Does your old fiberglass tub look dull and stained, making your bathroom feel outdated? Many homeowners face this exact problem. Fiberglass tubs are common, but over time, they lose their shine. You want a fresh, new look without the huge cost of replacement. Choosing the right paint makes all the difference. But the market is full of confusing products. Which paint sticks well? Which one resists water and scrubbing? Picking the wrong can lead to peeling and wasted effort.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a fiberglass tub paint. Learn about the best types, easy application tips, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing a durable, beautiful finish for your tub. Get ready to transform your bathroom easily and affordably!
Top Paint For Fiberglass Tub Recommendations
- 【Acrylic Formula】Our tub paint boasts an advanced water-based acrylic formula designed for durability and longevity. The high-quality acrylic resin ensures a strong, resistant finish that combats flaking and wear, providing a lasting transformation for your tiles
- 【Low Odor】Breathe easy while renovating! Our water-based sink paint minimizes harsh fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for indoor use in bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, ideal for homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers
- 【Effortless Cleanup】Our tub and tile paint can be cleaned up in seconds! Accidental drips or spills? Just wipe with water. No solvents, scrubbers, or specialized cleaners needed. This feature saves time, reduces mess, and eliminates exposure to chemicals during and after application
- 【Wide Coverage】Maximize efficiency with a 16.5oz bottle covering 25–30 sq.ft. per coat (2 or more coats recommended for dark tiles). The tub refinishing paint cures to a walkable state in 24 hours and fully hardens within 7 days, ensuring scratch-resistant results
- 【Versatile Application】Choose from 5 colors: white, black, light/dark gray, and vanilla white to complement your space. Our semi-gloss tile refinishing paint is suitable for bathtubs, sinks, countertops, floors, backsplashes, etc., adding sophistication, complementing both modern and traditional decor
- Attractive low-sheen finish makes faded, unsightly shower stalls and tubs visually appealing and looking like new in just one day. Great for DIYers and house flippers!
- A fast, easy, economical alternative to expensive reglazing or bathtub replacement. Long-lasting finish has excellent resistance to extreme water temperatures. Easy to clean and maintain
- For acrylic, fiberglass, & enamel surfaces in good condition. Very easy to apply by brush or roller. Fast-drying paint lets you recoat in as little as 1 hour. Ready to use 48 hours after final coat
- Low-VOC formula has no toxic fumes—perfect for indoor use. Easy soap & water cleanup. Colors: White, Cream, Light Gray. Size: Quart. Coverage: 80-100 sq ft per quart (standard tub)
- IMPORTANT: Not for use on porcelain, tile, or ceramic surfaces. Surfaces must be completely clean, dry and prepped by sanding or finish will not stick. Follow instructions carefully for great results
- Quickly Restore Glossy Finish of Bathtub, Tubs, Tiles: Specifically designed touch up paint with excellent adhesion for precise coating application; portable, quick drying, water resistant; works on porcelain, fiberglass, enamel, acrylic, cast iron in bathroom
- High Gloss & Ultra Durable: Ankita specialty and no-slip bathtub touch up paint white provides high gloss surface to your tub, bathtub, tile; water resistant, long-lasting and quick drying; leaves surface seamless, smooth and flawless finish for a long time
- Precise to Apply & Great Heat Resistant: The innovative built-in brush makes your touch up project a breeze; has strong tile paint grip and apply the paint evenly and precisely for a no-mess usage; heat resistant up to 392°F, no crack in the warm bath
- Safe & Low Odor: Ankita tub paint for bathtub is made from a water-based acrylic quality formula; safe for the elderly and pets; no odor and ultra-low emission; ideal for small chips, spots, cracks, scratches
- Enjoy the Results, or It’s on Us: Your satisfaction is important to us! If you don’t get the results you want from our product, we will solve your misgiving includes resupply flawless product or make up all value of your order
- Prepare and paint surface the same day with a tough, with tub and tile’s 2-part epoxy acrylic formula that withstands moisture and resists corrosion
- For best results, thoroughly mix parts A and B separately before mixing together for 2 minutes; once combined be sure to use within 6 hours of mixing
- Each kit covers up to 110 sq. ft.; two coats highly recommended; wait 1-2 hours to recoat allow bathroom paint to dry for 3 days before exposing to water
- Make sure to adequately ventilate area when using tub and tile paint by opening windows and turning on a fan to circulate air
- Properly prep surface and read all directions included in kit thoroughly before beginning project
- Porcelain-like finish
- Chip resistant
- Excellent durability in hot water & strong finish that resists peeling
- For use on Porcelain, Glass, Fiberglass, Ceramic Tile, Other glossy, non-porous surfaces
- Dry to touch in 25 minutes or less
- Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood or metal surfaces above the waterline
- Oil-based formula is flexible and applies easily with excellent leveling
- Dries to the touch in as little as 1 to 2 hours and covers up to 100 sq ft
- Durable coating resists abrasion and extreme weather conditions and provides long-lasting UV protection
- Superior gloss retention and smooth finish help maintain the beauty and elegance of your surfaces
- Apply Tub and Tile Spray Paint to ceramic, porcelain or fiberglass including tiles, sinks and tubs
- One-step epoxy acrylic formula withstands moisture and extreme hot temperatures
- Spray Paint formula dries to the touch in 15 minutes and covers up to 15 sq ft per can, allow surface to fully dry for 3 days prior to water exposure, remodeling your bathroom has never been so easy
- Durable and corrosion-resistant finish
- Smooth, glossy, porcelain-like, waterproof finish
- 【Broad Applicability】The tub paint is ideal for indoor and outdoor tiles, wood, glass,ceramics, acrylic, and marble surfaces like sinks, floors, bathtubs, walls.. Not suitable for artificial marble, metal, powdery or peeling substrates. Cast iron tubs (iron alloys with porcelain enamel) can be painted; regular iron tubs cannot
- 【33 oz Capacity】Generous 33 oz capacity covers an area of 50-55 sq ft, perfect for medium to large renovation projects. The tile paint also comes with a sponge roller, a brush, a pair of gloves, a masking tape, a masking film, two sandpapers, a user manual to complete your project efficiently
- 【Low Odor & VOCs】This tile floor paint has a low odor and minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), providing a more pleasant painting experience. Ideal for use in enclosed spaces without overpowering fumes
- 【Waterproof & Anti-Peeling】The tub refinishing kit features a water-based acrylic resin formula that offers exceptional waterproofing and anti-peeling properties. This creates long-lasting durability and protection against wear and tear, maintaining a fresh look over time
- 【Fast Drying】Quick-drying sink paint formula allows for easy application. Wait about 2 hours between coats and 24 hours for full curing. Your painted surface will be ready for use in just 7 days, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. Please clean the surface thoroughly before apply
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Fiberglass Tub Paint
Refinishing your old, dull fiberglass tub can make your bathroom look brand new. Choosing the right paint is the most important step. This guide helps you pick the best product for a lasting, beautiful finish.
Key Features to Look For
When buying paint for a fiberglass tub, look for these specific qualities. These features ensure the paint sticks well and lasts a long time in a wet environment.
- Durability and Adhesion: The paint must stick strongly to the slick fiberglass surface. Look for terms like “high-adhesion” or “two-part epoxy.” This means the paint will not easily peel or chip when exposed to water.
- Water Resistance: Since tubs are always wet, the paint needs excellent water resistance. Mold and mildew resist properties are a bonus!
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Lower VOC paints smell less strong. This makes the painting process much safer and more pleasant inside your home.
- Fast Curing Time: You want to use your tub again soon. Check how long the paint takes to fully harden (cure). Quicker curing times mean less waiting.
Important Materials in Tub Paint
The ingredients matter greatly for tub paint performance. Most high-quality tub refinishing kits use specialized materials.
The best paints usually contain Epoxy or Urethane resins. Epoxy paints create a very hard, durable shell. Urethane paints offer great flexibility and resistance to yellowing over time. Many kits are Two-Part Systems. This means you mix a base paint (Part A) with a hardener (Part B) right before you use it. This mixing activates the chemicals needed for the tough finish.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a paint job great or terrible? It often comes down to preparation and the product’s chemical makeup.
Quality Boosters:
- Surface Preparation Chemicals: Good kits include a strong cleaner or etcher. This chemical roughs up the fiberglass slightly so the paint grabs hold better.
- High Solids Content: Paints with more actual pigment and binder (solids) tend to form a thicker, more protective layer when dry.
Quality Reducers:
- Using Standard Wall Paint: Never use regular bathroom wall paint on a tub. It lacks the necessary hardness and water resistance. It will fail quickly.
- Poor Ventilation: If you paint in a hot, humid, or poorly ventilated area, the paint may not dry or cure correctly. This leads to a sticky, soft finish.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who is painting and how they plan to use the tub.
DIY Beginner User: If you are new to painting, look for kits labeled “Easy Roll-On” or “Brush/Roller Application.” These kits are generally more forgiving than spray applications. They often use simpler, single-part acrylic or epoxy blends.
Long-Term Durability Use Case: If you have kids or heavy daily use, invest in a professional-grade two-part epoxy or urethane kit. These require more careful mixing and application but give you a finish closest to a factory tub.
A Note on Color: Most refinishing paints dry to a high-gloss white. If you want a color, ensure the specific kit you buy offers tinting options. Tinted paints sometimes require an extra curing period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fiberglass Tub Paint
Q: How long does the painted tub last?
A: A properly prepared and painted fiberglass tub usually lasts between 3 to 10 years. Epoxy systems generally last longer than acrylic ones.
Q: Do I need to sand the tub first?
A: Yes, almost always. You must lightly sand the surface to remove the glossy top layer. This helps the paint stick firmly. Always follow the kit’s specific instructions for sanding grit.
Q: Can I paint over existing color?
A: Yes, you can paint over existing color, but the old finish must be clean, dull (sanded), and in good shape. If the old finish is peeling, you must remove those loose parts first.
Q: Is the smell very strong?
A: Yes, most high-quality tub refinishing paints, especially two-part epoxies, have strong chemical fumes. You must wear a respirator and open all windows. Low-VOC options reduce the smell but still require ventilation.
Q: What is the best way to apply the paint?
A: For the smoothest, most professional look, a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer works best. If you don’t have a sprayer, use a high-density foam roller designed for smooth surfaces.
Q: How long until I can shower in the tub?
A: This varies widely. Most kits require at least 48 to 72 hours before light use. Full, hard curing might take up to 7 days. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the exact time.
Q: What if the paint chips after a few months?
A: Chipping usually means the surface was not cleaned or etched properly before painting. You can often spot-repair small chips using the original paint or a touch-up kit.
Q: Can I use this paint on a fiberglass shower surround?
A: Yes, the same principles apply. Fiberglass shower surrounds and tubs use similar materials, so paints designed for tubs work well on the walls too.
Q: Do I need a primer?
A: Many modern, high-quality tub refinishing kits are “self-priming.” They combine the primer and topcoat into one product for easier use. If your kit separates the primer, use it as directed.
Q: Is this a permanent fix?
A: Refinishing is a very effective, long-term solution that costs less than replacement. However, it is not as permanent as the original factory finish. It requires careful use and regular cleaning to maximize its life.