Bathtub paint: Experiences and what helps when it peels
Painting a bathtub yourself is tempting: the DIY kit from the hardware store is inexpensive, and the tub stays in place. However, whether the paint lasts depends almost entirely on the preparation.
Here you will find out how long bathtub paint lasts, why it peels, and what really helps in that case.
Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic, bazuba ViennaAs of: 8 October 2026
In short
Bathtub paint can last if the preparation is done correctly. However, this is where most mistakes occur. If it starts peeling, painting over it will not help: the old paint must be completely removed before recoating.
Durabilityno fixed numberdepends almost entirely on the application; sometimes it starts to peel after just a few weeksSee experiences
Most common causePreparationResidues of silicone or limescale, incorrect layer thickness, often the wrong paint for enamelWhy it peels
Solutionremove completelysand down or scrape off with heat, then recoat the bathtubWhat helps now
Have it recoated: usually €1,200 to €2,000; for old paint, there is an extra charge for removal. Fixed price after inspection and 8-year guarantee. About bathtub recoating
Information from the practical experience of our specialist companies in Germany and Austria. As of: 8 October 2026. Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic (bazuba Vienna).
Bathtub paint: Experiences and durability
Bathtub paint is usually available in hardware stores as a two-component kit, often also as a spray. It is not possible to give a general answer as to how long it lasts. If applied carefully, it can last well. However, since a lot can go wrong, experiences vary widely.
Customers tell us that the paint has come off in places almost immediately or after just a few weeks. Others are more bothered by the appearance: yellowed spots, runs in the paint, or paint that has receded at the silicone joints.
Paint kits still have their place, for example for a tub that will soon be replaced anyway. If you paint it yourself, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, especially regarding preparation and drying time.
Why bathtub paint peels
Usually, it is not the paint itself, but the preparation and application:
Residue on the tub: Even small amounts of silicone or limescale prevent the paint from adhering properly. Paint hardly ever sticks to silicone.
Surface not prepared: The tub must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and sanded, otherwise the paint will not adhere.
Incorrect layer thickness: If applied too thickly, runs form and the paint does not dry properly. If too thin, the substrate shows through and the layer wears through quickly.
Wrong paint for the material: Enamel is difficult to paint over permanently, especially if the tub is filled with warm water daily.
The paint usually fails first around the drain, at the edges, and where there was silicone. These areas are under the most stress and are the hardest to prepare.
Can you simply paint over it?
As a temporary solution, yes, but not permanently. The new paint will not adhere to the old any better than the old did to the tub. With each layer, the surface also becomes more uneven and wavy.
For the tub to look good again in the long term, the old paint must be completely removed. Afterwards, it is recoated from scratch.
Paint peeling off?We remove the old paint and recoat your bathtub, usually within one day. Free inspection in Germany and Austria.
Once the paint has peeled, there are basically three options. The first two have one thing in common: the old paint must be completely removed.
Method
How it works
Costs
Repaint it yourself
Completely sand off the old paint, then clean, degrease, sand again and repaint. The same sources of error as the first time remain.
new paint kit, abrasives, masking materials, respiratory protection and plenty of time
Have it professionally coated
The specialist company removes the old paint and recoats the bathtub, usually within one day. 8-year guarantee against peeling and yellowing.
usually €1,200 to €2,000 plus surcharge for removal, fixed price after inspection
Replace bathtub
Remove the old bathtub, install a new one. Especially sensible if the bathtub is rusted through.
depending on the bathtub and renovation, often tiles and connections are also affected
This is how we proceed with bazuba
We completely remove the old paint, either by sanding or using heat and a scraper. Only in this way can we ensure that the new coating adheres to the surface. This is followed by preparation, adhesion promoter, and sanitary enamel, all perfectly coordinated. Removal usually takes one to two hours longer, but in most cases, the bathtub is still finished within a day.
Superficial rust beneath the paint is not a problem. We only recommend replacement if the bathtub is rusted through. In rare cases, this only becomes apparent once the old paint has been removed. We follow the same procedure if the coating applied by another specialist company is coming off.
The 8-year guarantee against peeling and yellowing also applies to a bathtub that was previously painted. In our experience, the coating lasts 35 years or more with normal use and care. You can find more information about the process, colours, and costs on the page Have your bathtub recoated.
Paint peeled or enamel chipped?
Both may look similar at first glance, but require different solutions:
Peeling paint peels off as a thin layer, often over a large area and starting from the edge. The old surface of the bathtub becomes visible underneath, sometimes in a different colour. In this case, only a new coating, after the old paint has been removed will help.
Chipped enamel usually occurs in a single spot, for example after an impact or if something has fallen into the bathtub. The dark metal underneath is exposed and may rust. Such areas can be repair, usually within a few hours.
Feel free to send us a photo. Whether the paint is peeling or the enamel is damaged, we can usually tell from the picture. Our Bathtub doctor shows which solution is suitable for which type of damage.
There is no fixed number. If applied carefully, it can last well. However, even small mistakes in preparation can weaken adhesion, so it sometimes comes off after just a few weeks.
Usually due to preparation: residue of silicone or limescale, a surface that has not been sanded or degreased, or a paint layer that is too thick or too thin. With enamel, it is often also the case that the paint is not suitable for daily exposure to warm water.
As a temporary solution, yes, but not permanently. The new paint will not adhere any better to the old paint, and the surface will become more uneven with each layer. In the long run, the only lasting solution is to remove the old paint completely and resurface the bathtub.
By sanding or using heat and a scraper until the substrate is exposed. Any remaining residue will compromise the adhesion of the new layer. Sanding produces fine dust, so covering up and wearing respiratory protection is necessary.
Yes. We first completely remove the old paint and then recoat the tub. This usually takes one to two hours longer and costs extra, but the tub is generally finished in a day. The 8-year guarantee also applies here.
Usually €1,200 to €2,000. The price mainly depends on the size and condition of the tub. If it has already been painted, there is an extra charge for removing the old paint. We provide a fixed price after inspection.
In our experience, our coating lasts 35 years or more with normal use and care, with an 8-year guarantee against peeling and yellowing. The main difference is the thorough preparation and the coordinated combination of adhesion promoter and sanitary paint.
The metal is exposed at the damaged area and may rust. Therefore, you should have it repaired soon. This is usually possible within a few hours, starting from €450, with an 8-year guarantee.
More about your bathtub
Repair bathtub
Chips, scratches and cracks in enamel and acrylic, usually repaired within a few hours.
„On the recommendation of a friend, we got in touch with bazuba Rostock for our bathroom renovation. Since it’s a rental apartment, there were quite a few things to consider with the landlord/owner’s approval, but we were able to implement many individual wishes at our own expense. The initial contact was very pleasant, and first, an assessment was made, and of course, the initial ideas and wishes for the project were recorded. The basic task was to transform the over 20-year-old tiled bathroom with an old bathtub into a modern seamless bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The company’s showroom had quite a few displays, where we could get our first personal impressions. Then we put together the rest from the catalogs, and we also relied on the advice and recommendations of the boss there, who contributed some great ideas. Then we received an offer with a 3D visualization of the finished bathroom. This allowed us to work very well together with the owner and bazuba on the details and arrive at a final result. The correspondence between bazuba and the owner also went very smoothly, and we were very well informed about delivery times, construction times, and the entire process up to the finished bathroom. We helped set up the construction site by covering the floor and cabinets, and the company’s employees were very friendly and informative about the work steps. We hardly had to ask anything because every morning we were informed about what would happen that day until quitting time. The announced construction time was even undercut by 2 days because everything really fit together, and the trades worked hand in hand. The handover and the finished result, including explanations of all the components, care instructions, and warranties, worked wonderfully and were presented to us very transparently. All in all, we are very satisfied with the result, and for the small space available, it almost feels like being in a good hotel when you step into the shower in the morning 😉 I can definitely recommend bazuba Rostock and am happy to show some before-and-after pictures. It’s not decorated or furnished yet, but it’s about the raw result."
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Marco S.
Rostock ·
Google
“
„Complete renovation of bathroom and WC — After weeks of searching online for a company that could take on our project (complete renovation of bathroom and WC), we came across bazuba. Although all customer reviews pointed to an outstanding company, we still felt the need to visit the company location in Guntramsdorf in person first. But from that moment on, it was clear to us that only this company was suitable for our project. The exceptionally warm, competent, polite, friendly, and patient team immediately convinced us. From then on, everything went very quickly. We arranged an inspection appointment with Mr. Weninger. The inspection, consultation, measuring, and addressing special requests all took place in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gentleman was very patient and really took a lot of time for us, only leaving once even the smallest detail was clarified. After the very detailed offer and placing the order, the renovation work began punctually on the agreed date. From here on, I have to keep it short, otherwise I would need two more pages. ALL involved, whether subcontractors or the truly outstanding bazuba specialists, carried out their tasks so competently, punctually, cleanly, almost dust-free, quickly, friendly, politely, courteously, professionally, precisely, and expertly that words almost fail me. The continuous support and (after)care of my project are also worth highlighting. After completing the very extensive work, I now have two real gems (bathroom and WC), and I find myself spending much more time there than really necessary. The conclusion of a highly satisfied and enthusiastic customer: the best 10-star company I have ever dealt with. I have recommended and will always recommend bazuba."
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werner.lissa
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) We had bazuba renovate our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet, and also modernize the shower in the second bathroom. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various steps with us, giving us good advice and showing a lot of patience. We were also able to talk openly about the price, and in the end he gave us an offer we were very happy with. We had also gotten quotes from competitors, which were noticeably more expensive—we’re talking +50% or more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the demolition team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the installation team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed on beforehand and so was fine. All the workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements. Our spontaneous change requests were welcomed and carried out. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have bright, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we think is a really fair price. No trouble with the craftsmen at all—in fact, it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."
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Hans G.
Guntramsdorf ·
Google
“
„Due to water damage in 2023 and subsequent repair work by a specialist company, we were then looking for a company to get our bathroom back in shape. This turned out to be not so easy; local companies either declined due to lack of time or didn’t show up despite appointments. Through internet research, we came across bazuba in Karlsruhe. We quickly had a first appointment with Mr. Glutsch. He arrived on time at our place, listened to our ideas about remodeling the bathroom, and shared his professional knowledge and comments. He took measurements, made notes, and promised to prepare an offer, which arrived in the shortest time. Due to several work appointments with bazuba, he already told us in advance that the work would be delayed and we should expect a date in March/April. But that didn’t matter to us in the end, since thanks to the preliminary work of the renovation company, we could still use our 30-year-old bathroom. When choosing the ceramics and the walk-in shower, we were with Mr. Glutsch at C.Ufer in KA (top advice!). In April, the work started on our partially renovated bathroom. After about 2 weeks, we could fully use our new bathroom; for the shower enclosure, we had to make do with a temporary solution, which was replaced after 5 weeks by a glass partition from Kermi. All in all, we were very impressed by the support and advice from bazuba (special thanks to Mr. Glutsch). A big compliment to the two skilled workers responsible for the work!! Without a doubt, 5 stars for bazuba."
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Peter G.
Karlsruhe ·
Google
“
„Good decision! — We chose BAZUBA because of a report on an online portal... and we have no regrets! Our wishes were discussed and planned in the showroom with an incredible amount of patience. Even changes and special requests before the renovation started were implemented quickly and easily. The entire construction team also deserves mention – everyone was without exception polite and friendly. I especially want to mention Mr. Robert, who brightened every one of our site visits with his good mood. In hindsight, we can now list the following reasons why we recommend BAZUBA to everyone: 1.) The price – All other quotes were about 25% higher than BAZUBA’s. 2.) The team – As already mentioned, patience and friendliness are top priorities here. 3.) The planning – None of our wishes were considered impossible. Even special requests were gladly fulfilled. 4.) The working time – A conventional renovation would have taken at least 4 weeks and the whole house would have been dusty. BAZUBA finished on schedule in 2 weeks. 5.) The quality – Nothing wobbles, nothing is scratched. The bathtub looks like new. The walls are flawless. Every joint fits perfectly. 6.) The look – We chose a seamless bathroom. Compared to tiles, our bathroom now feels much friendlier and warmer. 7.) The warranty! All in all, we are satisfied customers and would have our bathroom renovated by BAZUBA again anytime."
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Christopher
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Perfect! Absolutely recommend. — Tub out and shower in! From start to finish, we can only give the highest praise. The consultant, Mr. Raffael Weninger, gave us excellent advice at home. He took our needs into account and came up with a perfect plan for us with his great ideas. The craftsmen also deserve the highest praise. They were extremely careful to avoid dust and dirt, which is not easy with this kind of work. The first two days, two careful installers took on their responsible tasks. After all, all newly laid water pipes and drains have to be completely sealed. The third and fourth days belonged to the quick gentlemen Jànos and Gàbor, who were able to complete this partial renovation on time — without taking a break! It must be said that all "our" four craftsmen are extremely friendly and hardworking. Otherwise, our project would not have been completed perfectly in this relatively short time. On the third day, the company owner visited us, checked on the progress, and asked about our satisfaction so far. That builds trust. Now we enjoy our new shower pleasure every day! We gladly recommend this company with its great employees. Warm regards! Christian & Sylvia Karner"
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Christian K.
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„NEW BATHROOM For about 3 weeks now, we have been proud owners of a seamless bathroom and toilet. The first team from bazuba arrived on time and very punctual, professionally covering everything from the front door up to the bathroom, including the stairs, and began dismantling the old sanitary fixtures, disposing of everything no longer needed. From then on, things moved quickly every day. Congratulations to your employees. Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, and really hardworking. No matter what was being done, we were always asked if everything was okay or if we had other wishes. The new walk-in shower is truly a dream, the walls seamless and so beautifully bright, and the floor really very nice and easy to maintain. The toilet was done in the same style. Simply beautiful. I wanted to wait with the review until I got used to the new bathroom. Every morning, when I enter our beautiful bathroom, I am very happy. No matter which team was on site, all employees did professional work. We will always remember bazuba from Guntramsdorf fondly and will gladly recommend them. Thank you very much for everything. Best regards, Renate P."
Preferably with a photo: We will inspect your bathtub free of charge and provide a fixed price after the assessment. Prefer to call? Free from Germany at 0800 90 44 2000, from Austria on 0800 66 55 36.
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