Bathroom faucets come in a variety of types, styles, and finishes. When you’re remodeling your bathroom, painting your faucet is a budget-friendly way to use the hardware you have while still updating. So how exactly do you accomplish this? We have done some analysis to provide you with the best method of painting your bathroom faucets.
Upgrading your bathroom faucet with a paint job is not as hard as it sounds. Faucets can easily be given a makeover by following these step by step instructions:
- Prepare the site.
- Lightly sand your faucet and drain.
- Apply primer.
- Paint.
- Apply topcoat.
- Reinstall the faucet.
Refinishing your faucet is as simple as that! In the next few paragraphs, we will give a few more directions that you will find helpful. We will also include a materials list that you can follow and be on your way to an updated bathroom!
What Paint Should I Use On A Bathroom Faucet?
When you’re choosing your paint for a bathroom faucet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The paint will have to hold up to constant use, as well as constant moisture. Additionally, you will need to consider the faucet’s material. Not all paints will adhere properly to metal, especially without a primer. For these reasons, you should look for an oil-based paint that is specifically for metal.
Click here to find Rustoleum Matte Nickel spray paint on Amazon.
Oil-based paints dry harder and tolerate moisture better than other types. For ease of application, we also recommend using spray paint. Rustoleum carries a wide spectrum of oil-based, metallic spray paints that are perfect for the job.
How to Paint Bathroom Sink Faucets
Now that you know what type of paint to use let’s gather other necessary materials and get started!
Materials Needed
- Plastic drop cloth or newspapers
- Painters tape
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Spray primer
- Paint
- Clear topcoat
1. Prepare the Site
The first step in this project is to prepare your site for painting. This is an important step, as it lays the foundation for high-quality results.
Clean
First, you will need to clean your faucet and drain thoroughly. You don’t want to paint over hard water buildup or grime! Let it all dry very thoroughly before proceeding.
Tape It Off
Now, you have two options when it comes to painting your faucet. The first is to remove the faucet entirely. You would then lay it out on a newspaper or a drop cloth for painting.
However, the usual course of action is to tape everything off thoroughly. Use a plastic drop cloth to cover the sink and surrounding areas, and then begin taping. Meticulously tape around the base of your faucet as well as taping around the drain. Be sure to keep the tape off of the fixtures, though, so everything gets painted!
2. Sand the Faucet
Sanding your faucet will enable the paint to stick better. Use a fine, 220 grit sandpaper to sand the entire faucet and drain lightly. When you’re done, be sure to wipe everything down very well, so no dust is left to be painted over.
Click here to find 220 grit sandpaper on Amazon.
3. Apply Primer
Using a primer is yet another trick to help ensure that your paint stays put for a long time. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, thoroughly cover your faucet and drain with a coat of primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly, and continue to the next step. Please be sure to adequately ventilate the room when using any spray paint products, as the fumes can be dangerous.
Click here to find Rustoleum spray primer on Amazon.
4. Paint
This is the fun part! Watch your faucet seemingly transform into an entirely new fixture. Holding the paint about 8-inches from the faucet, apply an even coat of paint across the entire surface. Don’t forget to paint the drain too! Allow each coat to dry before putting on another layer. Use three separate layers of paint on your faucet.
5. Apply Topcoat
The topcoat is extra protection against nicks, scratches, and water damage. It is oil-based, like the paint, and adds durability. Use three coats of a clear topcoat to seal the paint job.
Click here for this Rustoleum spray topcoat on Amazon.
6. Reinstall The Faucet
If you opted to remove the faucet from your sink before painting, now is the time to reinstall it.
For more information on painting your bathroom faucet, before you get started, watch this youtube tutorial:
Can you paint chrome faucets?
Chrome is a very durable metal meant to withstand a lot of abuse. However, it can eventually start to look rough and need some help. Because of the makeup of chrome, paint has a little harder time sticking to it, but there are ways around that!
Tips to Adhere Paint to Chrome
Sanding your faucet is essential for any paint job, so be sure to sand the entire faucet. Another trick that you can use to help paint stick to chrome is to use a self-etching primer. This type of primer contains chemicals that bond to the surface of metal and fiberglass. It is also compatible with enamel paints, so you can pair it with the products that we suggested earlier. Alternatively, you can use automotive paints over the primer on your faucet.
Click here to find this self-etching primer on Amazon.
What is the best finish for a bathroom faucet?
The list of finishes that are available for bathroom faucets is amazing. Who knew that there were so many options? Ultimately, the choice is entirely dependent on your personal taste and style. However, let’s take a look at some of the best finishes on the market.
Polished Brass
Polished brass is a gorgeous option for your bathroom faucet! It is well suited to modern bathroom styles and is very durable and long-lasting. Take a look at antique brass fixtures too!
Oil Rubbed Bronze
This one is always a favorite. Oil rubbed bronze does not corrode or discolor, so it will last a long time and still look great! It is also easy to clean and hides smudges well.
Copper
If you’re looking for a lighter colored faucet to brighten up your bathroom, you may want to consider this finish. Copper is also naturally antibacterial, so that’s a pretty handy feature for a bathroom faucet! Other options for copper include antique copper and brushed copper.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel is a standard finish for bathroom faucets. They’re not too fussy or too showy, but they are dependable. Nickel does not corrode or rust, and it doesn’t attract fingerprints as some finishes do. If you don’t like the brushed look, consider the antique nickel or polished nickel finishes.
Gold
Gold faucets have been around for a long time and have come back around in the fashion world. Many modern looks are making use of gold fixtures. They lend a subtly luxurious look to a minimalistic bathroom.
Black
Faucets can be finished in black color and be either shiny or matte. This is a really nice option that resists fingerprints and is easy to clean. Black can add a lot of warmth to your bathroom.
Chrome
Chrome is versatile, inexpensive, and modern looking. It is also fairly scratch resistant. However, chrome is notorious for being difficult to keep looking clean.
Stainless Steel
This shiny steel looks similar to chrome and is known for its durability. It does not corrode and does not retain water stains. It is also known for its tendency to collect smudges and fingerprints. However, these are easily wiped off, leaving your faucet…stainless!
Summary
Bathroom faucets can be found in so many different finishes, and that finish can be easily changed. So, whether your faucet is looking dingy or you just want to update your bathroom, painting it is a great option. We hope this has been helpful to you!