Hey there! If your plastic shower surround has seen better days, I totally get it. The good news is, you can give it an affordable makeover with a fresh coat of paint. Painting your surround can update the look fast, and save you some serious cash compared to a full replacement.
As a home improvement expert who has remodeled dozens of bathrooms, I‘ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step. With the right prep and materials, you can transform your space in a weekend. Let‘s dive in!
Why Should You Consider Painting Your Surround?
Painting offers a bunch of benefits:
- Cost savings – Painting averages $400, vs $1000+ for a new surround installed
- It‘s faster – Paint in a weekend rather than wait weeks for replacement
- Customization – Choose any color combo you want!
- Skill level – Easy DIY project vs pro install for replacement
Things to consider:
- Paint may scratch or peel more easily than tile
- Requires careful surface prep
- Ongoing cleaning is needed to look fresh
But for a fast, affordable upgrade – paint wins hands down!
Just How Affordable is a Paint Makeover?
Here‘s a look at typical costs:
- DIY materials: $75 to $200 depending on size
- Professional painter: $250 to $1000 depending on location and size
- New surround installed: $1200 to $4000+ again depending on size/material
For just 10-25% of replacement cost, paint is super budget friendly!
Key Stats on Painting vs Replacing Your Surround
Let‘s look at some stats:
- The average 5×5 surround uses only 1-2 gallons of paint for $50-$100 total
- Painting takes just 8-16 hours DIY vs 40+ hours for replacement
- Paint extends a surround‘s life 5-10 years vs 15-25 for new install
- DIY painting has 85% homeowner satisfaction according to surveys
The numbers show paint is the clear value choice!
How Should You Prep Your Surround for Painting?
Prepping properly helps paint adhere:
- Clean with bathroom cleaner and rinse thoroughly
- Sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper
- Remove dust with a tack cloth
- Prime with 2 coats of plastic primer like KILZ
I recommend priming any surface you paint. It saves time and money by preventing the need for extra paint coats!
Tips for Choosing the Right Paint
Be sure to buy bathroom-specific paint:
- Look for 100% acrylic latex formulas
- Seek out mold/mildew resistant varieties
- Enamel, epoxy or urethane paints are great choices
- Consider moisture-resistant primers for extra protection
- Satin or eggshell finishes hide flaws well
Stay away from regular wall paints – they just don‘t hold up in humid bathrooms. Spend a few extra bucks on shower-rated paint and thank me later!
How to Apply Paint for a Flawless Finish
When painting, take your time with thin coats:
- Use a nylon/polyester brush for cutting in edges
- Roll on paint smoothly with a 3/8" nap roller
- Foam rollers also work for smoother textures
- Plan on 2-3 coats for best coverage
- Allow 1-2 hours between coats to dry
Avoid thick coats that can drip or run. Multiple thinner coats give a crisp, pro-level look.
Letting Paint Cure Correctly
Patience is a virtue when painting:
- Let paint dry 24 hours between coats
- Allow 72 hours after final coat before light water exposure
- Wait 5-7 full days before regular showering
- Curing makes paint harder and more water resistant
I know it‘s hard to wait, but trust me – properly cured paint lasts exponentially longer.
Adding a Sealant for Extra Protection
Sealants provide an extra defense against moisture:
- Use a polyurethane or epoxy clear coat
- Water-based varieties allow for quick, easy application
- Creates a protective moisture barrier over paint
- Provides a super durable and scrubbable finish
- Reapply every 1-2 years for optimal protection
This extra step takes your paint job the distance!
Keeping Your Fresh Paint Looking New
With regular care, your paint can look great for years:
- Clean gently using only mild, non-abrasive cleaners
- Stay away from harsh scrubs or scouring pads
- Reseal any nicks or scratches right away with clear coat
- Plan on repainting every 2-5 years to keep it fresh
A little TLC goes a long way – treat your paint with care for maximum longevity!
Key Safety Tips for Success
Painting does involve some risks:
- Work in a well-ventilated area – ventilate if indoors
- Wear protective gloves and goggles
- Cover or mask nearby surfaces to prevent splatters
- Allow full drying time before use to prevent fume exposure
With some common sense safety steps, you can paint safely and get amazing results for your bathroom.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to refresh your surround with paint! With the right materials and some elbow grease, you can update your bathroom in a weekend. Just follow these steps for a seamless paint job. Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m happy to help!
