A complete replacement with ashower kitmight not be in your budget, and even professional resurfacing can be pricey.

Ventilate the work area using fans to pull fresh air into the space and to vent the fumes outdoors.

Manufacturer’s instructions may dictate using respirator gear when using epoxy paints.

Light blue epoxy paint applied to shower walls

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

double-check to ventilate the area well by opening windows or using fans.

Sanding roughens the surface and helps the shower paint to bond.

Use a vacuum cleaner or clean cloth to wipe away sanding residue.

Materials and tools to paint shower walls with epoxy paint

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wipe down all surfaces with atack clothto remove the last traces of dust before painting.

Mix the Epoxy Paint

Mix part A and part Bthe resin and the catalyst/hardenerin a clean bucket.

For best results, use a mixing bit on a power drill.

Metal cover plate removed from shower wall

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Once mixed, the paint will remain workable for about six hours under normal conditions.

Avoid excessive brushing and rolling.

The goal is a smooth, even coat; don’t worry about thick coverage with the first coat.

Caulk removed from bathtub and wall edge with putty knife

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Clean up brushes using isopropyl alcohol.

Inspect the surfaces after the paint has dried overnight.

If necessary, mix up a new batch of paint and apply a third coat of epoxy.

Wall surface scuffed with 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Two coats are usually sufficient, but a shower in poor shape may require three.

Finish by applying newtub-and-tile caulkthat matches the epoxy paint color.

When to Call a Professional

Set realistic expectations before you get going the project.

Epoxy paint poured into separate bucket for mixing with drill

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The best paint for a very humid bathroomprevents mold growth, resists mildew, and sheds water.

Usually, this will be an acrylic-latex paint with a semi-gloss, high-gloss, satin, or eggshell finish.

The most effective waterproof paint depends on the surface.

Light blue epoxy paint applied to wall surface with roller brush

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Two-part epoxy paint is waterproof and works well for refinishing showers and bathtubs.

Masonry paint is best for waterproofing brick or concrete exterior surfaces.

Primer plus 100-percent acrylic-latex interior paint with mildewcide is a good choice for bathroom walls and ceilings.

Second coat of light blue epoxy paint applied to wall surface

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

California Department of Public Health.

Shower handle cover plate reinstalled to wall

The Spruce / Kevin Norris