Toilet seats are one of the most heavily used bathroom surfaces. Damage from heavy use and frequent cleanings can appear long before the seat has to be replaced. Instead of replacing, painting the toilet seat can be the easiest yet cheapest way to refresh and update the look of your bathroom. If you are wondering how to paint a toilet seat – stick around to the end of our article and you will find all the answers you are looking for!
Today we are providing you with a step-by-step guide on how to paint a toilet seat. We will also cover everything you need to know regarding the process, including a list of things you will need, variations of materials for toilet seats, which paint to use, tips and warnings.
So without further ado, let’s get on with it!
Why Should You Touch Up Your Toilet Seat?
You sit on your toilet every day, dropping things in, flushing things down, wiping the toilet seat, putting items in the bowl, rinsing it, and scrubbing it. Consequently, your toilet seat begins to seem old and worn out over time.
Instead of replacing it, you may give it a new lease on life by painting it. And here’s good news for you! A small amount of paint may go a long way if you plan on touching up your toilet seat.
Additionally, painting the toilet seat is a simple and easy way to change the outlook of your bathroom without putting a dent in your wallet.
Materials You Will Need to Paint a Toilet Seat
Before we jump into the process, here’s a list of things you might want to get your hands on:
- Disinfectant cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Sponge
- Spray primer
- Spray paint
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Rags
- Dropcloth
Best Paint for a Toilet Seat: Some Important Factors
While buying the paint, the first and foremost thing you need to consider is – the material of the toilet seat. The material plays a significant role in the selection of the paint’s type and color.
Plastic toilet seat
For a plastic toilet seat, you may go for spray paint that is specified for use on plastics, such as polypropylene and Duroplast. As a plastic toilet seat has a nonporous and glossy surface, you will require to slap paint onto its surface.
In this case, traditional paint is no way suitable. Because it will just sit on the polypropylene surface and might start to crack. Once dried up, it might also start to peel off.
Toilet bowl
For a toilet bowl made from resin or polyresin material, we have bad news for you! You might not be able to paint it however you want. Painting a resin-made toilet seat is difficult and it will also ruin its aesthetics of it.
Moreover, if you are adamant about painting it, here’s a heads up for you – resin-made materials are often sensitive to harsh chemicals such as the kind used in manufacturing paint.
Should I Use Epoxy Paint on My Toilet?
There’s another kind of paint available in the market named – epoxy paint. You will find it in a two-part kit and need to mix the ingredients before use.
You can spray epoxy paint using a compressor-style paint sprayer. You can also brush it on like traditional paint with a fine-bristle paintbrush.
Avoid epoxy paints that are specific to garage surfaces. Because they may contain coarse ingredients such as silica, which are specialized for texturizing surfaces or floors.
Hence, select an epoxy paint that is compatible with the surface, be it – plastic, wood, or veneer. Choose epoxy paint that is compatible with the surface, whether the seat is plastic, wood, or veneer.
Should I Use Spray Primer on My Toilet Seat?
There’s another essential thing to paint your toilet seat and that is – spray primer. You will need spray primer for plastics if the toilet seat is made of plastic or acrylic.
Use a spray primer for wood surfaces if the seat is made of wood. Primer helps in the absorption of paint to the surface.
How to Paint a Toilet Seat – A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can follow these simple, easy-to-follow steps to paint your toilet seat. It would be best if you choose an open space or well-ventilated area for your work.
1: Remove the toilet seat
Firstly, use a screwdriver to loosen the caps of the toilet bolts at the back of it. The hinges need to be exposed. Now use a pair of pliers to grip the nuts tightly and loosen the bolts with a screwdriver.
2: Disinfectant the toilet unit
Once you are done removing the bolt caps, nuts, and bolts, lay them all on a drop cloth. Clean the hardware with a disinfectant cleaner. Then put them all in a plastic bag cause you are gonna need them at the end of the process.
Now place the toilet seat and lid on the drop cloth. Then, clean the nooks, seat, and lid with a sanitizer or disinfectant. You may use a scrub for the process. Once you are done, rinse the parts with sanitary wipes or a wet sponge. After that, dry the surfaces with a paper towel or a rag.
3: Prepare the surfaces
Use painter’s tape to cover any surfaces of the toilet lid and seat that you do not want to paint. If you find it difficult to apply tapes in small areas, first cover the areas with more amount and then use a utility knife to snip off the extra tape.
Now, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand both sides of the toilet lid and seat. Make sure the surface is no longer shining. After that, wipe the surface with a moist sponge. It will remove the sanding particles.
Then, lift the unit (seat and lid) and place it on the drop cloth horizontally to the ground. If any area is still damp, make sure you fry it with a paper towel or rag before moving to the next step.
4: Apply primer
Now, for a spray paint or spray primer, you need to shake the can properly before use to mix the ingredients. Then spray the primer on the uncovered surfaces of the lid and seat in a swift motion.
Spray from a variety of angles to make sure the surfaces around the edges are evenly covered.
Wait till the prime has dried. Then, spray the primer on the other side of the unit by rotating it over. Do it in the same method as the opposing side and wait till both sides have dried completely.
5: Apply paint
After that, apply a thin coat of paint on both sides of the seat. Do it in a similar method as applying primer. Once the first coat is dried properly, apply another coat.
Wait till the paint is completely dried up.
Guess what? Once you have completed all the steps mentioned above, are almost at the end of your fun DIY activity. Now just remove the tape and reattach the toilet seat with its platform with the nuts and bolts.
Things to Remember
- It would be best if you go for epoxy paint if you have an extremely busy bathroom. Spray paint does not last long due to the excessive cleaning of the toilet seat.
- Keep the nuts of the bolts of your toilet seat tightened in such a way that you can remove them by hand. It will reduce the possibility of cracking the porcelain of the seat.
- You can apply spray paint with stencils to add decorative design and change the look of your bathroom.
Warning
- Always wear hand gloves and a mask during the process. They will save you from particles and the chemicals of primer and paint.
- Toilet seats that feature padded foam and resin-made toilet seats may not be suitable for painting.
- Always maintain a distance of around one foot while applying primer and paint.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is not ready to buy a new toilet seat as long as the old one is functioning, painting the toilet seat may just be the escape for you. Nonetheless, it can be a fun DIY activity on a Saturday that will save you a few bucks for sure!
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