How to Refinish an Acrylic Shower Enclosure

How to Paint Formica Walls
Written By
Ryan Lawrence
Ryan Lawrence
Published: Jun 15, 2010
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

You can drastically alter the appearance of your faded or plain-looking acrylic shower enclosure by applying a new finish. However, before you rush into this sort of do-it-yourself project, you must understand the proper preparation techniques, or you will end up with a messy-looking finish that will chip and flake, over time. In addition, because shower enclosures are subject to duress, you should choose a particular type of coating, capable of withstanding large amounts of moisture.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Coarse Sponge Or Plastic Brush
  • Rags
  • Palm Sander
  • Roller Frame
  • Heavy-Duty Cleanser
  • 3- To 4-Inch Latex Paintbrush
  • 2-Part Appliance Epoxy
  • Shed-Resistant Roller Cover
  • Heavy-Duty Fabric Drop Cloths
  • Blue Painter'S Tape
  • Acrylic Latex Primer
  • 220-Grit Sandpaper
  • Scrub the acrylic shower enclosure clean with a heavy-duty cleanser of your choice, using a coarse sponge or plastic brush. Rinse the enclosure with wet rags and wait for the surface to dry.

    Enhance surface adhesion by scouring the clean acrylic shower enclosure with sandpaper.

    Coat the abraded acrylic shower enclosure with an acrylic latex primer, using a roller. Smooth the primer, using a paintbrush, manufactured for use with water-based paints. Wait three hours for the primed acrylic shower enclosure to dry.

    Wash all painting tools with water.

    Coat the primed acrylic shower enclosure with a two-part appliance epoxy. Smooth the paint just as you did the primer. Wait a full day before using the shower.

    Warnings:

    • Do not paint over an acrylic shower enclosure unless it has been abraded, or the finish will fail. Do not paint over an unprimed acrylic shower enclosure, or the paint will peel.
    Ryan Lawrence

    Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a…

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