When it comes to revitalizing your bathroom, one of the most overlooked yet impactful upgrades is painting your shower floor. Whether you’re covering up old stains, sealing porous surfaces, or simply refreshing the look, choosing the right paint is crucial for durability, safety, and aesthetics.
This ultimate buying guide will walk you through the best paint options for your shower floor, what features to consider, and how to apply it for long-lasting results.
Table of Contents
Why Paint Your Shower Floor?
Painting a shower floor isn’t just about looks—it’s also about protection. Shower floors endure constant moisture, foot traffic, and soap scum buildup. A high-quality paint designed for wet areas can:
- Prevent mold and mildew growth
- Seal cracks and porous surfaces
- Improve slip resistance
- Extend the life of your shower floor
- Give your bathroom a fresh, clean appearance
Best Types of Paint for Shower Floor
1. Epoxy Paint:
- Features: Epoxy paint is known for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and high level of adhesion.
- Benefits: Ideal for shower floors, epoxy paint creates a tough, waterproof surface that withstands constant exposure to water and daily foot traffic. It also provides a sleek, glossy finish.
2. Marine-Grade Paint:
- Features: Marine-grade paints are designed to endure harsh conditions, making them suitable for environments with high moisture levels.
- Benefits: Resistant to water, mold, and mildew, marine-grade paints offer excellent protection for shower floors. They are also available in various finishes, allowing you to choose a matte or glossy look.
3. Concrete Floor Paint:
- Features: Concrete floor paints are formulated to adhere well to concrete surfaces, providing durability and water resistance.
- Benefits: Suitable for shower floors with concrete surfaces, this type of paint offers good coverage, easy application, and the ability to withstand exposure to water.
4. Tile Paint:
- Features: Tile paint is specifically formulated to adhere to ceramic or porcelain tiles.
- Benefits: If you have tiled shower floors, tile paint can be an effective solution to refresh the appearance. It provides good adhesion to tiles and is resistant to water and staining.
5. Specialized Shower Floor Paint:
- Features: Some manufacturers offer specialized shower floor paints designed explicitly for bathroom use.
- Benefits: These paints often come with antimicrobial properties, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Look for options that provide slip resistance for enhanced safety.
6. Two-Part Epoxy Coating:
- Features: Two-part epoxy coatings involve combining a resin and a hardener to create a durable finish.
- Benefits: This type of coating provides a robust and water-resistant surface for shower floors. It is also resistant to chemicals and abrasion, ensuring long-lasting results.
7. Oil-Based Paint with Non-Slip Additives:
- Features: Oil-based paints are known for their durability, and non-slip additives enhance safety.
- Benefits: Adding non-slip particles to an oil-based paint creates a textured surface, reducing the risk of slipping. This combination is suitable for shower floors where safety is a priority.
Important Considerations:
- Surface Preparation: Properly prepare the shower floor by cleaning, sanding, and ensuring it is free of moisture before applying paint.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation during and after the painting process to allow for proper drying and to minimize fumes.
- Curing Time: Follow the recommended curing time before exposing the painted shower floor to water.
Top 3 Best Paint for Shower Floor Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit
The Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit is a top choice for restoring your shower floor to a like-new shine. Designed with a durable 2-part epoxy acrylic formula, this paint delivers a tough, moisture-resistant finish that stands up to use in high-humidity environments like bathrooms daily.
Key Features:
- 2-Part Epoxy Acrylic Formula: This powerful blend resists moisture and corrosion, making it ideal for wet areas like shower floors, bathtubs, and tiles.
- Same-Day Prep and Paint: No need to wait—this kit allows you to clean, prep, and apply the paint all in a single day, streamlining your renovation process.
- Generous Coverage: Each kit covers up to 110 sq. ft., making it great for small to medium-sized shower areas. Two coats are recommended for the best results.
- Quick Recoat Window: You can apply a second coat within 1–2 hours. After painting, allow the surface to cure for at least 3 days before exposing it to water.
- Proper Mixing and Ventilation: Mix Parts A and B separately before combining and stirring for 2 minutes. The mixed paint must be used within 6 hours. Adequate ventilation is crucial—use fans and open windows to keep air circulating.
User Tips:
- Follow the detailed instructions included in the kit to ensure proper surface prep and application.
- Wear protective gear and ventilate the space well to avoid fumes during application.
- This product leaves a high-gloss, porcelain-like finish that dramatically improves the look of old or stained shower floors.
Why It’s a Top Pick Paint for Shower Floor:
Rust-Oleum’s tub and tile refinishing kit is a reliable and affordable way to revitalize bathroom surfaces. It provides a long-lasting, water-resistant finish that makes your shower floor look brand new—all without the need for expensive tile replacement.
2. INSL-X Tough Shield Floor & Patio Coating
The INSL-X Tough Shield is a waterborne acrylic enamel paint specifically formulated for maximum durability, making it a standout choice for tough environments, including shower floors where moisture, wear, and cleaning agents are constant challenges.
Key Features:
- Rugged, Durable Finish: Designed to withstand abrasion, scrubbing, and exposure to oils, detergents, and grease, this paint provides a long-lasting finish in high-use areas.
- Water & Wear Resistant: Excellent at resisting ponding water and maintaining its finish in damp or wet environments, ideal for use in showers and bathrooms.
- Satin Sheen: Offers a clean, durable satin finish that looks modern while resisting weathering and wear.
- Versatile Indoor/Outdoor Use: Suitable for masonry, wood, and concrete surfaces. Perfect for both residential and light commercial use. (Note: Not intended for garage floors or areas with vehicle traffic.)
- Generous Coverage: One gallon covers approximately 350–450 sq. ft., depending on surface porosity.
- Application Ready: Best applied when air and surface temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Be sure to follow all label instructions for best results.
Color Options:
Available in a range of neutral tones including Gray Pearl, Desert Sand, Saddle Brown, and Tile Red, allowing you to match or contrast with your existing bathroom décor.
Why It’s a Top Pick Paint for Shower Floor:
With its excellent resistance to water, abrasion, and common cleaning agents, INSL-X Tough Shield is a practical and reliable paint for refinishing shower floors. Its ability to bond well to masonry and concrete, along with its satin sheen, makes it an attractive and functional upgrade.
3. Bathworks DIY Bathtub & Tile Refinishing Kit
The Bathworks DIY Refinishing Kit is an excellent option for anyone looking to refresh their bathroom surfaces without the hassle and cost of a full renovation. With its fast 12-hour dry time, built-in non-slip protection, and high-gloss resin finish, it’s ideal for refinishing shower floors, tubs, tiles, and more.
Key Features:
- Durability: Designed for high-moisture environments, this kit provides a long-lasting, durable finish that withstands daily wear and tear—perfect for frequently used bathrooms.
- Ease of Use: Comes with easy-to-follow instructions and requires only basic tools, making it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and first-time refinishing projects.
- Quick Dry Time: One of its standout features is the fast 12-hour dry time, allowing for minimal disruption and quick return to service.
- Professional Finish: Achieve a high-gloss, smooth resin finish that mimics a professional reglazing job, transforming dull and stained surfaces into a like-new appearance.
- Versatility: Works well on tubs, showers, tiles, wall surrounds, and sinks, making it a comprehensive solution for all your refinishing needs.
- Color Options: Available in a range of colors—White, Almond, Biscuit, Black, Bone—so you can match your bathroom’s style perfectly.
- Non-Slip Protection: Adds an important layer of safety, especially for wet areas like shower floors, helping prevent slips and falls.
- Cost-Effective Solution: A smart, budget-friendly alternative to fixture replacement that delivers exceptional results.
Why It’s a Top Pick Paint For Shower Floor:
With its fast application, long-lasting finish, and non-slip features, the Bathworks Refinishing Kit offers both style and safety. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to rejuvenate their shower floor or other bathroom surfaces without the hefty price tag of a remodel.
Comparison Table: Best Paint For Shower Floor
Here’s a Comparison Table of the Top 3 Paints for Shower Floor, featuring the best options based on durability, ease of use, finish quality, and user ratings:
Product | Type | Best For | Dry Time | Coverage | Finish | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile | 2-Part Epoxy Acrylic | Ceramic, porcelain, tile, and fiberglass | 3 days before water exposure | Up to 110 sq. ft. | Gloss White | Tough epoxy formula, corrosion/moisture-resistant, easy recoat in 1–2 hrs | |
INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint | Acrylic Enamel | Concrete, masonry, wood | Varies (touch dry in a few hours) | 350–450 sq. ft./gallon | Satin | Abrasion and weather resistant, good for interior and exterior, not for garage use | |
Bathworks DIY Quick Dry | Resin Finish | Tubs, tiles, wall surrounds, sinks | 12 hours | Approx. 60 sq. ft. | High Gloss | Fast-drying, non-slip protection, wide color range, professional finish |
Key Features to Consider Before Buying Paint for Shower Floor
Here are the most important things to look for when selecting paint for your shower floor:
1. Water Resistance
The paint must be completely waterproof to avoid peeling, bubbling, or mold.
2. Durability
High foot traffic and regular cleaning require a paint that won’t wear off quickly.
3. Slip Resistance
Look for textured or anti-slip formulas to prevent accidents in the shower.
4. Mold and Mildew Resistance
A good bathroom paint should contain mold inhibitors to prevent growth in damp areas.
5. Ease of Application
Consider whether the paint comes as a single part or two-part mixture (epoxy), and whether it includes a primer.
How to Paint a Shower Floor (Concrete or Tile)
Can You Paint a Shower Floor?
Yes! You can paint both concrete and tile shower floors. But first, you need to sand and prime the surface. Sanding roughs it up so paint sticks better, and priming helps the paint stick and last longer.
Painting a Concrete Shower Floor
Steps:
- Remove Old Paint – Use a paint stripper and scraper.
- Clean the Floor – Scrub with soapy water and let it dry.
- Apply Primer – This helps the paint stick better. We recommend the INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer.
- Paint – Use paint and apply 2–3 coats. Let each coat dry before the next.
- Premium-quality, acrylic-urethane bonding primer-sealer with unparalleled adhesion to the most challenging surfaces, including glossy tile, PVC, vinyl, plastic, glass, glazed block, glossy paint, pre-coated siding, fiberglass, and galvanized metals.
- Bonding primer for drywall, plaster, ceiling, acoustical tile, wood trim and doors, Formica, ceramic tiles, glossy surfaces, PVC plastic, masonry walls, wood, trim, shutters, masonry, stucco, concrete, cement block, galvanized metal, aluminum, and other challenging surfaces.
- Bonds to "hard-to-coat" surfaces and can be top coated with almost any product.
- Fully cures in temperatures as low as 35 °F.
- Coverage: 300 - 400 square feet per gallon.
Tip: Use a sealer after painting to protect it from water.
Tools You’ll Need:
- INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint
- INSL-X SXA11009A-01 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer
- Paintbrush or roller
- Sandpaper
- Paint stripper
- Detergent and water
- Scrubbing brush
- Rags
Painting a Tiled Shower Floor
Steps:
- Clean the Tiles – Use detergent and water to scrub off dirt.
- Tape the Edges – Protect corners and grout lines with painter’s tape.
- Sand the Tiles – Use 220-grit sandpaper to make the surface rough.
- Paint – Use 2–3 coats and seal it for protection.
Important: Once you paint over tiles, you can’t go back to their original look.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing Kit or Bathworks DIY Quick Dry Refinishing Kit
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Sponge
- Water and detergent
Will Paint Stick to a Shower Floor?
Yes, but only if the floor is properly prepped. Paint sticks better to rough, clean, and dry surfaces. If the floor is wet or sealed, the paint may peel off.
Does Paint Make a Shower Floor Waterproof?
No, paint by itself isn’t waterproof. To protect your floor, you need to seal it with a waterproof top coat. We recommend the Miracle Sealants 511 PT SG Impregnator Sealer for ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- For use inside or out on a variety of surfaces including sanded grout, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glazed tile, stucco, travertine, marble, slate, granite, terrazzo and more to protect against water, stains and slippage
- Formula is oil and water resistant that creates an invisible barrier for protection
- Covers up to 500 square feet per pint
- Offers superior coverage, formulated to provide stain protection that is UV transparent and resists weather elements
- Easy application and will not yellow, safe to use around food prep areas
Maintenance Tips
- Reapply paint or sealer every few years to maintain protection.
- Use non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the finish.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really paint a shower floor, and is it safe?
Yes, you can paint a shower floor using specially formulated refinishing kits or waterproof floor paints. These products are designed to be moisture-resistant, non-slip, and durable enough to withstand daily use in wet environments, making them safe when properly applied and cured.
What type of paint should I use for a shower floor?
Use epoxy-based or acrylic enamel paints that are labeled as tub and tile refinishing kits. These are waterproof, chemical-resistant, and provide a tough finish that adheres well to ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass surfaces.
How long does shower floor paint take to cure?
Cure times vary by product, but most paints require 24 to 72 hours to fully cure before exposing the surface to water. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as premature exposure can affect adhesion and durability.
How long will the painted surface last?
A properly applied and maintained paint job can last 3 to 5 years or longer, depending on usage, cleaning habits, and whether a protective topcoat was applied. Avoid harsh cleaners to prolong the finish.
Do I need to use a primer before painting a shower floor?
Some tub and tile kits come with built-in primers or do not require a separate one. However, if the surface is especially smooth or glossy, light sanding and a bonding primer are recommended to help the paint adhere better and last longer.
Conclusion
The best paint for your shower floor depends on your surface type, usage, and preferred finish. Whether you go for the durability of epoxy or the ease of acrylic urethane, the right choice can rejuvenate your bathroom and extend the life of your shower. Just remember to follow the proper prep and application steps for long-lasting results.