Easy Waterproof Painting Techniques for Your Shower Curtain

paint
  • 3-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 30-45
What You'll Need
Painter's drop sheet
Paint brushes
Paint pens
Shallow aluminum pan
Gloves
Container of water
What You'll Need
Painter's drop sheet
Paint brushes
Paint pens
Shallow aluminum pan
Gloves
Container of water

Painting an image on a shower curtain is an easy way to have a customized piece in your bathroom. While you will need to use a waterproof paint, standard waterproof paint is intended to be used on concrete walls to prevent water seepage, and is not suitable to use on a shower curtain. On a fabric or plastic curtain, use acrylic-based fabric paints to customize it. Rubber-based paint used for pool liners will work on your vinyl curtain. Create a hand-painted shower curtain for your bathroom with these directions.

Step 1 - Start with the Art

Find an artwork you want to transfer to the curtain, or design your own.

Step 2 - Select the Curtain Material and Suitable Paint

Choose a cloth curtain to use with a plastic curtain liner, a plastic curtain alone, or a vinyl shower curtain. Purchase the correct paint for your curtain material.

Step 3 - Clean and Dry the Curtain

All paints and bases stick better to clean dry material. Hang the washed curtain up to dry and plan the design.

Step 4 - Prepare the Area Where You Will Paint

Use a large area of open floor space or an empty dining room table. Work in a well-lit, well-ventilated workspace. Put down the plastic drop sheet to protect against paint spills. Set up all your work supplies. Have a container of water nearby to wash brushes and mix paints.

Step 5 - Outline Your Design and Paint It Fully

To transfer a picture or design onto a clear plastic curtain, lay the artwork face down on the inside face of the curtain. Spread the curtain out flat and tape down the art securely, leaving a 12-inch empty border above the bottom of the curtain so the painted design will not get soaked. Turn the curtain over and outline the main shapes with paint pens. Use the acrylic paint mixed with very little water to keep the color dense, and paint large areas with the widest brush. Then use a slim brush for details and edges. Allow the painted design to dry overnight, and touch up if needed. Pull the original artwork off the face, and remove any tape marks. When the curtain is fully dry, hang it on the shower rail hooks.

To paint onto fabric, draw the picture onto the outer side with paint pens, then apply a coat of fabric paint base to help the paint adhere when washed. Mix the acrylic paint with water until it is smooth and fill in the large spaces with a wide brush. Use a small brush for borders and details. Allow the acrylic paint to dry for about 4 hours, and put on a second coat. Hang up the curtain when it is dry.

To paint a vinyl curtain, draw the design on with a paint pen, and apply the rubber-based paint. Leave the shower curtain to dry overnight. Fill in any cracks or gaps and allow to dry fully. Hang the shower curtain up the next day.