Can Tile in a Fiberglass Tub Be Painted to Match a New Bathroom Remodel?

Cleaning

• Soap scum is present on nearly every functional bathtub. If you plan to paint tile adjacent to or within a fiberglass tub, you'll need to strip away this unseen residue, or proper adhesion will be impossible. Plain soap won't have much effect against stubborn residues and may leave behind traces of its own. Promote adequate adhesion by scrubbing the tile with a trisodium phosphate--based cleanser.
  
  

Abrasion

• No type of bathroom tile will support a painted finish unless it is abraded. Scour the tile with sandpaper before you even think about applying any sort of coating. Low-grit sandpaper will render the tile too rough; for best results, use sandpaper with a grit between 100 and 120. Don't leave any of the tiles smooth, or these areas will shed their new finish.
  
  

Primer

• To promote a durable finish that won't chip, apply an adhesive primer base. Plain latex primer may not hold up inside or near a bathtub. Ensure a durable finish by using an acrylic-based primer.
  
  

Paint

• Choose a specific type of paint based on the type of tile you're working with. A semigloss or gloss latex paint will hold up fine on tile adjacent to your fiberglass tub; however, if the tile lies within the tub, it may fade and crack. For bathroom tile subject to consistent moisture exposure and friction, use either an acrylic enamel or epoxy paint.
  
  

Application

• For slick results free from brush marks, spray the paint onto the tile. Ensure an attractive appearance by maintaining a consistent 8-inch distance between the tile and spray can.
  
  

Considerations

• Spray cans tend to generate fumes and overspray. Protect yourself by wearing a respirator, and protect adjacent surfaces by covering them with masking paper, using painter's masking tape.