Is it possible to paint a fiberglass tub/shower?

LSU628

I know someone posted about painting their counter tops, but is it possible to paint a bathtub? I have replaced the vanities and am going to re-do the tile (not sure if I will do the vinyl or porcelain tile), but to have the one-piece shower/tub combo cut out and replace will cost me a good bit. This is a house we are looking at selling in the next 2-3 years. The shower is fine and functions, but it is an 80's bisque which makes it look even more dated and cheap. I want to make the house nice enough to attract buyers without breaking the bank. We bought the house as our first home, we knew it had some upgrades to be done (lots of brass fixtures and sea-shell shaped sinks) and I would assume whoever else buys our house would also expect to do some upgrades.

TDishy

We had our fiberglass tub and surround refinished (essentially painted) three years ago- from the 80s bisque to white.  They also took down the gross sliding doors and filled the holes- you could never tell the holes or tracks were there.  It cost about $500 and has a five year warranty.  It looks good, there are two places where if you are looking up you can see a paint drip, but no one has ever seen it until I pointed it out.  Overall it allowed us to redo the bathroom without gutting a fine, but fugly, tub.  We didn't replace the fixtures in the tub at the time- my one real regret, because now I am afraid the new fixtures won't match up with the paint.  It has held up well, but we barely used it for the first two years, but now use it daily.  If you are looking for a way to update without a huge expense, this is a way to do it.  You have to be careful about suction cups and scratched, but we just scaled down what we kept in the shower.  I hope this helps.  Good Luck! 

LSU628

Did you do it through a company that specializes in refinishing tubs? Do you know what they used to refinish it? This truly gives me hope! And thanks for the good idea about replacing the fixtures.

missemmakate

I love Bin by Zinnsnner (sic?). I've used it on that cheap plastic covered furniture with no problems. I primed the tile in my shower before painting over it and it hasn't had any problems. I didn't do my fiberglass tub since it was a plain white. Bin sticks to just about everything. I'd go to home depot and ask if they had any idea. My only concern would be all the water and use the floor of the tub would get. My shower walls don't get too wet. 

egs_sweetness

BIL bought a DIY glaze kit at HD for theirs. It was messy and stinky but it did the trick.