Introduction
Giving your shower a makeover with epoxy paint is a transformative DIY project that will leave your bathroom looking fresh, clean, and updated. Epoxy paints are durable two-part coatings that can revitalize old, worn-out showers and give them a like-new appearance. If your shower surface is stained, chipped, or just looking a bit outdated, renewing it with epoxy paint is an affordable and effective option.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to renew a fiberglass, acrylic, or porcelain shower with epoxy. We’ll cover:
- Why epoxy paint is a great option for refinishing showers
- Surface preparation tips
- Choosing the right epoxy paint
- Step-by-step application instructions
- Curing and cleaning
- FAQs
With the right prep work, materials, and techniques, even DIY beginners can achieve professional-quality results. If you’re ready to give your tired shower a makeover with durable, long-lasting epoxy, read on!
Why Renew a Shower with Epoxy Paint?
Epoxy paints provide a strong, protective coating that can revitalize dingy, damaged showers. Some key benefits of using epoxy paint for shower renewal include:
- Durability: Epoxy forms a hard, scratch-resistant barrier that stands up to daily use, moisture, and cleaning. It’s more durable than enamel or acrylic paints.
- Resists Stains: The glossy, non-porous finish repels water and soap scum so grime doesn’t penetrate the surface. Epoxy is easy to keep clean.
- Adhesion: Epoxy bonds tenaciously to fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain and other common shower materials. Proper prep ensures long-lasting adhesion.
- Aesthetics: Epoxy paints come in many color options from white and neutral tones to bold, vibrant colors. They can give a dated shower a fresh, contemporary look.
- Affordability: Renewing with epoxy paint costs a fraction of full shower replacement or reglazing. DIY epoxy shower makeovers can be done for under $100.
With proper prep and application, an epoxy paint job can last 5-10 years or more. It’s a budget-friendly way to make an outdated shower look brand new again without remodeling.
How to Prepare a Shower Surface for Epoxy Paint
Surface preparation is crucial for successful epoxy application and longevity. Here are key steps to prep a shower for epoxy painting:
Clean Thoroughly
The surface must be free of dirt, soap scum, oil, and other contaminants for epoxy to adhere properly. Use a concentrated shower cleaner or bleach scrub to remove any grime or buildup.
Repair Damage
Inspect for any cracks, chips, or holes and make repairs with caulk, grout, or patching compounds. Sand any bumps or rough areas smooth.
Remove Existing Paint/Coatings
Use a chemical paint stripper and scraper to remove any existing paint or old epoxy coatings down to the bare shower surface. This ensures proper adhesion.
Etch the Surface
Etching roughens up slick surfaces like acrylic, fiberglass and porcelain so the epoxy can grip. Use an etching solution or lightly sand with 120-150 grit sandpaper.
Wipe Clean
After etching, wipe the entire shower down with denatured alcohol to remove any residue. Ensure the surface is perfectly clean before painting.
Proper prep removes any contaminants and creates a textured profile for the epoxy to adhere to. With the right prep work, your epoxy paint job will last for many years.
Choosing the Best Epoxy Paint for Showers
When selecting an epoxy paint for shower renewal, look for the following key features:
- Two-part epoxy: Avoid single-part epoxy paints. Opt for a two-part epoxy formulated for high-moisture areas.
- High-solids formula: High solids content yields a thicker, more durable coating. Look for 60-90% solids epoxy paint.
- Antimicrobial additives: Ingredients to inhibit mold and mildew growth will keep your shower surfaces cleaner.
- Light reflective pigments: Help maintain a freshly painted look by reflecting light to conceal scratches or water spots.
- Low VOC/Low odor: Look for low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to minimize fumes. Odorless epoxy paints are more pleasant to work with.
For best results, choose a two-part, high-solids epoxy paint designed specifically for showers and formulated to resist moisture, scratches, stains and growth of mold/mildew.
Step-by-Step Epoxy Paint Application Instructions
Follow these key steps for properly applying epoxy paint to a shower:
1. Prepare the Epoxy
Mix the resin and hardener components according to package directions, generally at a 1:1 ratio. Mix thoroughly for 3-5 minutes to ensure it is fully combined.
2. Cut In the Edges
Use a small brush and apply epoxy around edges, corners, fixtures, and any hard to reach spots first.
3. Apply First Coat
Use a 3/8″ nap roller to apply a thin, even base coat of epoxy over the entire shower surface. Work in sections and maintain a wet edge.
4. Allow to Cure
Let the base coat fully cure following package directions, typically 16-24 hours between coats. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to promote adhesion.
5. Apply Second Coat
Apply the second (final) coat just as you did the first, using a small brush for cut-ins and roller for the main surface.
6. Allow Final Cure
Let the epoxy cure fully before use, generally 5-7 days. Avoid running water or cleaning during this time.
Going slowly and allowing proper cure time between coats ensures you achieve the high-gloss, durable finish epoxy paints are known for.
Curing and Cleaning a New Epoxy Shower
Once the final coat is applied, there are a few guidelines to follow while curing and for cleaning once completed:
- Avoid shower use for the full cure time specified (typically 5-7 days).
- Run the bathroom fan during curing to ensure good air circulation and dissipate any lingering odors.
- Some epoxy paints may require a final curing step of running hot water over the surface for 20-30 minutes before use.
- For routine cleaning, use mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
- A squeegee and periodic applications of car wax can help repel water and keep surfaces looking freshly painted.
- Harsh cleaners can damage epoxy’s protective gloss. Stick to gentle soap-and-water cleaning as much as possible.
Following the curing schedule avoids potential issues with soft or partially cured epoxy. And taking care of your renewed shower properly maintains the epoxy’s durability and aesthetics.
FAQs About Renewing Showers with Epoxy Paint
What kind of prep is required for epoxy shower painting?
The surface must be clean, dry, and etched. Remove any existing paint or coatings, repair any damages, and clean thoroughly with detergent and/or solvents before etching. Proper prep is vital.
Can epoxy paint be applied over existing shower caulk?
No, old caulk should be removed and replaced with fresh caulk after painting. The flexibility of caulk does not work well with rigid epoxy.
How long does epoxy paint last in shower applications?
With proper preparation and application, epoxy paint can last 5-10 years or longer on shower surfaces. Proper maintenance helps maximize durability.
What’s the ideal temperature range for applying epoxy paint?
Epoxy should be applied in temperatures between 60-85°F. Colder or hotter conditions can impact cure time and final results.
Is it safe to shower after one coat of epoxy paint?
Never shower after one coat, as the epoxy won’t fully cure and the water exposure could ruin the finish. Wait the full cure time after the final coat.
Can epoxy paint be applied over ceramic tile?
No, the surface porosity and smoothness of ceramic tile prevents proper adhesion. Epoxy works best on fiberglass, acrylic and porcelain.
Renewing a shower with epoxy paint is an easy, affordable DIY project that can make a dramatic improvement in your bathroom’s appearance. With the right products, preparation, and application technique, you can achieve professional-looking results. Your renewed shower will look fresh, clean, and updated for years to come!
Conclusion
Renewing a worn, dingy shower with a fresh coat of epoxy paint is a budget-friendly alternative to costly replacing. By following the steps covered in this guide, you can prep your shower properly, apply pro-grade epoxy correctly, and cure it to achieve a durable, lasting finish.
While it takes a bit more effort than just painting with standard latex paint, the work is well worth it. An epoxy shower renewal can restore any fiberglass, acrylic, or porcelain shower surface, overcoming stains, scratches, chips and other damage to create a like-new appearance.
With proper prep, application and cure time, an epoxy paint finish can hold up for 5-10 years or more of daily use. And the color options available let you switch up your bathroom decor from neutral tones to bright, bold colors.
If your shower is looking worn and you want to restore it affordably, an epoxy paint makeover is a great option. Follow this guide and you’ll be able to tackle this transformative project yourself, saving thousands over replacement costs. Just allow plenty of time for careful prep and application – the results will be well worth it!