Can I paint a fiberglass tub surround?

Question

It's gotten discolored by hard water over the years - is there some paint I can use? Maybe marine paint?

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, and usually badly!  

It's hard to get a good-looking DIY job on tub refinishing.  It's tricky to work with, and the chemicals used to get things ready can be hazardous.

However, you can try a cleaning product called CLR, which removes Calcium, Lime and Rust stains.  Find it at your Hardware store.

If you are determined to paint it, the whole key is lots and lots of surface preparation.  You'll probably need an Epoxy-based paint, but check with your local paint supplier.  Be careful and read all the directions about three times!

Answer 2

Paint does a terrible job of adhering to fiberglass.  There may be a way to do an adequate job but I don't know what it is.  There are epoxy "paints" that are used to recover bathtubs.  They may work in your situation but, again, I really don't know for sure.

Answer 3

The easiest way is to replace it fiberglass tub surround, they are farily inexpensive and you can pick them up at your local lowes or home depot