Painting the Shower

[michaeld]

We are looking to paint the shower / head area. The surfaces are not fiberglass, but are some form of plastic panels; not smooth but with some texture. I contacted both Pettit and Interlux. Both replied that they have nothing for that application. Anyone here have any success or unsuccessful experiences that they can share? Thanks!

[Lepke]

A marine hull paint will hold up for a year or two. The panels have to be sanded for the paint to stick. A 2 part epoxy would be best.
Another long lasting option would be sand and apply a gel coat.
I had a yard and did commercial boats. Most had painted showers.

[Cheechako]

If it's the lightly pebbled glossy plastic stuff I'm thinking of, not sure paint will hold on well, and eventually it may be a real mess. I have some sheets of that stuff here.
Why paint it?

I guess you could test some things to take the shine off and make the paint stick. Test a patch with lacquer thinner maybe? I imagine with a prep like that and good 2 part poly mast or boat paint you might succeed.

Got a picture of what it is? I may have some small pieces here you could test on.

[Bill O]

If its a white or beige pebbly surface, its probably FRP sheets (fiberglass reinforced plastic). They sell it at Homedepot and its fairly tough stuff.

They do make smooth FRP sheets, but can be difficult to find. We made our shower enclosure w/beige smooth FRP, which is much easier to squeegee and wipe down.

The FRP can easily be cleaned w/most soft scrub cleaners, alcohol and even acetone w/o harming the finish.
Great thing about plastic is if it gets scratched, its still the same color.

Would agree w/others, would not paint it.