There’s something a little magical about walking into a freshly renovated bathroom and seeing an old tub looking absolutely brand new. Most people assume it’s a complete replacement, but there’s a clever alternative that’s been gaining popularity in Kiwi renovations over the past decade: bathtub paint. If you’ve ever wondered how those tired, stained, or outdated tubs get their glow-up without getting ripped out, read on to get up to speed on what bathtub paint really is, how it works, and whether it’s the right move for your next project.
Transforming Tubs the Smart Way with Painting and Refinish Techniques for Bathtubs
Renovating a bathroom is always a balancing act between cost, time, and results, especially when considering the choice of tile, painting, and other materials. Swapping out a bathtub is often expensive and disruptive, sometimes leaving you without a working bathroom for days. Bathtub paint flips that equation on its head. Instead of demolition and disposal, you work with what you have — giving your old bath a new lease on life by choosing to refinish it through a specialised epoxy refinishing process.
So, what exactly is bathtub paint?
Breaking Down Bathtub Paint
Bathtub paint is not your average house paint. This stuff, often an epoxy-based coating, is made to stick to non-porous surfaces like porcelain, fiberglass, ceramic, or acrylic. It’s tough, highly adhesive, and designed to hold up under regular exposure to heat, water, and cleaning products.
The main types of bathtub paint used in New Zealand are popular brands like Rust-Oleum, which offer:
● Epoxy-based paints: The old workhorse of tub refinishing. Epoxy forms a rock-hard finish that's both waterproof and scratch-resistant. It often requires mixing two parts before application and has a strong chemical odour during curing.
Acrylic urethane paints: More flexible and often easier to apply. These have become popular thanks to faster drying times, better resistance to yellowing, and a smoother, glossier finish on acrylic/fiberglass surfaces.
Bathtub Paint Vs. Regular Paint
It’s tempting to think that a tin of leftover wall or ceiling paint will do the trick. Unfortunately, regular paints are formulated for dry, low-wear surfaces. They can’t handle the heat, abrasion, or constant moisture found in a bathroom tub. Standard paint will peel, bubble, and wear away quickly — often in weeks or months.
Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Characteristic |
Regular Interior Paint |
Bathtub Paint (Epoxy/Acrylic) |
|
Adhesion to smooth tub |
Poor |
Strong |
|
Waterproof |
No |
Yes |
|
Durability |
Low |
High |
|
Finish |
Flat/Glossy, soft |
Hard, glossy, scratch-proof |
|
Simple |
Needs prep, can be tricky |
|
Lifespan on tub |
2-6 months |
3-5 years (sometimes longer) |
What’s In the Can?
Both epoxy and acrylic urethane paints consist of a base (either resin or acrylic polymer), hardeners, and multiple additives designed for flexibility, colour retention, and high-gloss. Epoxy’s extra toughness comes from its chemical curing process, which creates a dense network of bonds.
When applied to a properly prepped surface, these paints don’t just coat the tub; they form a tight seal, sinking into tiny pores and scratches and then hardening into a water-resistant shell.
How Does the Bathtub Painting Process Work?
It’s fair to say that success starts with prep. Here’s a breakdown of the steps typically followed by the professionals (and serious DIYers):
- Deep clean Every trace of soap scum, oil, and mould needs to go. Both chemical cleaners, elbow grease, and caulk to fill any gaps play a role.
- Repairs Any cracks, chips, or holes get patched with a special filler, and caulk is applied where necessary. Sanding smooths out the fixes.
- Sanding (Keying the surface) This is where the magic starts. The tub gets lightly sanded to roughen up the shiny surface, creating tiny grooves the paint can grip, preparing it to be refinished.
- Etching/bonding agent A special acid etch or adhesive primer ensures maximum stick — critical for porcelain or ceramic.
- Masking Everything that shouldn't be painted gets covered: taps, drains, tiles, flooring.
- Application Using a spray gun (for pros) or high-density foam rollers/brushes (for DIY), the epoxy paint, often infused with fiberglass for added durability, allows you to refinish in even coats. Usually two to three coats.
- Cure time This step’s non-negotiable. Tubs often need to sit untouched for 24 to 72 hours for the paint to reach full hardness. Early use can ruin the finish.
Why Are Kiwis Choosing Bathtub Paint?
If you’re weighing up your options for a quick bathroom update, including updating your tile, the numbers stack up:
● Affordability: Professional resurfacing can cost between $400 and $1,200 NZD, far less than the full removal and replacement (often $2,000–$4,000+, not including tiling and plumbing modifications)
● Time-saving: Most jobs are done in a single day, with little disruption to your routines. No need to rip up floors or disconnect pipes.
● Waste reduction: Keeping your existing tub out of landfill ticks the sustainability box, something more New Zealanders are considering during renovations.
● Aesthetics: Modern bathtub paints, often incorporating epoxy formulations, come in crisp, classic whites as well as bolder hues – plus clear topcoats that amp up the shine.
● Long-lasting: With proper care, a resurfaced tub can look good for three to five years before it starts to show noticeable wear.
Not Just for Tubs
Bathtub paint isn’t limited to baths alone and can be used to refinish surfaces that benefit from the same tough finish, including:
● Shower trays
● Bathroom basins (ceramic, porcelain, acrylic)
● Toilets (mainly external parts)
● Bathroom tiles (provided prep’s spot-on)
With the right painting product and prep, including caulk to seal edges, you can give a dated pink sink or harvest gold shower a fresh modern look for a fraction of the replacement price.
DIY or Call the Pros?
Bathtub respraying looks easy in online tutorials, but there’s a reason many Kiwi homeowners bring in professionals. The chemicals involved are potent (think strong fumes and sticky residue), and the prep work is both messy and critical for a lasting result.
DIY kits, including those from brands like Rust-Oleum, are available at most large hardware stores and typically range from $50 to $250. The appeal is obvious: save a few hundred bucks, get the satisfaction of a job done yourself. However, the main risks are:
● Incomplete prep leading to peeling paint
● Visible brush marks or roller texture
● Drips, bubbles, and uneven colour
● Missed spots where water can creep beneath the coating, especially near edges that require proper caulk application
Professional applicators typically offer a warranty and use specialist tools that deliver a flawless, spray-on finish you’d expect from a new tub.
Caring for Your Painted Tub
A successfully resurfaced bath is tough, but it’s not invincible. To maximise lifespan:
● Avoid harsh cleaners (bleach, ammonia, scouring powder)
● Use soft sponges or cloths for cleaning
● Don’t drop heavy objects — chips can be tricky to fix
● Always wipe off standing water, especially around edges, and check for any areas that may need caulk to prevent water damage
Bathtub paint’s finish can occasionally be touched up with epoxy, but significant damage might mean you need to consider refinishing the whole process down the track.
When Bathtub Paint Isn’t Suitable
While resurfacing suits most older tubs in solid condition, there are times when it’s not the right call, especially if the tub is made of fiberglass or if you need to replace broken tiles nearby:
● Large cracks that can’t be properly filled, or when caulk won't adhere properly
● Tubs with structural movement/flexing
● Rust or corrosion eating through the metal base
● Failed repairs or multiple layers of old paint
In these cases, replacement or a more extensive restoration is usually safer, and more cost-effective in the long term.
Paint Types and Popular Brands in New Zealand
Some of the most widely used brands available to both tradies and DIYers for epoxy applications include: Rust-Oleum,
● Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit
● Wattyl Renovator Range
● Dulux Renovation Range
● Klenk’s Epoxy Enamel
Each has its specific mixing, application, and ventilation requirements, so always check the label and follow safety recommendations — especially regarding respiratory protection and room ventilation.
Resurfaced Vs. New: How Do They Stack Up?
Let’s map out the core differences so you can weigh up what’s best for your renovation and decide whether to refinish or replace your tub:
|
Aspect |
Resurfaced Tub |
Brand New Tub |
|
Cost |
$400–$1,200 |
$2,000–$4,000+ |
|
Installation time |
1 day |
3–5 days |
|
Mess/Disruption |
Minimal |
High |
|
Flexibility in colour |
High |
Depends on factory finish |
|
Lifespan |
3–5 years (can vary) |
10–30 years |
|
Sustainability |
High (less waste) |
Lower |
So, if you’re working to a tight budget, want a minimal-disruption upgrade, or just want to keep that vintage clawfoot with period charm, refinishing and resurfacing with bathtub painting provides an excellent option. If your tub’s past its usable life, especially if it's a fiberglass model, or you’re aiming for 20+ years in the same home, replacement might be the better investment.
Final Tips for a Successful Project: Consider using epoxy as an additional layer of protection for your bathtub painting.
● Always ventilate the space thoroughly during and after painting
● Invest in proper PPE (masks, gloves, goggles)
● Don’t rush the curing process, even if the surface feels dry to the touch
● Keep all pets and kids out of the work zone
Bathtub paint has changed the renovation game for thousands of New Zealand homeowners. With the right prep, a quality product, and a bit of patience, you can transform an entire bathroom — sometimes in just a single weekend. That’s Kiwis getting smart about making their homes more liveable, stylish, and sustainable, without breaking the bank.