Painting a toilet requires attention to detail and a good understanding of what’s needed to see results.
This includes choosing the right paint, prepping the surface, and making sure to apply the paint properly.
When learning how to paint a toilet, it’s essential to start with the right plan in mind.
The best way to paint a toilet is to turn off the water, sand the surface, apply primer, use epoxy or spray paint, and make sure to apply a top coat for protection. This will offer a complete result that is aesthetically appealing and in line with your vision.
The most important step is to not skip past steps. You will want to account for each step to make sure the toilet looks gorgeous.
This article will be taking a look at how to paint a toilet at home with a step-by-step breakdown of what’s required.
Table of Contents
Best Spray Paint For Toilets (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Key Materials For Painting A Toilet
- Acrylic Latex Primer
- Epoxy Paint/Spray Paint
- 120-160 Grit Sandpaper
- Face Mask & Goggles
- Painter’s Tape
- Topcoat Sealant
Steps For Painting A Toilet
1. Choose The Right Paint
Before you can do anything, you will want to find the right paint.
This is an important decision and each person is going to have a unique take on what they require for the toilet.
It is highly recommended to use an acrylic latex primer and epoxy paint. This will provide the necessary finish you are after. It can come in any form and some people do prefer going with spray paint.
Please note, you are going to be restricted with epoxy paint. You can find additional colors through traditional spray paint and that does work well for most homeowners.
2. Clean The Toilet
You will have to prepare the toilet for a paint job.
This means cleaning the toilet of any debris and/or stains. The goal is to use a good brush to scrub away as that is the only way to get the paint to settle once you start the project.
It is best to give the toilet a rinse too.
You will want to make sure it has been cleaned thoroughly as any stains will not be appealing. You have to take care of them as soon as you can.
It is also important to remember you can clean around the bolts and other “hard to reach” areas. Don’t forget to do this and make sure to remove the toilet seat while painting the toilet. It will make it a lot easier to complete the project as intended.
3. Shut Off The Water
You can’t paint a toilet until the water is shut off.
Most toilets will have a small valve near the toilet. You will want to turn it to the right for the water to turn off.
You will notice as the water pressure goes down.
It is essential to do this and make sure the water is drained before beginning. Otherwise, it will be impossible to paint the toilet and the paint will not dry. Remember, the best paint for toilets needs time to settle and dry. This won’t happen if you are not cutting off the water.
4. Prep The Surface
It is important to start by prepping the surface.
What does this mean?
In essence, you are going to take sandpaper and being sanding down the porcelain toilet. The goal is to make sure any surface that’s being painted on is as smooth as it needs to be for the paint to look good.
You don’t want a situation where the toilet looks odd and textured because you didn’t sand it down beforehand.
The paint is just not going to stick if it is used on a rough surface.
Always take the time to put on a face covering to keep yourself safe during the sanding process. The particles will fly into the air and this can be dangerous if they go into your mouth.
It’s also important to open a window to ensure fresh air is coming into the bathroom at all times. If you don’t have a window, at least turn on the fan.
For the sandpaper, you can use anything that is rated between 120-160 grit.
This will help clean the surface of the toilet and make sure it is as smooth as you want it to be. Clean up the particles that have spread around and then move on to the next step once you’re satisfied.
5. Use Primer
The primer has to be handled with care and is an integral step in the painting process.
As you start painting the toilet, it’s important to have an eye on a good primer. This will help smooth and protect the surface to optimize how the paint looks once the project is done.
In general, you will want to prep the surface and wait until it is bone dry.
If necessary, you should be looking at drying the toilet manually (i.e. space heater). This will do the job and make it easier to get started with using a primer for the toilet.
Apply the primer evenly and make sure to protect the edges. You don’t want the primer getting onto places that are not going to get painted later on. This can include bolts, pipes, and/or cabinets around the toilet.
It’s also important to keep the bathroom fan running along with opening the bathroom window. You don’t want a situation where the paint fumes remain enclosed inside a small space. This is dangerous and unappealing.
6. Paint The Toilet
Now, it’s time to start painting the toilet.
You will want to make sure the primer has been applied evenly and clean off any debris that may have accumulated during the drying phase.
When painting a toilet, it’s important to make sure it’s bone dry. This is the only way the paint will stick to the surface and look even-toned.
As you begin to paint the toilet, you will want to plan for at least two coats.
By painting the toilet with two coats, you are going to get a better finish and it will look aesthetically pleasing. The goal is to use paint that will stick well to the toilet and isn’t going to make it look odd or unappealing.
In some cases, you may decide to use spray paint and that demands meticulous attention to detail. You will have to make sure spots are not missed as the spray paint is put to use.
If you wish, you can also apply a clear topcoat once the paint has dried. This will offer additional protection and sheen to the toilet once the project is done.
Final Thoughts
This is the advice to keep in mind when learning how to paint a toilet at home.
When painting a toilet at home, it’s important to choose good paint, clean the surface, sand everything, apply the primer, and then the paint. This will lead to a comprehensive finish that is aesthetically pleasing.
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