Domakihub How to Paint a Bathtub and Make It Look New Again
A step-by-step guide to refinishing your tub with brush or spray — no professional needed.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A stained or yellowed bathtub drags down the look of an entire bathroom — and in a holiday rental or hotel room, guests notice immediately. The good news is that repainting a tub takes one weekend, costs a fraction of replacement, and produces results that hold up for years when done properly. Watch the video above for a visual overview, then follow the steps below to get a smooth, durable finish on your tub in Greece's climate.
Why Paint Instead of Replace?
Replacing a bathtub in a Greek apartment or villa involves breaking tiles, hiring plumbers, and waiting on lead times for materials — costs that quickly climb past €1,000. A quality tub-and-tile refinishing kit costs €30–80 and the job can be done in a single weekend with no specialist trades.
Epoxy-based tub paints bond directly to porcelain, enamel, acrylic, and fibreglass. When properly primed and cured, the coating resists soap scum, mildew, and the humidity swings common in coastal Greek properties.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather: tub-and-tile epoxy paint or a two-part refinishing kit, fine-grit sandpaper (400 and 600 grit), a degreaser or bathroom cleaner, painter's tape, plastic sheeting, a foam roller or HVLP sprayer, rubber gloves, and a respirator mask. Good ventilation is non-negotiable — open a window and run an exhaust fan throughout the job.
Check that the existing surface has no deep cracks or chips that go through to the substrate. Small chips can be filled with a tub-repair compound before you start; large structural damage means replacement is the better route.
How to Paint a Bathtub: 5 Steps
- 1
Clean and Degrease the Surface
Scrub the entire tub with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum, oils, and mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly and let the surface dry completely — any moisture trapped under the new coat will cause peeling. For stubborn stains, a diluted bleach solution followed by a clean-water rinse works well.
- 2
Sand the Existing Finish
Using 400-grit wet-dry sandpaper, lightly scuff the entire surface of the tub. This creates a mechanical key so the new paint adheres instead of sliding off the old glaze. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth, then let it dry again. Finish with a pass of 600-grit for an even smoother base.
- 3
Tape Off and Protect the Surrounds
Apply painter's tape along the tub lip, around the drain, and over the faucet hardware. Lay plastic sheeting over the floor and wall tiles to catch drips. Press the tape down firmly — any gap will let paint creep onto the grout or chrome fittings, which is hard to remove once the epoxy cures.
- 4
Apply the Paint in Thin, Even Coats
Mix your two-part epoxy or tub paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the first thin coat with a foam roller or brush, working from the back of the tub toward the drain. Let it tack-dry for the time specified on the tin (usually 2–4 hours), then apply a second coat. Two thin coats beat one thick coat — thick layers sag and cure unevenly.
- 5
Cure Fully Before Using
Leave the tub untouched for at least 24 hours after the final coat, and avoid any water contact for 48–72 hours. Full chemical cure takes around 7 days, so avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges during that first week. After full cure, the surface can be cleaned normally and will resist everyday bathroom use for 3–5 years.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted painting pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- How long does a painted bathtub last?
- A properly prepared and painted tub typically lasts 3–5 years with normal use. The key factors are thorough surface preparation, using a purpose-made epoxy tub-and-tile paint, and allowing the full cure time before water contact. Avoiding abrasive scrubbers after curing also extends the finish significantly.
- Can I paint a fibreglass or acrylic bathtub, or only porcelain?
- Yes. Quality tub-and-tile epoxy paints are designed to bond to porcelain, enamel, fibreglass, and acrylic — all common tub materials found in Greek apartments and holiday villas. Check the paint tin to confirm compatibility, and always sand the surface first regardless of material to ensure adhesion.
- Is it safe to paint a bathtub myself, or should I hire a professional?
- DIY repainting is realistic for most homeowners if ventilation is good and the steps are followed carefully. Wear a respirator (not just a dust mask) because two-part epoxy fumes are strong. If you have a large tub, prefer a sprayed finish, or lack confidence in prep work, a professional refinisher will produce a flawless result and often carries a longer warranty on the coating.