How to Paint Old Prefab Shower Stall Walls

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Things You'll Need

  • Trisodium phosphate cleanser

  • Coarse plastic brush

  • Rags

  • Palm sander

  • 180-grit sandpaper

  • Professional painter's tape

  • Roller frame

  • Nap roller cover

  • 3- to 4-inch polyester paintbrush

  • Acrylic latex primer

  • Appliance epoxy paint

Apply the base and finish, using a roller.

A new finish can greatly improve the appearance of a prefabricated shower stall. Unfortunately, it is not easy to paint a prefab shower stall and have it end up looking good. Prefab shower walls are vinyl, which makes it hard to get paint to adhere properly. You can use sanding to roughen the prefab vinyl, creating a surface that makes it easier for the primer to adhere. Then use appliance epoxy paint and the right technique, and your shower stall can look brand new.

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Prepare the Stall

Step 1

Scrub the old prefab shower stall walls with a heavy-duty trisodium phosphate cleanser. This is critical, because soap scum prevents the primer from adhering properly. Rinse the cleanser off with rags, and let the shower stall dry for three hours.

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Step 2

Abrade the prefab walls with 180-grit sandpaper and a palm sander. Primer will not adhere to the vinyl shower stalls unless you sand them. Sand the prefab walls until they feel rough.

Step 3

Protect hardware in the shower from paint by covering it with painter's tape. Do the same with the portions of the walls and tub immediately next to the prefab walls.

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Finish the Stall

Step 1

Coat the prepared prefab shower stall walls with latex primer, using a roller. Prime only one prefab wall at a time. To promote smooth results, run a polyester paintbrush up and down over the wet primer, applying soft pressure. Continue this process until you have primed each prefab shower wall. Let the shower stall dry for three hours.

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Step 2

Wash your painting instruments.

Step 3

Paint the prefab shower stall with appliance epoxy paint, using the same technique you used when you primed it.

Warning

Nylon brushes leave marks on smooth prefab shower stall walls.

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