Are you considering renovating your bathroom yourself and creating your own unique style? You've probably seen the satisfying transformation videos on YouTube and read the warning stories on Reddit. You know you can do this.
Painting bathroom tile or refinishing a bathtub is much easier when every tool is ready before you mix the paint. But as a beginner, the excitement can quickly turn into a headache the moment you ask yourself: "What tools do I actually need to buy?"
To save you time, money, and trips to the hardware store, we've broken down the exact checklist you need. Even better, this tub and tile painting supplies checklist will show you how to get 90% of these tools in a single box.
Essential Checklist for Tub and Tile Painting
The Golden Rule: 90% of a long-lasting paint job is prep. You must scrub away all soap scum, grease, and wax first, or your paint will easily peel off.
The Complete “All-in-One Kit” Shortcut: Don’t waste hours buying individual rollers, brushes, sandpapers, and tape. A premium all-in-one refinishing kit contains almost everything you need:
- ✓ Treatment cleaners
- ✓ Sandpapers
- ✓ Gloves
- ✓ Stirring stick
- ✓ 2K paint specialized for tub and tile
- ✓ Paint rollers and brush
- ✓ Masking tape and masking film
All tools are pre-matched, making the kit especially beginner-friendly.
The “Must-Haves” You Still Need to Grab: While a great paint kit covers your painting essentials, you will still need a few basic household tools, such as a screwdriver to remove hardware, silicone caulk remover, and a vacuum to clear away dust.
1. Start with the Right Paint
The most important decision you'll make isn't about the tools. It is choosing a paint that actually sticks to your surface. Standard wall paint will quickly peel off a glossy tub, ceramic tile, or sink.
For a long-lasting coating effect, we recommend using two-part (or 2K, two-component) paint. Here is why:
- Rock-Solid Durability: Two-part paint uses a chemical reaction (paint mixed with a hardener) to cure. This makes the finish incredibly hard and scratch-resistant.
- 100% Waterproof: It easily handles daily water, high humidity, and regular scrubbing without bubbling or peeling.
- Smooth Look: It levels out beautifully as it dries, leaving a glossy, professional finish that looks brand new.
Before you buy, identify your surface material. Whether you have ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, or enamel, make sure your paint is compatible.
For a hassle-free option, the DWIL Tub and Tile Paint All-in-One Kit is a premium, low-odor, two-part water-based formula designed for these exact surfaces. Just note: it should not be used on artificial marble, metal, or surfaces that are already powdery and peeling.
Unsure what your tub or tile is made of? Don't guess! Snap a few clear photos and send them to DWIL to check before you start.
2. The Absolute Essential Tools
To paint your tiles, tub, toilet, and vanity, you need specific applicator tools that won't leave lint or brush strokes. Here is what is absolutely mandatory, and how DWIL saves you the hassle of buying them separately:
|
Required Tool |
Why You Need It |
The DWIL Kit Shortcut |
|
Two-Part (or 2K) Paint |
Standard wall paint is not designed for tubs or tile in wet bathrooms. You need high-performance, water-resistant, two-part paint. |
Included! Features our premium, low-odor, low VOC, eco-friendly water-based formula and hardener. |
|
Surface Treatment Cleaner |
To chemically strip away deep soap scum, body oils, and wax so the paint helps the paint adhere properly. |
Included! Our kit comes with a specialized 500ml deep-cleaning agent. |
|
Paint Rollers |
Regular rollers leave a fuzzy texture. You need lint-free, high-density foam for a a smoother, low-texture finish. |
Included! Specifically matched for our water-based formula. |
|
Precision Detail Brush |
For cutting in around grout lines, corners, and behind the toilet. |
Included! Right size and stiffness for tight spaces. |
|
Custom Sandpaper |
To lightly scuff smooth porcelain and laminate surfaces so the paint has "teeth" to grip. |
Included! Two sheets of pre-measured grit paper. |
|
Painter's Tape & Film |
To mask off your walls, faucets, and floors from accidental splatters. |
Included! Professional-grade tape and protective sheeting. |
SAFETY WARNING: Never mix the supplied cleaner with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, toilet bowl cleaner, or other cleaning products. Dangerous fumes may result. Use only as directed in a well-ventilated area.
A beginner can complete most small bathroom projects with a all-in-one kit: brushes are used for painting curves, corners, tile grout, drains, and other detailed areas; rollers are used for painting wide, flat areas such as wall tiles and the sides of the bathtub.
DWIL tips: Don't buy a large roller just because the bathroom has a lot of tile. A small roller is easier to control around fixtures and grout lines and reduces the chance of heavy edges or drips.
Why Choose the DWIL Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit?
As a beginner, walking down the hardware store aisle can be overwhelming. Do you need a foam roller or a microfiber one? Which sandpaper grit is safe for porcelain? What types of paint can be used on tiles? Which tape won't peel your wall paint?
We designed the DWIL Kit to eliminate the guesswork. DWIL's current 1 kg/32 oz kit combines tub and tile paint with hardener and a 500 ml ceramic surface cleaner. We've packed every core application tool into one single box. It's budget-friendly, pre-tested, and ready to go the second it arrives at your door.
The product instructions also refer to provided application and protection tools. Always compare the contents printed on your particular package, because kit sizes and contents can change.
The Household Tools You Need to Prepare
While the DWIL kit provides all your painting gear, you will still need a few common household items to ensure a seamless prep phase:
For Surface Preparation (Before Painting)
- Screwdriver: Essential for removing vanity handles, faucet trims, and toilet flush buttons. Painting around hardware always looks messy; taking 5 minutes to unscrew them makes a world of difference.
- Caulk Remover & New Silicone Caulk: Paint cannot stick to silicone. You must scrape away all old sealant around the tub and sink before painting. Once the paint is fully cured, you will apply fresh caulk to seal the edges.
- Vacuum & Lint-Free Cloths: After sanding your tiles, you must vacuum up every speck of dust and wipe the surface completely clean. Any leftover dust will create tiny bumps under your smooth new finish.
DWIL tips: Paint cannot solve structural problems. A flexible tub, moving tile, loose grout, active leak or deep crack should be repaired properly before any cosmetic refinishing begins.
For Mixing Two-Part Paint
Two-part paint begins a limited working period once the hardener is added. If you cannot comfortably apply the entire mixed quantity within the stated working time, divide the unmixed components into proportional batches.
Never estimate the mixing ratio by eye, and never pour mixed paint back into the original container. Follow the ratio and working time printed on your current package. DWIL's product page currently says to use the mixed coating within 2 hours, but the label and manual supplied with your kit should be your final reference.
The Pro Hack: Use a small digital scale to weigh and mix only what you need for Coat 1 (following the weight ratio on our label). Save the rest of the unmixed paint for Coat 2!
For Safety & Ventilation
- A Mask & Gloves: While DWIL uses an ultra-low VOC, low-odor formula that is much safer and more pleasant than traditional harsh epoxy paints, wearing a mask is still highly recommended when sanding down old debris.
- An Fan or Window Fan: Keeping the air moving helps the paint dry evenly and keeps your workspace fresh.
Ready to Skip the Hardware Store Run?
Instead of spending your Friday night driving around looking for individual tools, get everything you need delivered straight to your door, and turn your dated bathroom into a modern oasis this weekend!
Grab Your DWIL Kit HereFAQ
What supplies do I need to paint bathroom tile?
You need a compatible tub and tile coating, the required cleaner or surface treatment, a small roller, a detail brush, painter's tape, surface protection, cleaning cloths and personal protective equipment. Sandpaper, repair filler and primer are conditional rather than universal requirements.
What supplies do I need to paint a bathtub?
Start with a refinishing coating approved for your bathtub material. You will also need the specified preparation products, application tools, protective tape and sheeting, gloves, eye protection and ventilation. If the old silicone touches the painted area, include caulk-removal tools and replacement bathroom silicone.
Is a tub and tile refinishing kit enough by itself?
It depends on the kit. An DWIL all-in-one version contains paint, hardener, cleaner and basic application tools, but you may still need safety glasses, extra cloths, a screwdriver, caulk-removal supplies or measuring tools. Check the package contents before shopping.
Do I need primer before using tub and tile paint?
Not always. Many refinishing systems are designed to bond after their own preparation process. Use a separate primer only when the coating manufacturer confirms that it is needed and compatible with the full system.
Can I use tub and tile paint on the bathroom floor?
Yes. DWIL Tub and Tile Paint can be used on suitable bathroom floor tiles. Because floors receive more foot traffic, water and cleaning than wall tiles, we recommend pairing it with the DWIL Floor Coating Kit and applying the protective topcoat as directed for added durability, water resistance and slip resistance.
