge to clean the surface of the tub. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to get the job done properly. 

Apply a primer:

Before you apply the paint, make sure that you’re applying an even layer of primer. It works as a bonding agent that will help the paint adhere to the plastic surface.

The primer has several essential jobs. It also polishes the surface of the plastic bathtub and covers any chips or cracks that it might have. So it prepares an even surface for the paint.

Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer, Quart, White

Apply the paint:

The best paint to paint your plastic bathtub would be acrylic enamel paint. It does the job best and lasts the longest. In addition, this type of paint will provide even coats of paint all over the tub.

You can paint the bathtub with acrylic enamel paint using brushes and rollers. It is a rather affordable method. And the end result is supposed to be quite even.

Another way to paint the plastic bathtub is to use spray paint. Although this method may get a little messier than the former. This method also lies at a higher price point. However, it is easier and gets the job done in half the time.

How to get paint out of a plastic bathtub?

If you’re wondering how you can get paint out of a plastic bathtub, the process is rather simple. You will need to get your hands on a few ingredients to get the job done. Gather a dish soap, or some vinegar, and baking soda.

If you’re picking a dish soap, make sure that it comes with de-greasing agents. These work best in removing paint out of plastic.

Or you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Apply it on a soft sponge and rub the paint. Let the solution sit on the dried plastic paint for a couple of minutes.

Allow the mixture to work with the layers of paint coats. It will then come off very easily with a scrubber.

Plasti Dip Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating - One Gallon (128oz) - BLACK

Can you recoat a plastic bath?

Yes, you can always recoat a plastic bath. The process of recoating plastic baths is similar to that of porcelain or fiberglass bathtubs.

Before you begin, make sure that the surface is cleaned. Carefully remove any chemical deposit, soap scum, or mineral layers that may exist on the surface.

After that, fill any chips or cracks that may exist on the plastic bathtub. This will allow you to apply an even coat to the plastic bath.

Now the plastic bathtub will be ready for the coat. Make sure to apply several layers of paint on top of the bonding agent. This will make the bathtub look brand new.

How do you refinish a plastic bathtub?

There is a very easy and straightforward method that can be followed in order to refinish a plastic bathtub. Before you dive into it, make sure that the bathtub is clean. Remove any mineral deposit, soap scum, dirt, or baby oil that may be on the surface.

To smoothen the plastic surface, you can use a mixture of vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to clean the plastic surface. This paste will help you get rid of any deposits that may be gripping the bathtub.

Once the surface is clean, pick an appropriate paint that would sit on plastic. Make sure to use a layer of primer before applying the paint. This is how you can refinish a plastic bathtub efficiently.

Final Thoughts:

You can paint a plastic bathtub without any hassle. The process is rather straightforward and you can do it right at home. Clean the bathtub thoroughly, apply an even coat of primer underneath the paint. It’s best to opt for acrylic enamel paint for a plastic bathtub.