How to Change the Color of Your Bathtub (Step by Step Guide)

At some point, you may decide to change the color of your bathtub. Perhaps it’s an undesirable color but you don’t want to spend the time or money to install a whole new one. So, is there a way to change the color of your bathtub? And how do you do it?

Changing the color of your bathtub is done through a process called reglazing or refinishing. This process includes cleaning the tub, using a special paint or glaze, and then drying the tub over time with proper ventilation. This process can be done by a professional, or by the homeowner.

If you are completing this project on your own, there are some precautions you need to know about because you might be handling harmful chemicals. This article will take you through the process step by step to keep you safe and make your tub as good as new!

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The Possibility of Changing the Color of Your Bathtub

For most bathtubs, it is possible to change the color of your bathtub without replacing it. However, there are a few cases when it is best to replace the tub instead. 

How Do You Update a Bathtub Without Replacing it?

You can reglaze a bathtub instead of replacing it. This process can change the color of your tub and cover stains and even some minor cracks. It’s much like painting your nails or painting the walls. However, sometimes it involves more intense chemicals and thicker paint.

The precautions are mostly for the chemical fumes where ventilation and proper safety gear are necessary.

If you are doing this yourself, you will need a respirator, goggles, gloves, and possibly a full plastic suit to protect your skin and clothes. Some reglazing paints are fume-free though. 

Can I Change the Color of My Bathtub?

You can change the color of your tub to any color you’d like through a reglazing process. Some companies can even color match for you. They can use a color you like in a different part of the bathroom to match the bathtub.

The best colors for natural stone or marble tubs are white, red, brown, and black. The type of material your tub is made of will determine the best color choice the most, but initially, it’s up to you. 

Can I Redo the Color of a Bathtub?

You cannot always remove the color, or glazing that is already in place, but you can reglaze over the existing finish. You can make the new color anything you want. However, it is suggested you only reglaze a bathtub twice in the lifetime of the tub.

You can reglaze a tub of nearly any material including acrylic, stone, marble, metal, and fiberglass.

There are some newer tub models that are made with cheaper material and often used in mobile homes that possibly will not reglaze well. 

Can You Paint Bathtubs?

You can paint a bathtub with a specific reglazing solution. You can pick the color and whether you spray the tub, or use a roller, just like painting a wall. However, you should take more precautions and wear a respirator mask if the paint is not fume-free.

It is also suggested you wear gloves and protective clothing. It is most important you don’t breathe in the fumes.

Also, make sure the room is well ventilated to allow for a faster drying time. This helps set the paint for a longer-lasting finish. 

Can You Paint an Acrylic Bathtub?

You can paint an acrylic bathtub as well as stone, porcelain, fiberglass, and metal. The paint is a specific type for bathtubs. The process is called refinishing or reglazing. You can paint acrylic bathtubs any color you like best. 

Many standard bathtubs are acrylic. Usually, the green or pink bathtubs from the 80s are acrylics. A standard tub from before the 70s was mostly fiberglass, but you can reglaze fiberglass as well.

Can You Spray Paint a Fiberglass Tub?

You can spray the reglazing paint rather than use the roll-on method on a fiberglass tub. However, you cannot spray the tub with standard spray paint. You will need thick epoxy paint and an airless paint sprayer, for bathtubs to cover over the existing tub. 

You can also use this method on acrylic, metal, porcelain, and stone tubs.

Oftentimes, it is the suggested method because it goes on more evenly and uses less reglazing paint than the roll-on method. 

Can You Epoxy a Bathtub?

Many bathtub reglazing paints are a special epoxy type of paint due to their thickness. When the epoxy is dry it is hard and waterproof. You can reglaze with epoxy bathtub paint on acrylic, fiberglass, metal, porcelain, stone, and marble tubs. 

Bathtub epoxy paint can be any color you’d like. Make sure you are wearing gloves if you are applying it yourself, and if the paint has heavy fumes wear a respirator mask and protective clothing. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYb-tCaeTh0

Can I Paint My Jacuzzi Tub?

Jacuzzi tubs can be painted with reglazing paint just like other bathtubs, but the jets need to either be masked with tape or removed while the tub is getting finished. Depending on the type of jets your jacuzzi tub uses, you might want to replace them. 

You can also spray the jets along with the tub, but the jets will no longer rotate and they could stop working altogether.

Another option is to remove them and paint them separately which causes less risk, but there is still the risk the jets will not work the same as before the refinishing. 

How Long Will a Painted Bathtub Last?

A well-glazed bathtub can last around 15 years depending on how often the bathroom is used. If you are not planning to stay in the same home long then this is a good option. Some newer glazing formulas might last longer.

How well the glaze is put on will depend on the weather and an even application. Humidity can affect the drying time and the paint should be dry in 24 hours.

A spraying method is often suggested, but some reglazing paints can be poured. 

You might also enjoy our post on How to Get My Bathtub White Again

Getting Ready to Color Your Bathtub

If you’re ready to get painting then you’ll need to do some prep work first. This includes getting the right materials, cleaning and prepping the tub itself, and making sure you have the right paint.

What Materials Do I Need to Change the Color of My Tub?

There are kits you can buy that include the cleaning prep products and the paint, and the applicator. You need materials and cleaning agents to completely remove all dirt, oil, soap scum, and other buildups on your tub before applying the paint. 

There are different methods for applying the paint. You can use the roll-on method which will need a paint roller and drip pan.

You can use a paint sprayer as well which involves a specific sprayer. There are also some paints that pour onto the tub and you can even it out with a comb. 

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Bathtub?

You can buy paint that is specific for reglazing tubs and sinks. These paints are often epoxy paints. You can either apply the paint with a sprayer or with a roller. There are also paints that are poured and evened out with a comb. 

Epoxy paint can be used on most bathtub materials including acrylic, fiberglass, metal, stone, and marble.

You can buy these paints in a kit that includes materials for prepping your tub first and materials to apply the paint as well. 

Is it Safe to Paint a Bathtub?

It is safe to paint a bathtub with reglazing paint, but some paints can have intense fumes which will require protective clothing, gloves, and a respirator mask. However, some paint is fume-free and it’s only necessary to wear gloves. 

It’s also safer for the environment to reglaze a tub rather than replace a tub even with the chemical fumes.

You can even repurpose a tub and reglaze it in order to skip buying a brand new tub and having it pollute the environment. 

What is Used to Refinish Bathtubs?

A good thing about reglazing a bathtub is that the paint is a one application product. In other words, you won’t need a paint primer first or a sealant afterward. All you need is to thoroughly clean and dry the tub and then apply the paint.

You will need to tape off any drains, hardware, walls, and floor before applying the paint in whatever method you use.

You can use the roll-on method or spray method, and for some paints, you can use the pour method. 

Is Reglazing a Tub the Same as Painting?

Reglazing is the process of painting a tub or sink. It cannot be painted with any kind of paint, however. Tubs are painted with a specific epoxy paint that hardens and creates a seal to make the tub waterproof. 

Reglazing can also be referred to as refinishing. A reglazing paint is applied with the roll-on method, spray method, and pour method. 

How To Change the Color Of Your Bathtub

We will take you step by step through the reglazing process to change the color of your bathtub. It is a lot simpler than you think, but if DIY is not your style you can hire a professional.

How Do You Change the Color of Your Tub?

This process will be different depending on which paint you use and which application method you use. However, most epoxy reglazing paint goes on about the same for acrylic, plastic, and fiberglass. It’s also similar to refinishing a metal bathtub as well. 

Be sure to also read the instructions on any kits or products you purchase. You can also find more information on keeping your tub nice before you decide to reglaze it if it is a plastic model. 

Here’s the process for changing the color of your tub step by step: 

1. Remove all items from your tub including any shampoo or bath items, and don’t forget to remove your shower curtain!

2. Clean the tub thoroughly. You can remove soap scum with acetone or rubbing alcohol. 

3. Fill in any cracks with a repair kit formulated for the type of tub you have. They make kits for plastic, fiberglass, porcelain, and acrylic tubs. 

4. Sand down the areas recently filled in along with the whole tub. (Do not sand down a metal tub.)

5. Clean the tub again to remove any residue with a product like Lime-A-Way and rinse. Then make sure the bathtub is completely dry. You can use a tack cloth to ensure it’s dry.

6. Use painter tape to cover the edges around the tub and a plastic tarp for the floor to prevent paint from getting on any other surface. 

7. Mix paint solutions if the product calls for it, and follow any other product instructions for application. 

8. Ventilate the room and keep the humidity low. Reglazing projects are often not done during the summer months due to higher humidity.  It is suggested to keep the air temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. 

9. Wait three days or more before using your tub again. In some cases, the paint is cured after 24 hours, but it’s safer to wait at least three days. There have been cases (usually in high humidity) where it has taken over a week to dry and cure. 

How Do I Paint My Bathtub White?

To paint your bathtub white, you can use the spray method, roll-on method, or pouring method with white epoxy paint. Be sure to thoroughly clean your bathtub before you begin the painting process. 

The white epoxy paint is thick and can be applied over any color, even pink or blue. The paint will last around 15 years without any issues and without having to be replaced so soon.

This is often more cost-effective and better for the environment. 

You might also enjoy our post on If You Can Move a Bathtub

The Cost to Change the Color of Your Bathtub

The cost mostly depends on the paint and prep kit you purchase, as well as if there are any cracks or tears that need to be patched. 

How Much Does it Cost to Change the Color of Your Bathtub?

Most high-end reglazing kits cost $150 to $200. This compared to a cheap, but new $300 dollar tub plus nearly $1000 dollar installation cost is a great deal. To color match, the paint might come with a small fee, but any color will run about the same price. 

Most of the materials needed for installation are cheap as well, even if they don’t come with your kit.

These materials include sandpaper, painter’s tape, plastic tarp, and cleaning agents such as Lime-A-Way. 

Is It Worth It to Refinish a Tub?

Refinishing a tub costs much less than buying and installing a new one. Also, the lifespan of a reglazed tub is 15 years. This is about the same as a new tub that’s made of acrylic, fiberglass, or porcelain. It lasts much longer than a plastic tub. 

But it might not last as long as a metal tub. However, a tub generally needs to be reglazed or replaced every 15 years.

It also takes less time to refinish a tub because it doesn’t involve renovating the surrounding area as well. 

How Much Does it Cost to Refinish a Porcelain Bathtub?

It cost about $150 to $200 dollars to refinish the bathtub yourself, and a few hundred more to hire a professional. It’s about the same as any other bathtub made of acrylic, plastic, or fiberglass. It also costs the same to change to any color. 

The newer reglazing kits are made easier now with the pouring method.

The only other expense you might want to consider if you don’t already have one is to buy a heat gun to remove any bubbles. 

Related Questions

Can a Sink Be Painted?

Yes, a sink can be painted just like a bathtub. It can be reglazed with epoxy. It needs to be cleaned thoroughly and sanded down (unless metal). It also needs to be cleaned with a solution like Lime-A-Way. 

Sinks can get just as worn as bathtubs and sometimes they get worn even faster because they are used more often.

Just think of the wear and tear your kitchen sink goes through while washing the dishes. 

Can I Spray Paint My Sink?

You can use the spray method with specific epoxy paint for reglazing tubs and sinks. You cannot spray paint a sink with standard spray paint. Spray paint in a can will not adhere to a sink or tub and does not act as a sealant against water.  

You can also pour certain paints, or use the roll-on method. Just make sure the sink is thoroughly cleaned of all soap scum and buildup.  

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you found this helpful and that you have a tub you are ready to revive back to its former glory.

Or, if it’s not your style, you can change it to a color that matches your style.