Types of Paint for Shower Walls

Because shower stalls are exposed to heavy moisture and consistent duress, they require a particular type of waterproof paint, capable of withstanding a large amount of adversity. In addition, because shower stalls are poorly-suited for adhesion, they require special treatment prior to painting or they will shed their new finishes relatively soon after application.

No type of paint will adhere to shower walls unless the surface is properly prepared. Shower walls should be scoured with sandpaper prior to application. This will provide a tooth for the primer and paint to adhere to and will help to promote a longer-lasting finish. Once the stalls have been abraded, they require a base coat of acrylic latex primer. Without this base coat, the painted finish will eventually shed.

Appliance epoxy paint is appropriate for coating properly prepared shower walls, because it provides very strong durability and an attractive sheen.

Marine paints are highly durable coatings that provide outstanding resistance to water-based wear. These coatings are suitable for shower walls. Many prefer marine paint over epoxy because it comes ready for application, while epoxy requires heavy mixing.

Some companies manufacture paints specifically formulated for coating shower walls. Most of these paints are chemically similar to epoxy and marine paints. If you choose to go with a brand-name paint, read the label to ensure that it is specifically manufactured for use on showers and tubs comes with a warranty. Ordinary acrylic latex and oil-based paints are not appropriate for coating shower walls. Don't use them or you will have certain paint failure.