If you move to an older house, like the ones constructed at the end of the 1960s or 70s, the most common problem the newly moved-in families face is how bad the paint job becomes over the years.
When it comes to bathrooms and showers, the old-dated paint looks terrible, leaving cracks and holes within the external layering. It can also happen that the color used is a light green shade, which can less than desirable.
Because of time passage and the paint's quality, getting it off shower tiles is a task that requires unnecessary time and energy. A better alternative is to paint your shower tiles over. Despite what many so-called “experts” like to say, there are many easy ways of painting shower tiles.
Following is a guide for the best paint for shower floor, their types, and some crucial points to keep in mind before purchasing.
Comparison Table Of Top 4 Best Shower Paints
Quick Answer: Here Are Our Top 4 List of Waterproof Paint for Shower Tiles
1.Liquid Rubber Foundation and Basement Sealant
2.SlipDoctor Dura Grip (Clear, Quart) Non-Slip Paint
3.USG DUROCK Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
4.Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense Paint
Top 4 Best Paint for Shower Floor Reviews
1.Liquid Rubber Foundation and Basement Sealant
- PROTECTIVE FINISH FOR - Foundations, ICF's, Basements, Shower Liners, Deck and Fence Posts, Planter Boxes, Metal, Wood, Concrete and more
- HIGHLY FLEXIBLE - Sealant final membrane has over 900% elongation in the sealing material preventing adhesion failure causing cracks and taring. Flat/Ponding Surface: 50 sq ft/G per coat
- EASY TO APPLY - No mixing required! Apply by brush, roller or high quality piston paint sprayer. Container can be closed and left over material used later. No pot life or working time like 2 component products
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY - Liquid Rubber Foundation Sealant is water based, containing no solvents, VOC's or harmful odors. Safe for humans and pets alike, can be used indoors and outdoors with no special breathing apparatus
- FOR A BULLETPROOF SYSTEM - Bridge joints, seams, vents, gaps, protrusions…. With Liquid Rubber Seam Tape or Liquid Rubber Geo-Textile where possible movement may occur. Scroll down for full application steps
While other sealants are prone to cracking and chipping after some time, this rubber foundation sealant binds to the surface and does not come off quickly. Due to its rubber adhesive properties, you can even apply it to vertical surfaces and not worry about paint dripping or slumping.
A sealant can also be used on foundations, basements, metal, concrete, wood, and many other surfaces. It is environment-friendly because of its water-based formula and is safe for humans as well as pets. This sealant formula is non-flammable, and you can use it for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Features & Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 16 inches
- Item weight: 43.8 pounds
- Manufacturer: Liquid Rubber USA
- Size: 5 gallons
2.SlipDoctor Dura Grip (Clear, Quart) Non-Slip Paint
- Dura Grip High-Performance Non-Slip Epoxy Paint is an anti-slip surface coating specifically designed to provide a UV resistant highly durable, barefoot-friendly textured paint finish on a variety of substrates
- Dura Grip non-slip paint is easy to maintain and ideal for use on diamond-plate, metal ramps, garages, boats, decks, trailers, stairs, locker rooms, pools, laundry rooms and other residential or commercial areas
- Built to last, Dura Grip is an extremely tough and durable paint that can be used on multiple types of surfaces including steel, fiberglass, aluminum, concrete, asphalt, painted surfaces, courts, and wood decks
- Dura Grip is ideal for both indoors or outdoors commercial or residential areas and you can walk comfortably on Dura Grip even with bare feet
- Dura Grip anti-slip textured paint is easily applied with a 3/8” nap roller. One quart of non-slip floor paint covers up to 75 sq. ft. - One gallon covers 300 sq. ft
It can last for a long time and can retain on any surface, including steel, fiberglass, aluminum, concrete, asphalt, painted surfaces, wood, sports court, and decks.
The epoxy component of the paint chemical makes this paint durable for more extended periods. It is also perfect to use in industrial areas, where there are chances of slippage.
Before applying the paint coat, you need to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, soap residue, or wax so that the paint applies without getting impurities. It also works excellent on sanded surfaces.
The paint has a separate primer for wooden floors, and it allows the paint to dry in 36 hours if you apply two coats for better adhesion. The cans come in various sizes and quantities, and you can also choose from ten different color options.
These glossy finish colors include black, clear, dark brown, light gray, medium gray, safety blue, safety yellow, safety red, sand and white.
In addition to these features, SlipDoctors guarantee a 100% money-back offer if the product is within its 2-year warranty. For unopened cans, they give a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Feature & Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 6.69 x 5.51 x 5.43 inches
- Item weight: 2.46 pounds
- Manufacturer: Slip Doctors
- Size(s): 1 quart, 1 gallon, 5 gallons
3.USG DUROCK Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
- Can be rolled, brushed, troweled and sprayed
- Fast drying time allows for quick turnaround time
- Low Perm Rating (0.38 perms at 20 mils dry thickness) per ASTM E96 Procedure E
- Anti-fracture protection up to 1/8 in. (3 mm) over shrinkage and other non-structural cracks
- Suitable for waterproofing floors, walls and countertops
It works for both tiled and stone floors. Other surfaces that you can apply this liquid membrane include concrete, masonry, cement, gypsum-fiber panel, and cement topping. All you have to do is apply two coats for durability. For smooth, vertical surfaces, you should only use a single hide.
The paint has anti-fracture protection up to 1/8 inches, i.e., 3 mm over shrinkage and other non-structural cracks. Due to the fast drying time, it allows for a quick turnaround. You can use it in steam rooms or shower floors and sides without applying any additional vapor retarder. You can also use it on kitchen countertops and walls.
Feature & Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 8.22 x 7.79 x 7.63 inches
- Item weight: 10.35 pounds
- Manufacturer: USG
- Size(s): 1 gallon, 3.5 gallons
4.Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense Paint
- Very quick drying: Install tile after 30 to 50 minutes of drying time.
- Time-saving: Flood-test as shower-pan liner after 12 hours of drying time.
- Apply with roller or brush – easy to install over flat, curved or irregular surfaces
- Bonds to a wide range of surfaces; convenient, user-friendly and versatile
- No odor; great for confined spaces
Its primary use is to stop water damage; hence it is applied to coves, corners, cracks, and the shower drain. For faster application, use a roller to apply it generously. Its rubber adhesive bonds with any surface, and it takes the minimum time to set in.
It dries within 30-50 minutes after application so that you can use it as a tile adhesive, but for the AquaDefense properties to fully kick in as a primer, experts recommend to leave the paint for 12 hours.
The paint is not only waterproofing, but it also helps with surface cracks. It produces no odor, so it can easily be used in confined spaces. You can even apply it on irregular surfaces, and it will spread evenly.
Because of its quick bonding, Mapei Mapelastic is the most convenient, user-friendly, and versatile paint for shower floors. Due to these qualities, it is considered by OAPMO for being the best shower-pan liner as it exceeds ANSI A118.19 and ANSI A118.12 standards.
Feature & Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.15 x 7.36 inches
- Item weight: 11.9 pounds
- Manufacturer: Mapei
- Size: 1 gallon, 3.5 gallons, 5 gallons (pail), 5 gallons (drum)
Types of Bathroom Shower Paints
Here are some of the most commonly used floor paints:
- Moisture-resistant primer
- High-gloss paint
- Mold-resisting paint
- Epoxy paints and primers
- Oil paints
- Latex paints
How Make Paint Stick to Concrete Shower Floor – Step-by-step Process
Following are some of the most critical steps that you should do before and after applying paint:
- Floor Prepping: Always ensure that the floors you are painting over are clean and that there are no impurities. If there are any cracks or gaps, fill them with commercial-grade mortar. Vacuum, the area once done to remove traces of dust. Cover the areas which need to be protected from the paint splashes. You are now ready to paint the shower floor.
- Floor Painting: It is smart to apply a primer on the floor using an epoxy paint primer with a roller. Start from the center of the shower floor and move outward. Leave adequate time intervals in between for the patches to dry. Once the primer dries, apply the paint. Use the same roller and same center-first approach. It is best to leave the shower dry for several days before resuming use.
- Final Steps: Remove the coverings from nooks and areas you did not want to spoil with paint splashes. Use a sealant to finish the shower floor paint. Since epoxy paints are self-sealing, it is better to use them if you are on a budget. You can use anti-slip paints as well if you think that your floor is slippery.
How to Renew A Shower with an Epoxy Paint
You can see many two tub-and-tile style epoxy paints in the market for renovating dingy shower tiles in the market. These kits come with a resin part and a hardener that works as a catalyst. Mix these two to let the chemical reaction do its magic. It makes the epoxy resistant to water damage and makes it permanent.
How to Paint a Waterproof Shower Tile
Following are some of the most critical steps that you should do before and after applying paint:
- Clean and scrub the tile thoroughly. You can even use a scrub to brighten the surface.
- Sand the tile with sandpaper.
- Use a blue painter’s tape and tape along with the bathtub or shower area.
- Apply the primer with the help of a roller.
- Use brushes to apply paint designs and strokes if you want.
- Remove the tape once the tile is dry.
- Use decorative paints over the first layer If your design needs one.
- Caulk the surface to make it water-resistant.
- Your tile is painted and ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
- Can a shower floor be painted?
Yes, you can paint shower floors or walls, but you need to paint the tiles in a low moisture area to make the paint last longer.
- Is there paint for fiberglass showers?
Spray paint is the best way to achieve an even finish on a fiberglass surface but needs 72 hours to dry.
- What is the best material to use for a shower floor?
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are one of the best options to fit in shower floors.
- How do you paint a shower pan?
You have to prep the shower pan by cleaning and sanding the surface. Apply the liquid primer before applying the paint coat with a roller. Use a foam brush to get to the fiberglass corners that are hard to get. You should also apply a second coat straight afterward.
- Can you Epoxy a shower floor?
Yes, you can epoxy a shower floor using proper adhesives, caulks, epoxy, primer, paint, and finishing chemicals.
- Can you resurface a shower base?
Shower pans or bases usually get resurfaced using epoxy paints, explicitly designed for shower and bathroom floors.
Conclusion
Choosing an appropriate paint for shower tiles can be a tricky affair since many paints claim to be long-lasting but erode quickly. There are many types of paints, and choosing the right one for your situation is vital.
You should always follow the correct steps for painting a shower floor, and to help keep it long-lasting, you should try to minimize the moisture content. One way of doing it to ensure a ventilation system is nearby.
More often than not, there is only a slight need for reapplying paint all over the floor, while you can resurface the tiles, and It looks brand new. For a permanent solution, maintain the moisture, resurface tiles every five years, and the overall paint job will look fresh for years.
Also Read: Best Shower Doors for Small Bathroom
