Whether you’re going for a complete remodel or just sprucing up the space, painting the bathroom is an essential step. Before you jump into the painting process, though, don’t neglect the fixtures. Here’s how to protect the fixtures when painting your bathroom.
Why You Should Protect Bathroom Fixtures
Image via Flickr by juhansonin
No matter if they’re standard issue or a major investment, bathroom fixtures can be costly. When you go through a bathroom remodel, rogue paint splatters or unsightly paint lines can easily damage your carefully chosen fixtures. Unfortunately, these errors can seriously decrease the value of any fixtures and make your hard work look much less skilled than it should. To avoid this unfortunate fate and protect your investment, it’s important to shield fixtures from any work you plan to do.
Create a DIY Fix
Remodeling projects can’t always wait for the perfect day, but rest assured that if you decide to paint on the fly, you can protect bathroom fixtures with materials and supplies that you likely have on hand. First, cover showerheads, faucets, and similar features by wrapping painter’s tape around them from base to end.
For larger fixtures like lights and lamps, turn them off, remove the bulbs, and cover the fixtures in painter’s plastic. Use painter’s tape to secure the plastic in place and protect the fixtures from a variety of outcomes, from stray brush marks to drips to dust from sanding.
Adopt a Professional Solution
If you’re able to plan ahead for your next scheduled painting project, be sure to have something like ScotchBlue pre-taped painter’s plastic on hand. This product includes the best of both worlds, or both painter’s tape and painter’s plastic in a single item. Simply adhere the product around the perimeter of large fixtures. Once it’s in place, gently pull the painter’s plastic and extend until it covers the entire fixture. Gather and seal the exposed ends to create a complete protective barrier around each fixture.
Keep in mind that pre-taped painter’s plastic will keep your fixtures safe from damage and debris, but only if you place it properly. Be sure to follow the product’s directions, and apply the painter’s tape as carefully as possible. If you’re painting around a difficult surface like textured walls or ceilings, be sure to use a tool with a flat edge during application. This will help ensure that you place the tape properly while creating a seal around the fixture.
Wait to Remove Coverings
Once you’ve prepared the fixtures, don’t hesitate to leave them covered until the last step of your renovation project is complete. Since the plastic cover removal takes just seconds, there’s no need to do it early on in the project and risk having to cover your fixtures again if you need to do a paint touch-up or a more involved project. Many painter’s tape products offer easy release after as much as two weeks.
Protecting bathroom fixtures is a critical part of bathroom renovation. Follow these steps to keep yours safe, dry, and secure.
What do you think? Did we miss anything? Do you have any trade secrets on how to protect fixtures while painting your bathroom?
