James B. ParkerAre you fed up with your outdated bathroom fixtures and faucets and considering giving them a fresh coat of spray paint?
Though unconventional, spray painting can yield stunning results if executed properly.
Discover the do’s and don’ts of spray painting your bathroom fixtures and faucets and follow our detailed guide to ensure a flawless makeover.
Can You Spray Paint Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets?
Most bathroom fixtures and hardware is made out of brass, stainless steel, chrome, or some other type of metal.
Different metals take on paint in different ways.
Most metals like stainless steel and brass can be spray painted by using specific primers made for that type of metal which you must apply before painting.
You can easily spray paint brass, but you need first to remove the lacquer that protects it anytime you paint this metal.
But painting chrome is another matter entirely.
Chrome is notoriously difficult to paint, and while it can be done with specialized painting techniques, painting chrome goes beyond what a can of spray paint can handle.
How Much Will It Cost Me to Spray Paint Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets?
You should be able to spray paint a bathroom or two worth of fixtures and faucets with one can of primer and one can of spray paint.
The combined cost for a high-quality primer and spray paint will cost you around $20 to $40.
You can save more money by painting old fixtures during a build or remodel.
How Long Will Spray Paint Last on Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets?
It can be challenging to determine how long spray paint will last on your bathroom fixtures.
In optimal conditions with proper maintenance and no scratches or dings, spray paint can last for 5 or 10 years in a bathroom.
But odds are you will have to apply a fresh coat every few years.
How Soon After Spray Painting My Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets Can I Use Them?
Spray paint is known to dry quickly.
But in any case, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning drying time on the can of spray paint you bought.
Although spray paint can dry in around 15 minutes, it’s usually safe to wait up to 24 hours.
Spray Paint Colors For Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets
The color of paint you choose will depend on your tastes and the spray paint that is available to you.
As long as you take precautions with the metal your fixture is made of and use the right primer.
After that, you can use whatever color you want.
Popular color options for bathroom fixtures include bronze, chrome, brushed nickel, gold, and black.
And it’s important to make sure the new color of your fixture works well with the other colors and tones in your bathroom.
How to Choose the Best Spray Paint for Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets
One of the main things to look out for when searching for spray paint for your fixtures and faucets is some degree of water resistance or waterproofing.
Most outdoor spray paints and those made for bathrooms are waterproof.
Polyurethane spray paints are water-resistant.
The next thing to look out for is the spray paint must be made for metal.
Note
If you have plastic fixtures or faucets, then this won’t apply to you.
Not only must the spray paint and primer be formulated for metal it must also be compatible with the type of metal your fixtures and faucet are made of.
How to Spray Paint Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets
Tools & Products You Will Need
- Bathroom Cleaner
- Rubber Gloves
- Dust Mask
- Protective Eyewear
- Clean Cloths or Rags
- Sandpaper
- Plastic Sheeting
- Spray Paint Primer (compatible with your fixtures’ and faucets’ metal type)
- Spray Paint (see above)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Clean Your Faucets and Fixtures
Use your bathroom cleaner to thoroughly clean your faucets and fixtures, removing any limescale, mildew, or hard water build-up.
If your faucet or fixture has set on stains, you may need to soak them in cleaner or use a more powerful cleaner until they are removed.
2. Sanding Your Fixtures and Faucet
With your faucet and fixtures clean, it’s time to sand them.
Put on your gloves, mask, and protective eyewear because metal flakes may be flying around as you are sanding.
Using the sandpaper, sand the fixtures and faucet by hand until you have a rough surface that will be great to spray paint to adhere to.
Then use a cloth to wipe away any metal flakes that remain.
3. Masking Everything Off
To protect the rest of your bathroom from spray paint, you should use your plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to mask off the wall and bathtub closest to where you are painting.
Cover up anything that you’re worried about accidentally spraying.
4. Apply Primer
Usually, you apply spray paint in a side-to-side motion while keeping the can 6 to 12 inches from the object you’re painting.
But in any case, follow the instructions given with the spray paint primer.
You will then likely have to apply a second coat or a top coat and then wait an hour or so for it to dry before moving on to spray paint.
5. Apply Spray Paint
Apply the spray paint as recommended on the can.
You will likely have to apply two coats of paint or more while waiting for each coat to dry in between.
With your fixtures and faucet painted, you should wait a day or whatever time is recommended.
Then remove your masking and enjoy the new look of your bathroom!
How to Clean Spray Painted Bathroom Fixtures and Faucets
Cleaning a painted faucet or fixture is somewhat like cleaning a painted wall.
Therefore, you should no longer use harsh chemicals, steel wool, or any harsh cleaning device or product on painted fixtures or faucets.
Soap, water, and a soft sponge will be all you need to clean your painted faucets and fixtures.
Also, take care not to scrub them too hard as you can remove or scratch the paint.
