Rather than replacing the shower, we used tub and tile paint to refinish a shower! See all the details of our modern bathroom updates!
Until recently our master bathroom was an eye sore that I completely avoided. Actually I called it “Matt’s Bathroom” because I so rarely set foot in there. We didn’t have a big budget to update it, but I decided to try and update it as affordably as possible. Here’s how the bathroom looked before we got to it:
**This post contains affiliate links** First I painted this bathroom the same “Edgecomb Gray” color as the rest of house. Then we added a new Ikea vanity. Thankfully it was on sale when I purchased it. Then I added this Umbra mirror that I have been loving since I put it into my friend’s modern bathroom. I didn’t really “decorate” this bathroom, but I did add this rug from H&M, along with my favorite hand towels I always grab on Amazon. I also already had this shower curtain.
Then came the most impactful part of this budget makeover, using tub and tile paint to refinish the shower. Originally the shower was this awful brown color.
The process for refinishing the shower is actually really simple. Here’s how to use tub and tile paint to refinish a tub:
- Start by taping off everything well. This paint is VERY drippy and hard to edge.
- Make sure the room is ventilated well. We opened all our bedroom windows and had both fans on and it was still VERY strong.
- Use a foam roller and foam brush to coat shower. My shower took three coats and two packages of tub and tile paint. I probably had about half a can left once I was done.
- Remove tape and enjoy your bright new shower!
I’ve used tub and tile paint a ton in the past. Once to refinish our tub. Later on our backsplash, then another time to paint our tile countertops. It’s not quite as durable as having it professionally re-glazed, but pretty darn close. If you’re good with doing an annual touch-up then I’d say this is the way to go!
Budget Breakdown
Vanity– $250
Faucet– $120
Mirror– $140
HRug and Hand Towels– $50
Two Packages Tub & Tile Paint– $50
Grand Total= $610 (I did sell the old vanity for $250 though, so it’s more like $460)
This makeover definitely wasn’t pennies, but also was much cheaper than if I would have built a tile shower. If you’re unhappy with your bathroom, I hope this post inspires you to tackle it with tub and tile paint! I hope you love this transformation as much as I do!
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I had no idea something like this existed. I have so many things I want to paint. What do you mean when you say it doesn’t hold up as well as if you had it reglazed by a pro? I’m wondering if it ends up looking like a DIY job after not too long. I dont’ want that!
So I’ve never had a tub professionally reglazed, but I did use this stuff on a tub once. After about 18 months it had a couple tiny scratches. I’d compare it to like painted cabinets? Where you don’t expect them to stay perfect forever, an occasional touch up is necessary. It’s not like the paint would be peeling or rubbing off though. Hopefully that helps explain it better? I’ve used it SO many times on different projects!
Do you have to give it any special cleaning before painting.
Do you have to give it any special cleaning before painting. Did you use it on a fiberglass stall.