Can You Paint a Porcelain Toilet? The Ultimate Guide

If you‘re looking to update the look of your bathroom on a budget, painting a porcelain toilet can completely transform the space with a fresh new color. But it can seem a bit daunting to paint such a glossy, non-porous surface.

Not to worry! With the right materials and proper technique, you can absolutely paint a porcelain toilet successfully. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, so you can paint your porcelain throne like a pro.

Should You Paint or Replace Your Toilet?

Before deciding to paint, first consider whether replacing your toilet might be a better option.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How old is your current toilet? If it‘s over 20 years old, replacement parts may be hard to find if repairs are needed. The water efficiency of newer models is also much improved.

• Is the size or shape still right for your space? Standard toilets today are generally smaller with more compact elongated bowls. An outdated shape or size can make your bathroom feel closed in.

• Do you need updated features? Consider touchless flushing, bidets, heated seats, higher seat heights for accessibility, or higher efficiency.

• Is the condition poor? Bad cracks, stains, or damage beyond just surface appearance may indicate replacement is better than painting.

Cost comparison:

• New toilet: $100 – $600+ depending on style and features
• Pro installation: $150 – $300 (2-5 hours)
• Removal & disposal of old toilet: $50 – $150

Total replacement cost: Approximately $300 – $1000

• Painting supplies: $50 – $100
• Labor: 5-15 hours DIY

Total painting cost: Approximately $100 – $250

As you can see, painting can save you 50-75% vs. the cost of replacement. If your toilet is still structurally sound, painting is an affordable way to refresh the look of your bathroom.

Painting vs. Replacing – Pros and Cons

Here‘s an overview of the main pros and cons of each option:

Painting Pros

• Far more affordable than replacing
• Allows you to refresh color and style
• Ideal temporary upgrade for renters
• Environmentally friendly by extending usable life
• Preserves existing toilet that‘s still functional

Painting Cons

• Extensive prep work required
• Paint may scratch, fade or peel over time
• Enamel paints contain VOCs
• Not a permanent solution – requires occasional touch ups

Replacement Pros

• Brand new toilet with updated features
• Fixes existing damage or wear and tear
• Improved water efficiency and performance
• Wider range of styles and designs
• More durable long-term solution

Replacement Cons

• Much higher cost
• Installation can take skill/tools to remove old toilet
• Still produces waste if old toilet is junked
• May require adjustments to plumbing

Ultimately the choice comes down to your budget, the condition of your current toilet, and whether you want quick cosmetic refresh or an investment in new features and efficiency.

Either approach can work well! Now let‘s look at how to paint your porcelain toilet.

What Type of Paint to Use on Porcelain?

Porcelain‘s dense, non-porous and ultra-smooth nature means you cannot use regular wall paints. Specialty paint formulated for porcelain is required. Here are your best options:

Enamel Paint

Enamel paints provide an extra durable, glossy finish perfect for high-contact surfaces like porcelain toilets. The hard finish is both scratch and stain resistant.

Be sure to select a high quality enamel paint specifically designed for bathrooms and kitchens. This will have enhanced resistance to moisture, humidity, and frequent cleaning.

Enamel paints spray on smoothly to create a uniform, attractive finish. Multiple thin coats are recommended. High VOC oil-based enamels provide the toughest finish. Low VOC latex enamels are also available.

Epoxy Paint

For extremely durable and long-lasting results on porcelain, two-part epoxy paints are ideal.

The thick epoxy formula provides superior adhesion and a glass-like finish that is highly impervious to wear and tear. Epoxy paints also have no VOCs.

Applying epoxy can be more challenging than enamels and requires mixing two parts together prior to application. But the tough, protective finish is unmatched on porcelain surfaces.

Epoxy is commonly used to paint sinks, tubs, and tile as well.

Ceramic Paint

Ceramic paints are designed specifically for use on porcelain, ceramic, and glass surfaces. They contain silicone additives for enhanced flexibility and adhesion.

Ceramic paint provides good durability and abrasion resistance. Just be sure to use grades formulated for coating bathroom and kitchen surfaces.

Ceramic paints spray on easily and are good for smaller touch-up jobs. For painting entire toilets, enamels or epoxies are preferred.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping and Painting Porcelain Toilets

Now let‘s walk through the complete process step-by-step:

Step 1 – Deep Clean Surfaces

Thoroughly cleaning porcelain prior to painting is crucial for paint adhesion. Use a gentle bathroom cleaner or dish soap with warm water.

Scrub all surfaces with a non-abrasive sponge or pad to remove any dirt, mineral deposits, soap scum, or built up grime.

Be sure to fully clean inside the bowl and exterior base. Flush away any cleaning residue.

Step 2 – Rinse and Dry

Rinse all areas well with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Wipe dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Check for any remaining sticky or glossy spots and reclean if needed. Porcelain must be free of any soap, grease or residue.

Allow all surfaces to fully dry before applying primer or paint. Damp surfaces will cause poor adhesion.

Step 3 – Degrease With Solvents

Use denatured alcohol, acetone, or turpentine on a clean cloth to carefully wipe down all surfaces.

This helps remove any last traces of grease, soap scum, or other subtle residue prior to painting.

Thorough degreasing prevents paint failures down the road.

Step 4 – Lightly Sand Glossy Areas

Use 220 grit or finer sandpaper to lightly scuff any particularly glossy areas. This allows paints to grip.

Work in a circular motion and be very gentle. The goal is not to actually scratch the porcelain, just rough it up slightly.

Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Porcelain must be pristine for best results.

Step 5 – Apply Primer

Priming is mandatory prior to painting porcelain. Primer binds to the non-porous surface so paint can adhere.

Use a high-bond primer specifically designed for glossy surfaces like porcelain, ceramic, and bathtubs.

Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats according to manufacturer directions.

Once primer is fully cured, lightly sand again with fine grit sandpaper. Tack off dust before painting.

Step 6 – Paint Toilet Exterior

Follow all label instructions for the enamel, epoxy or ceramic paint you selected. Carefully measure any required mixing ratios.

Apply at least 2-3 thin, smooth coats using a high quality trim brush for cutting-in edges and mini foam roller for larger areas.

Maintain light, even coats allowing full drying time between applications. Rushing this can lead to runs and sags.

Paint all exterior toilet surfaces including tank, lid, bowl, and base. Seal off room to avoid dust landing on wet paint.

Step 7 – Paint Toilet Bowl (Optional)

Painting the toilet bowl is optional, but it can help freshen the appearance. Use a small foam roller and angled brush.

Epoxy paint is highly recommended for toilet bowls due to its superior durability and adhesion.

Work in sections to maintain a smooth, even coating and allow each section to dry before moving on.

Degrease and prime the toilet bowl before painting. Allow epoxy paint at least 5-7 days to fully cure before use.

Step 8 – Apply Protective Clear Coat

Once all paint is fully cured, apply 2-3 thin coats of a clear polyurethane or acrylic sealer.

This adds a glossy finish that repels water, soap, dirt, and grime. It extends the life of your paint job significantly.

Allow proper drying time between clear coat layers. Lightly sand and tack cloth before adding the final protective layer.

Step 9 – Let Cure and Enjoy!

Allow your toilet paint to cure for several days after the final clear coat before putting the toilet back into use. This ensures paint is rock hard.

Finally, stand back and admire your brand new looking porcelain throne! With proper prep and application, your painted toilet can look amazing for years to come.

Maintaining and Touching Up Painted Porcelain Toilets

• Check for any paint scratches or chips over time and use touch up paint to quickly repair minor damage.

• Applying new protective clear coats every 2-3 years helps maintain the finish.

• For worn areas that expose primer, sand smooth and repaint following original application steps.

• Thorough cleaning is still required but avoid abrasive scouring pads which can damage the painted finish.

• Harsh chemical cleaners may dull or stain painted toilets over time. Use bathroom cleaners specifically formulated for porcelain.

Common Questions and Expert Tips

How long does it take to fully paint a toilet?

Plan on approximately 20-30 hours total including drying and curing times. Rushing the process leads to poor results.

Do I need to remove the toilet before painting?

No need to remove the toilet. Carefully mask around the base instead using plastic sheeting and blue tape.

Can I paint just half of my toilet?

It‘s best to paint the entire toilet. Partial painting often leads to visible differences in color uniformity and paint adhesion over time.

What type of paint brush should I use?

Use high quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes. Avoid foam brushes – they don‘t provide an even finish on smooth surfaces.

How do I avoid brush marks in the paint?

In addition to quality brushes, maintain a wet edge as you paint and keep brush strokes all going the same direction.

What‘s the best way to avoid paint drying too fast?

Only mix small amounts of paint at a time and keep containers sealed when not actively painting. If drying too fast, add a paint extender.

How should I dispose of leftover paint?

Allow any remaining paint to fully dry out and harden before placing the can in your regular household trash.

Can I paint a toilet while it‘s still installed?

Yes, painting a toilet in place is totally fine and does not require removal as long as you properly mask off the base.

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you all the tips, steps, and advice needed to successfully paint your porcelain toilet! Let me know if you have any other questions.