Can You Spray Paint A Bathtub? (Everything You Need To Know)

If you are on a budget and need to repaint your magic tub, spray painting it would probably be one of your first thoughts.

Unlike other painting application methods like brush and roller, it’s relatively easy to do on your own without any professional help. 

All you need to do is spray the whole bathtub, and you’re on your way to having a new-looking bathtub. But does tile spray paint works on every kind of bathtub surface?  

Spray paint is liquid paint that’s conveniently stored in an aerosol can. It comes in an easy-to-use can that has a button on top that lets you dispense the paint hassle-free when pressed down.

If you don’t have any idea about traditional painting brushwork, this is an ideal alternative. It also comes in different finishes and textures, such as matte and gloss, allowing you to easily paint almost any kind of surface.  

Compared to traditional paint, spray paint lets you cover different surfaces quickly and evenly. This is why it is an effective way to apply a new thin layers of paint on furniture, appliances, walls, and other bathroom fixtures, perfect for many DIY projects. Depending on the surface and the kind of spray paint you use, you might need to use a primer before painting it over.  

Since it can paint almost all kinds of other surfaces, does it also mean that it can be applied to all types of bathtubs available? Let’s discuss this below.  

Yes, you can use spray paint on your plastic bathtub. However, you need to use a specific kind of paint for tub's surface. When purchasing an aerosol paint, look for one that says acrylic enamel to ensure that the paint will stick to the plastic surface. To ensure that the paint a bathtub will last longer, make sure you apply a primer to the bathtub before painting it.  

If you own a ceramic bathtub surfaces, you need to ensure that you’re using the correct type of paint. Otherwise, you’ll waste money, time, and effort. At the same time, you might harm your ceramic and inflict damage on it. 

That’s why if you’re planning to spray paint ceramic, you need to use a specific type. Look for spray paints that’s made specifically for ceramics so that you can preserve your bathtub.  

Unfortunately, fiberglass surfaces are nonporous. This makes it difficult for spray paint to stick to the surface. Others mentioned that spraying epoxy paint would work on fiberglass bathtubs, but we don’t think epoxy paints worth the time and effort. 

If you really want to change the way your fiberglass bathtub looks but don't have the money to hire a professional, you can still paint it on your own. However, you need to consider other epoxy refinishing kit application methods like traditional brush or roller brush and use one quart kit  of epoxy refinishing kit instead.  

Spray paint works just fine on an acrylic bathtub. You need to use acrylic polymer paint for this type of surface to ensure that it will be coated properly with multiple coats. 

You also need to put a primer on before spraying paint to seal the smooth surface and smoothen different blemishes. An acrylic bathtub is probably the easiest type of bathtub to spray paint on.  

If you’re ready to take on this DIY project and ensured that your bathtub can be spray painted, follow the steps below: 

The convenience of spray paints is nothing new. Everyone is familiar with how easy it is to use compared to other types of paint.

So, it’s natural for many people to choose them over other paint types. However, spray paint isn’t always the best choice when it comes to paint a bathtub. Spray paints can’t be used on some tub surfaces like fiberglass.  

At the same time, you need to act quickly when spray painting a tub. It requires you to finish the coating in a specific amount of time, or else it won’t give you the output you’re looking for. Only commit to this type of paint if you have the time and money, as it will require a lot of spray paint bottles to finish a whole tub.  

While spray paint is a convenient choice, it's still best to weigh out all your options before committing to this painting method right away. Some other surfaces are better with other types of paint, even if you can use spray paint on them.

It’s best to do more in-depth research on the kind of surface your bathtub has and what paint is better on it.  

Before spray painting your bathtub, make sure you wear a protective mask, as the smell can be intoxicating. If there are windows in your bathroom, open them to let the smell out and create as much ventilation as possible. 

You can also use a special mask for odor if you can't tolerate the smell of the paint. Wear gloves as well to keep your hand from getting painted.  

Another thing that you should not miss when painting a tub is the cleaning process. While it’s easier to skip this part, it will ruin the whole paint job. That’s why you need to scrub your tub clean and remove any dirt and grime you can find.  

Additionally, always sand your tub before painting it. This allows the paint to stick better to the bathtub and keeps the paint longer. Don’t forget to seal cracks and scratches, as it will help preserve your bathtub longer.  

Spray paint can be an excellent way to update your existing tub, especially if it has an unsightly color that has yellowed or faded over time. 

Before spraying paint a bathtub.  

After three thin coats and one thick coat of spray paint, the bathtub is now fresh-looking! 

If you want to save money, you can spray paint your bathtub. However, you need to check the surface material of your tub before committing to this DIY project.

As mentioned, not all surfaces can be coated with spray paint. You're all set if you're using acrylic, plastic, or ceramic tubs. But if you have a fiberglass bathtub, unfortunately, spray paint a bathtub won't be ideal.