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Plastic paint

(31 Posts)
Faxgran Thu 12-Jun-25 12:54:39

Apologies if this has been discussed recently.
I have a plastic bath panel that has turned from white to grey and was wondering if anyone has successfully painted theirs?

It’s a D-shaped panel and handymen I’ve had round to replace it have sucked their teeth, claimed such panels can’t be found, claimed the panel would need to be cut down, said the arc of the D ‘is funny’.
One tried to sell me a new, rectangular, bath!
As far as I know it’s a regular D-shaped bath, but replacing & sealing the panel is a bit beyond us.
Thanks

karmalady Fri 17-Apr-26 20:32:30

Use a stick on wipeable self-adhesive like the coloured vinyl window films. Also google fablon. I would not be painting the bath side

GLOBALTREND Fri 17-Apr-26 10:31:25

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MT62 Sat 14-Feb-26 09:49:29

Gosh I’ve only just realised that 🤦‍♀️
Hope they managed to sort it 😂

MT62 Sat 14-Feb-26 09:38:13

You can still buy these panels.
Have a look on Screwfix, b & q, plumb nation for D, or P shapes.
I am looking for a straight panel for my mum, oh but the price😳
If you paint it, could end up looking naff.

keepingquiet Sat 14-Feb-26 08:51:16

This is an old thread and I'd forgotten I'm on it!

misterjordan Sat 14-Feb-26 08:48:16

Yes, you can paint a plastic bath panel — but prep is everything. Clean it thoroughly (degrease well), lightly sand to key the surface, then use a plastic primer followed by a bathroom-appropriate satin or gloss paint (ideally moisture-resistant). Spray finishes tend to look smoother than brushing. That said, if the panel has yellowed/greyed deeply or become brittle, paint may be a short-term fix.

As for the D-shape, they absolutely exist — they’re common — but some are model-specific, which is why handymen <a href="https://dmebatiment.fr/renovation-bureau/">hesitate.</a> If you know the bath brand/model, you may be able to source a matching panel online.

TAPRONIRELAND Fri 13-Feb-26 13:44:14

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Janlara Mon 16-Jun-25 11:11:39

It's Multi Surface Paint. Covers plastic and no primer or undercoat needed.

Janlara Mon 16-Jun-25 11:04:39

My daughter had a crack in her bath panel so she covered it in ....... sticky backed plastic smile, and it looks good. She no doubt bought this online, probably from Amazon. I can ask if you're interested.
As your panel is curved it might be a bit trickier to apply.
Bedec (bedec.co.uk) make a multi purpose paint in various finishes that can be applied indoors. I called them some years ago and they were very helpful.
Hope you can find a satisfactory solution.

4allweknow Mon 16-Jun-25 07:56:39

Had a water leak under the bath last year. Plumber couldnt get stupid shaped bath panel off for access and had to cut it. He arranged for joiner to make and fit a new one. Fantastic job.

Fairislecable Sun 15-Jun-25 20:07:32

Would help if I added the link!!

www.toolstation.com/zinsser-allcoat-exterior-satin-paint/p40553

Fairislecable Sun 15-Jun-25 20:05:49

I have used this paint to paint UPVC windows, metal and plastic guttering and finally a whole conservatory (inside and outside).

It is really easy to use, no priming or sanding needed. Just make sure the surface is clean and grease free and two coats will be fine.

You can order what colour you wish from the paint charts.

KarenJB Sun 15-Jun-25 19:09:01

We used white plastic weatherboarding too as our p-shape panel had cracks in. We bought it from a double glazing and gutter shop and it looks the same as the pic below. The bathroom looks new again.

B9exchange Sun 15-Jun-25 18:27:22

We had that problem, and found a mobile car sprayer who came out, removed the panel, sprayed it white outside and when it was dry, replaced it. A few years ago, cost us about £280, but a lot cheaper than a new bath!

ExaltedWombat Sun 15-Jun-25 16:59:40

So it's grey. Is this a big problem?

Mt61 Sun 15-Jun-25 16:48:27

What about Zinsser paint? They do specialist paint. Bath panels cost the earth now.

DeeAitch56 Sun 15-Jun-25 15:33:09

We had a corner bath in our last house and broke the curved window panel, couldn’t buy a replacement anywhere so ended up replacing it with white flexible plastic cladding which is usually used for the outside of housed, looked good and worked well

SueinEspana Sun 15-Jun-25 15:19:21

We had the same problem when we bought our house. Bathroom fine but the P shaped bath panel had discoloured. Tried everywhere to find a replacement panel...without success and we were on the point of replacing the bath. Looked on Amazon and bought a couple of fans of car spray paint plus primer. Removed the panel and sprayed it in the garden....perfect. Still looking good 3 years later!!

Mustafafag Sun 15-Jun-25 13:58:59

Have a look at Frenchic ‘Al Fresco’ paint, I used it on my UPVC front door about 5 years ago and it still looks immaculate. If it stands up to the weather I’m sure it’d be fine on a bath panel! And you get a great choice of lovely colours!

Belowdeck19 Sun 15-Jun-25 13:43:10

Buy spray plastic paint. They are large aerosol cans, they sell them in all colours. It is alot quicker to apply and does not leave brush strokes. Take the bath panel outside to do the job, too unsafe to do this job indoors. Hope it works out for you.

keepingquiet Thu 12-Jun-25 13:50:27

Bath panels are a pain!

DollyRocker Thu 12-Jun-25 13:44:20

Light sand and spray with Plasticote. Or try T cut, uPVC cleaner or hydrogen peroxide. I've read conflicting things that it's caused by UV light but UV light ie sunlight will whiten it🤷‍♀️ I think I deyellowed my loo seat with pink stuff.

NotSpaghetti Thu 12-Jun-25 13:40:11

Acrylic spray paints from Halfords?
I sprayed some metal curtain rods and plastic rails, plastic picture frames and lots of other stuff with that.

NotSpaghetti Thu 12-Jun-25 13:37:44

It's technically for outside so I'd be sure to either paint it outside or have lots of ventilation till 100% dry.

NotSpaghetti Thu 12-Jun-25 13:35:54

Mine is "satin" but I think they do a shiny version.

This is what the tin says:

SUITABLE SURFACES
Exterior wood, weathered plastic, metal,
concrete brick stone, PVCu and plastisol. Notsuitable for use
on decking, copper, polished concrete/concrete floors or
common fletton bricks/engineering bricks, If in doubt please
call 0330 024 0298 or visit sadolin.co.uk, or referto the
technical datasheet.