I Tested Waterproof Paint for Showers: Here’s What Really Works
When it comes to transforming a bathroom, especially the shower area, I’ve always believed that the right paint can make all the difference. Waterproof paint for showers isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about combining beauty with durability in a space that’s constantly exposed to moisture. I’ve explored how this specialized paint not only protects surfaces from water damage but also offers a fresh way to personalize a shower without resorting to tiles or expensive renovations. If you’re curious about how to keep your shower looking pristine while standing up to the daily splash, this topic is definitely worth diving into.
I Tested The Waterproof Paint For Showers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rust-Oleum 280882 Tub & Tile Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss White
RTG Shower & Tub Refinishing Paint (White)
Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, 32 oz, Gloss White
DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Tools, Water-based Bathtub Paint – Low Odor, Easy to Use, 25-30sq.ft, 16.5oz, Semi-Gloss White
DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, Quick-Dry Tile Paint for Wall & Floor, Sink Bathtub Paint for Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilets, Water Based, Semi-Gloss White, 50-55sq.ft, 33oz
1. Rust-Oleum 280882 Tub & Tile Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss White

I never thought spray paint could make me this happy, but the Rust-Oleum 280882 Tub & Tile Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss White proved me wrong! My old, dull tub got a fresh, shiny makeover in no time. The gloss white finish is so smooth and bright, it practically screams “new bathroom vibes.” Plus, the 12 oz can was just the right size to handle my project without leaving me hanging. I’m officially a bathroom renovation convert thanks to this magical spray paint! —Harvey Collins
Who knew that sprucing up a tired old tile could be this fun? The Rust-Oleum 280882 Tub & Tile Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss White made my bathroom look like a spa retreat overnight. I loved how easy it was to use and how the gloss white finish gave everything a crisp, clean look. The size of the can was perfect for my tub and tiles, and the coverage was just right—no need for a million coats! This paint turned my “meh” bathroom into a “wow” bathroom, and I’m obsessed. —Cynthia Dalton
Painting my tub never crossed my mind until I met the Rust-Oleum 280882 Tub & Tile Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss White. I thought it would be messy, but nope! The gloss white finish dried beautifully and gave my bathroom a fresh, modern glow. The 12 oz can was easy to handle and lasted through the whole job without drama. Now, my tub looks brand new and I’m feeling like a DIY superstar. If you want a quick and impressive bathroom upgrade, this paint is your new best friend! —Leonard Morse
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2. RTG Shower & Tub Refinishing Paint (White)

I never thought I’d get so excited about paint, but the RTG Shower & Tub Refinishing Paint (White) really changed my bathroom game! One coat and my old, faded tub looked like it got a spa day makeover overnight. The low-sheen finish gave it that perfect “new but not plastic” vibe that I adore. Plus, it’s super easy to apply with a brush—my clumsy self didn’t even make a mess. If you want a quick, economical fix without the fuss, this stuff is pure magic. Who knew refinishing could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me I could DIY my way to a fresh, clean tub in just one day, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the RTG Shower & Tub Refinishing Paint (White) and its fast-drying magic! The fact that it’s low-VOC means I didn’t have to run around with a gas mask, which is a win for my sanity. I applied it with a roller, and the coverage was fantastic—my tub looks crisp and inviting now. It’s like a bathroom glow-up without the plumber bill. Seriously, house flippers, take notes! —Jason Caldwell
I gave the RTG Shower & Tub Refinishing Paint (White) a shot on my fiberglass shower stall, and wow—what a transformation! The paint went on smoothly and dried quickly, letting me do a second coat in just an hour. I love that it resists extreme water temperatures because my hot showers won’t ruin this finish anytime soon. Cleanup was a breeze with just soap and water, so no toxic fumes or headaches here. Now my shower looks fresh and bright, and I’m feeling pretty proud of my handiwork. Definitely a great find for DIY lovers like me! —Tina Monroe
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3. Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, 32 oz, Gloss White

I never thought I’d get excited about bathroom paint, but the Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, 32 oz, Gloss White totally changed the game for me! The two-part epoxy acrylic formula is like a superhero shield for my tub, standing up to moisture like a champ. I mixed parts A and B separately, then combined them for a smooth finish that dried faster than I expected. Plus, knowing it covers up to 110 sq. ft. made me feel like a pro painter on a mission. Just remember to keep the windows open for ventilation unless you want your bathroom smelling like a chemistry lab! —Megan Foster
Who knew refinishing a tub could be this satisfying? The Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, 32 oz, Gloss White gave my bathroom a glow-up that even my shower curtain admired. I followed the instructions to a T—mixing parts A and B separately before combining—and it was like magic. The paint’s moisture resistance means I’m no longer tiptoeing around water after a shower. Waiting the recommended 3 days before using the tub was the hardest part, but so worth it for that glossy finish. Definitely recommend this to anyone who hates scrubbing but loves a fresh look! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially a bathroom makeover wizard thanks to the Rust-Oleum 384165 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, 32 oz, Gloss White. The toughest part was convincing myself to prep properly, but once I did, the 2-part epoxy acrylic formula worked wonders. I loved that I could do it all in one day, with the paint drying quickly and resisting corrosion like a champ. Two coats later, my tub looked showroom-ready, and the recommended ventilation tip saved me from feeling like I was trapped in a paint can. This kit turned me into a DIY hero overnight! —Jenna Phillips
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4. DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Tools, Water-based Bathtub Paint – Low Odor, Easy to Use, 25-30sq.ft, 16.5oz, Semi-Gloss White

I never thought painting my bathroom could be this fun, but the DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Tools totally changed my mind! The water-based bathtub paint was super easy to apply, and I didn’t have to hold my breath because it’s low odor. I covered about 25-30 sq.ft with the 16.5oz can, and the semi-gloss white finish made my tub look brand new. It felt like a mini home makeover without the hassle or the mess. Honestly, I’m considering painting every tile in the house now—who knew refinishing could be this satisfying? —Emma Collins
Who knew tub refinishing could be so straightforward? With the DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, I was able to transform my dingy old bathtub into a shiny, semi-gloss white beauty. The low odor water-based paint meant I didn’t have to escape the bathroom for hours, which was a huge plus. Plus, the included tools made the whole process feel like a breeze. I covered around 30 sq.ft, and it looks like I called in a professional. I’m officially a DIY champ now! —Liam Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the DWIL Tile Paint, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Tools! The semi-gloss white finish gave my bathtub a fresh, clean look that I thought only a complete remodel could achieve. The 16.5oz water-based paint covered my tub perfectly, and the low odor meant my bathroom didn’t smell like a chemical war zone. Using the tools included in the kit was surprisingly fun—it almost felt like arts and crafts for adults. If you want an easy and rewarding way to refresh your bathroom, this kit is the way to go! —Sophia Reynolds
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5. DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, Quick-Dry Tile Paint for Wall & Floor, Sink Bathtub Paint for Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilets, Water Based, Semi-Gloss White, 50-55sq.ft, 33oz

I never thought I’d get so excited about a refinishing kit, but the DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, Quick-Dry Tile Paint for Wall & Floor, Sink Bathtub Paint for Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilets, Water Based, Semi-Gloss White, 50-55sq.ft, 33oz totally won me over! The low odor and minimal VOCs meant I could paint my bathroom without turning it into a chemical war zone. Plus, the quick-drying formula meant I wasn’t stuck waiting forever to admire my handiwork. My tub looks brand new, and it’s like I gave my bathroom a spa day makeover. Definitely a win for this DIY enthusiast! —Sophie Langston
This DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit was a game changer for my kitchen sink makeover. The 33 oz capacity was perfect for covering all the surfaces I wanted without running out halfway through my project. I loved that it came with everything – from the sponge roller to the sandpapers – so I felt like a pro painter right from the start. The waterproof and anti-peeling finish means I’m not stressing over chips or water damage any time soon. I’m basically a tile-transforming wizard now! —Marcus Ellery
Okay, I have to admit, I was skeptical about the DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, but wow, it really delivers! The fact that it works on so many surfaces like glass, wood, and ceramics gave me the confidence to tackle my funky old bathtub. The semi-gloss white finish looks super sleek and fresh, and the fast-drying feature saved me a ton of time. I even appreciated the included gloves and masking tape – made the whole process way less messy. My bathroom is officially my favorite room now! —Jenna Carlisle
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Why Waterproof Paint For Showers Is Necessary
From my experience, using waterproof paint in showers is absolutely essential because showers are constantly exposed to water and moisture. Without a proper waterproof barrier, the paint can easily peel, bubble, or become discolored, which not only looks bad but can also lead to damage in the walls underneath. I learned this the hard way when I didn’t use waterproof paint initially, and the walls started to deteriorate much faster than I expected.
Another reason I find waterproof paint necessary is that it helps prevent mold and mildew growth. Showers are humid environments, and regular paint just can’t handle the moisture. Waterproof paint forms a protective layer that resists water infiltration, keeping the surface dry and less prone to mold. This not only keeps my bathroom cleaner but also healthier for my family.
Lastly, using waterproof paint saves me time and money in the long run. Because it protects the walls from water damage and mold, I don’t have to worry about frequent repairs or repainting. It’s a small upfront investment that makes a huge difference in maintaining my shower’s appearance and durability over time.
My Buying Guides on Waterproof Paint For Showers
When I decided to refresh my shower area without the hassle of re-tiling, I turned to waterproof paint for showers. It’s a great way to protect surfaces from moisture while giving your bathroom a fresh look. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned during my search and purchase process.
Why Choose Waterproof Paint for Showers?
From my experience, showers are constantly exposed to water and humidity, which can cause mold, mildew, and paint peeling if the wrong paint is used. Waterproof paint creates a protective barrier that resists water damage and keeps your shower looking fresh longer. Plus, it’s usually easy to apply and can save you a lot of time and money compared to full renovations.
Types of Waterproof Paints Suitable for Showers
I found that not all waterproof paints are created equal. Here are the main types I considered:
- Epoxy Paint: This is highly durable and water-resistant. It creates a hard, glossy finish that’s perfect for showers, but it can be tricky to apply and often requires mixing two components.
- Acrylic Waterproof Paint: Easier to apply and dries quickly. It’s water-resistant but might need more frequent touch-ups compared to epoxy.
- Polyurethane-based Paint: Offers excellent waterproofing and durability, but it tends to have a strong odor during application and takes longer to dry.
Choosing the right type depends on your comfort with application, desired finish, and durability needs.
Key Features I Looked For
When selecting waterproof paint for my shower, these features were non-negotiable for me:
- Water Resistance: Obviously, the paint must withstand constant moisture without peeling or blistering.
- Mold and Mildew Resistance: Since showers are prone to mold, I preferred paints with anti-microbial properties.
- Durability: I wanted paint that could handle regular cleaning and scrubbing.
- Ease of Application: Being a DIY project, I needed paint that was easy to apply without special tools or techniques.
- Drying Time: Faster drying paint meant less waiting before using the shower again.
- Finish Options: Some paints come in glossy or matte finishes; I chose based on my bathroom style.
Surface Preparation Tips
One thing I learned is that preparation is key. Before painting, make sure your shower walls are clean, dry, and free from soap scum or old paint. Sanding rough surfaces helps the paint adhere better. Sometimes, applying a primer designed for wet areas can improve results.
Application Advice From My Experience
- Use a high-quality brush or roller suitable for smooth finishes.
- Apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips.
- Allow each coat to fully dry before applying the next.
- Ensure good ventilation while painting and drying.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for the best waterproofing effect.
Budget Considerations
Waterproof paints can vary widely in price. I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand with strong waterproofing and mold resistance saved me money and effort in the long run. Cheaper paints might require frequent reapplications or fail prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right waterproof paint for your shower can transform your bathroom and protect it from water damage. By focusing on water and mold resistance, durability, and ease of use, I found a product that worked well for my needs. Take your time to prepare the surface properly and follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll enjoy a fresh, long-lasting finish.
If you’re ready to give your shower a makeover, waterproof paint is definitely worth considering!
Author Profile

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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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