Maybe you just moved into a new house and want to renovate the bathroom. However, upon looking up the cost of new bathroom faucets, you decide that painting the current ones might be the better option (replacing more than one or two faucets becomes expensive fast). So, can you actually paint a faucet? Yep, you can!
But will paint last on your faucets, especially with regular use? We’re here to discuss the ins and outs of giving your faucets a facelift via paint, so continue reading to learn more!
Does Spray Paint Last On Faucets?
Spray paint can last several years on faucets. However, the key to success comes down to using the proper type of paint and completing each of the necessary steps. Certain types of spray paint won’t adhere to the metal construction of a faucet, so choosing a paint that will work with these materials is essential.
In addition, you’ll need to ensure you prepare the surface properly. In some cases, the manufacturer might recommend using a primer to prep the surface for paint. If this is the case, be sure to follow these instructions.
What Type Of Paint Should I Use?
Generally, it’s best to use paint designed for metal with an oil-based composition. Since the faucet (can be for the bathtub, shower, or sinks) lives in a (sometimes) humid bathroom environment, you’ll need a paint that will hold up in these conditions. For the most part, oil-based paints tolerate moisture better than others and dry harder, so this type is ideal for your project.
For ease of application, spray paint is usually ideal. Although you could use a traditional can of paint and a paintbrush, it can be tricky to get rid of marks from your paintbrush. Plus, the divots your paintbrush leaves on the surface can create the perfect place for dirt and grime buildup. So, spray paint is your best bet for a smooth, easy application.
How Do You Paint A Bathroom Faucet?
Once you decide paint is the route you want to go with your bathroom faucet, you’ll need to prepare for the process. While it isn’t a complicated process, quite a few steps are involved in achieving the perfect, smooth, fresh-looking finish. The following steps outline how to revamp your bathroom faucets:
Gather Your Materials
First, you need to gather the materials necessary for your project. If you decide to remove the faucet for painting, you’ll need the necessary tools to unhook the faucet. However, if you leave the faucet where it is, here’s what you’ll need:
- Soft sponge
- Mild dish soap
- Bucket
- Vinegar (as needed)
- Plastic drop cloth or newspaper
- Painter’s tape
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Spray primer
- Paint of your choice
- Clear protective topcoat
- Face mask (to protect from paint fume inhalation)
As you move through this process, be sure to open any windows in the area to adequately ventilate the room. Inhaling paint fumes can be dangerous, so don’t paint in a closed-off, unventilated space.
Prep The Faucet
Once you gather each of your materials, you need to prepare the faucet for paint. You’ll need to remove any dirt, grime, and mineral deposits from the surface of the tap to ensure it’s ready for paint.
So, fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Using a soft sponge, gently clean the faucet’s surface, ensuring you remove all dirt and grime. If there are mineral deposits stuck to the surface, use diluted vinegar to remove them. You’ll need to wait a few minutes to let the deposits dissolve before removing them.
Sand The Faucet
After you clean the faucet, let it dry completely. Once it’s dry, you can sand the surface. This will rough up the surface of the faucet, which will help the primer and paint adhere better and last longer.
Use a sheet of fine sandpaper (220-grit) to sand the entire surface of the faucet. Once you finish sanding the entire surface (you don’t need to sand too much), wipe away the residue from sanding with a dry cloth. If you paint over sanding dust, it’ll leave minor imperfections in the final product, so be sure to clean the dust now.
Tape Off The Surrounding Area
After the faucet is ready to paint, prepare the surrounding area. You can remove the faucet entirely and paint it outside on a piece of newspaper or plastic. Or, leave it where it is and tape everything around it. Carefully tape the sink, counters, mirror, and walls around the faucet.
Spray paint gets everywhere, so be sure to meticulously tape and cover all areas you don’t want to paint with a plastic drop cloth. When taping the bottom of the faucet, place the tape as close to the base as you can so you don’t accidentally paint the sink deck or countertop.
Apply Primer
Once the area around the faucet is taped and covered, it’s time to start revamping. It’s essential to prime the faucet’s surface (unless you buy a 2-in-1 spray paint), as this will help ensure the paint adheres properly.
Spray primer is usually the easiest to apply, so spray it over the entire surface of the faucet, ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the primer dry completely before moving to the next step.
Paint
Once your primer coat is dry, it’s time to paint! This is an exciting step of the process, as you get to see the transformation into a new and improved fixture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the paint, then apply it to the surface of the faucet following the instructions on the label.
You might need to apply a few light coats before the metal underneath is completely covered. Give each coat of paint plenty of time to dry before reapplication. Don’t forget to paint the drain!
Add A Topcoat
Once your faucet is painted and ready for the next step, it’s time to finish with a topcoat application. The top coat helps protect the new paint from scratches, dings, and water damage. It’s best to choose an oil-based topcoat, as it adds an extra layer of durability.
Use and apply the topcoat according to manufacturer instructions, recoating as necessary. Let each coat dry between applications.
Enjoy!
After your topcoat layers dry, you can remove the plastic and tape from around the faucet. Enjoy your “new” faucet!
Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbers on the faucet’s surface, as they could damage the paint. Instead, stick to mild, gentle cleaners (like warm water and mild dish soap) for cleaning purposes.
Additionally, remember a few coats of paint aren’t a long-term fix. Over time, your paint job will begin to deteriorate, exposing the metal underneath. At this point, you can sand off the old paint and repeat the process, or you could invest in a new faucet. But for now, enjoy the smooth, fresh finish!