Ethan Clarke
If you're looking to give your bathroom a new lease of life, painting your plastic shower can be a great option. It's a cheap and effective way to cover up any scuff marks, discolouration, or outdated tiles. While it may not be a permanent solution, it can be a good stop-gap if you're planning to remodel in the future. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to paint your plastic shower, as well as offer tips on the best types of paint to use.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety gear | Face mask, gloves, cover for the floor, and masking tape for taps and plug holes |
| Surface preparation | Deep clean the shower, sand the surface, and wipe out the tub to remove grit |
| Paint type | Epoxy paint, paint for adhering to plastic, spray paint |
| Application | Use a roller, brush, or spray |
| Number of layers | Two layers, with adequate drying time in between |
| Top coat | Acrylic top coat to seal in the paint and add shine |
| Ventilation | Open windows and use an exhaust fan or plug-in fan to manage fumes |
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What You'll Learn
Safety first: Wear a face mask, gloves, and cover the floor
Painting your shower can be a great way to give it a new lease of life, but it's important to put safety first. Before you start, make sure you have the right safety gear, including a face mask, gloves, and floor covering.
Wearing a face mask is crucial when painting to protect yourself from inhaling harmful substances. Paint contains thousands of chemical compounds, and exposure to these chemicals can have serious side effects. For example, painters are at an increased risk of developing bladder and lung cancer, and inhaling silica dust or lead particles can lead to lung disease and nervous system damage, respectively. Therefore, always wear a mask when spraying, stripping, or sanding, and ensure you purchase a high-quality mask suitable for the job from a reputable supplier.
Gloves are another important piece of safety equipment when painting. They protect your hands from direct contact with the paint, which may contain toxic ingredients. Choose gloves that fit well and are made from a durable material that will resist tears or punctures.
Covering the floor is essential to protect it from paint drips and spills. First, remove all furniture and belongings from the room, and if moving bulky items is not feasible, cover them securely. Next, vacuum the floor to ensure no dirt or debris is present, as this can damage the floor when covered. Then, lay down a protective layer, such as canvas drop cloths for carpeted floors or rosin paper for wood or tile floors. For a budget-friendly option, a thick sheet of plastic can be used, but this will not be reusable. Ensure the protective material extends beyond the perimeter of the room, and use tape to secure it in place, creating a sandwich effect.
By taking these safety precautions, you can help ensure that your plastic shower painting project is completed without any harmful health effects or damage to your property.
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Clean the shower thoroughly
It is also important to ventilate the room before, during, and after painting. Open any nearby windows and use an exhaust fan, as the fumes from paint can be intense and overwhelming. If you have extra plug-in fans, these will also help.
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Sand the surface
Sanding the surface of your plastic shower is an essential step in the painting process. It is necessary because paint adheres better to rougher, matte surfaces than to glossy, smooth surfaces. Since most plastic is glossy and smooth, sanding will create a surface that the paint can grip onto.
To sand the surface of your plastic shower, start by selecting the appropriate sandpaper. Fine-grit sandpaper, typically ranging from 600 to 1200 grit, is recommended to effectively roughen the surface without leaving visible sanding marks. Wet-sanding is generally preferred for plastic, as it helps prevent scratches and keeps the sandpaper from becoming blocked. However, dry sandpaper can also be used, especially when working with fine-grained sandpaper.
When sanding, it is important to keep the sandpaper moist by spraying water on it or using fresh sandpaper frequently. This helps prevent scratches on the plastic surface. Avoid drying out the sandpaper, and be sure to replace it as needed. Keep the sanding strokes random and move the sandpaper in erratic, circular patterns to avoid creating harsh lines or deep scratches. Using a sanding sponge or foam block can provide better control and help prevent cutting too deeply into the plastic.
After sanding, thoroughly clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining plastic dust. You may also want to polish the plastic with a clear gloss before proceeding to the next steps of priming and painting. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions when sanding and painting plastic.
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Choose the right paint for plastic
Painting plastic can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can transform old or faded items instead of replacing them. The key to success is using the right paint.
Plastics labelled 3, 6, or 7 tend to accept paint better than others. For the best results, choose spray paint specifically made for plastic. These paints have special bonding agents that help them stick to smooth surfaces. If you prefer brush painting, use acrylic or enamel paint with a plastic primer. Avoid latex paints, as they don’t bond well and may cause peeling or cracking.
When painting a plastic shower, you should use a paint kit that includes both a primer and paint. You can use a spray or brush kit. Before painting, ensure your shower is clean and dry. You should also mask off any areas you don't want to paint. If using spray paint, hold the can 8–12 inches away and spray at a 45-degree angle, misting the paint onto the surface. Use thin, even coats, moving side to side with slight overlaps to avoid drips. Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
If you are using brush paint, apply the paint in thin, even strokes in one direction to minimize brush lines. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next to prevent streaks and uneven texture. For maximum durability, apply two to three thin coats instead of one thick layer. You can finish with a layer of acrylic topcoat to seal in your paint and add extra shine.
Finally, remember to wear the correct safety gear when painting. This includes a face mask and gloves to protect your skin and respiratory system.
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Apply paint evenly and seal with a top coat
When you are ready to paint your plastic shower, start by applying the paint evenly to the entire surface of the shower in one even layer. You can use a roller, brush, or spray paint, depending on the type of paint you have chosen and the effect you want to achieve. If you are using a roller, be sure not to overload it to avoid drips. Work in sections to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Allow adequate drying time according to your paint's instructions—the drying time will depend on the type of paint you are using and the thickness of the layer you have applied. You may need to apply a second coat if the colour is not consistent or if the paint instructions specify that multiple coats are required. Check that the paint is thoroughly dry before applying a second coat to avoid smudging or streaking.
Once the paint is dry, you can finish the job by applying a top coat to seal and protect the paint. Choose a top coat that is suitable for use on plastic surfaces and that will provide a durable and waterproof finish. Apply the top coat evenly and smoothly, following the instructions on the product for best results. Allow the recommended drying time for the top coat to ensure it cures properly and forms a strong protective barrier.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when painting and sealing your shower, as the fumes from the paint and top coat can be intense. Open nearby windows and use an exhaust fan to ensure adequate airflow. It is also important to wear a face mask and gloves to protect yourself from the fumes and the paint itself.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a paint system made for adhering to plastic. Krylon Fusion for outdoor plastics is one option, but it may not hold up to scrubbing. Rustoleum is another option. Before painting, clean the surface extremely well and sand it with fine sandpaper to give the paint something to grip on to. Cover your taps and plug holes with painter's tape to keep them free of paint. Apply the paint in one even layer and allow adequate drying time before applying a second layer if necessary. Finish with a layer of acrylic top coat to seal in your paint.
Make sure to ventilate the room before, during, and after painting. Use an exhaust fan and open any nearby windows to deal with the fumes from the paint, which can be overwhelming and toxic. Wear a face mask and gloves to protect your skin and respiratory system. Cover your floor in case of paint drips and use painter's tape to protect any other surfaces you don't want to get paint on.
You can use spray paint or paint in a can. Epoxy paint is also an option, but it has a short working time and must be used within six hours of mixing. You will also need a refinishing kit with the epoxy paint, which comes with two parts that must be mixed thoroughly.
Clean the surface extremely well and sand it with fine sandpaper to give the paint something to grip on to. You can also try roughing up the surface with something like steel wool. Make sure to remove any caulk around the tub and shower edges to make the painting process smoother.
