How to Repaint a Fiberglass Shower Pan

Prepare the bathroom by placing plastic sheeting on the floor outside the shower and place a fan inside the bathroom for ventilation. Position the fan so it faces outward toward the door or a window to help circulate the air.

Add 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner to a bucket of water. Use a scrub brush with this solution to wash the shower pan. It is essential to remove any soap scum, mildew and hard water stains from the fiberglass pan.

Rinse the shower pan with water and allow the area to dry. Put on rubber gloves and a respirator face mask while you wait. You can find respirator face masks at home improvement stores and paint supply stores.

Apply paint stripper to the shower pan. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the amount and method. Use a paint stripper that contains methylene chloride and one that is specially formulated for fiberglass surfaces. Carefully strip the paint away, being careful not to get any of the chemical on your skin. Use the paint scraper if necessary. Rinse the surface with water and allow it to dry.

Sand the shower pan with 200 grit fine sandpaper until the floor takes on a shady appearance. You only want to etch the surface so the primer and paint adheres properly, not remove the top coating on the fiberglass.

Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth. Tack cloths that automotive repair shops use work well. Tape plastic sheeting to the shower walls, doors and drain with painter's tape.

Add the epoxy primer to the paint sprayer gun. Use a high-volume, low-pressure gun to paint this kind of enclosed area. You can rent these at some home improvement stores or at equipment rental stores. Let the primer dry for several hours.

Clean the paint sprayer, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Add the epoxy paint to the paint sprayer. Paint the shower pan evenly using a left to right and top to bottom motion so the paint does not pool.

Apply a second coat of paint when the paint begins to become tacky; typically within one hour.

Allow the shower pan to dry for 72 hours before using the shower. Keep the ventilation fans going during this time.