Painted Bath FAQs - Everything You Need to Know

Short Answer
Every bath we offer—acrylic, stone cast, fibreglass, or gel-coat—can be painted on its exterior.

Full Answer
At Classical Baths, we love giving you the freedom to match your bath to your unique style. That’s why all our tubs are suitable for painting, whether you choose a classic roll-top or a sleek modern design. Here’s how it works:

• Exterior-Only: We paint the outside while leaving the interior and top edges in their original finish.
• Feet Included: If your bath has feet, we can often paint those, too. You can either match the bath colour or go bold with a contrasting shade. There may be an extra cost for this, depending on the model and your requierments - get in toouch to find out more.
• Quality Preparation: Our experienced painter meticulously preps and primes the surface to ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

If you’re unsure whether your chosen bath is a good candidate for paint (especially for more contemporary styles with tricky edges), just ask us. We’re always happy to help.

Short Answer
Check out our Painted Bath Photo Gallery online or visit our Leeds showroom in person.

Full Answer
To get a feel for how our painted baths look in real life:

1. Online Photo Gallery: Head over to our Painted Bath Photo Gallery for an ever-growing collection of real customer baths (there are lots of images here so it may tae a few secomds to load).
2. Showroom Visit: If photos aren’t enough, we welcome you to our Leeds showroom. Just make an impromtu visit or call or email to set up a time, and we’ll be happy to show you around (and answer any questions you may have on the spot).

No matter which route you choose, we’re here to help you envision your dream bath.

Short Answer
Use official paint swatches or sample pots—avoid relying solely on your computer or phone screen.

Full Answer
Colour is deeply personal, and we want you to be thrilled with the final result. To help you choose:

• Swatches & Colour Cards: Request a paint swatch or colour card from your favourite manufacturer. We also keep certain swatches (like Farrow & Ball) in stock—feel free to ring us if you need one.
• Sample Pots: If you can, paint a piece of card or paper at least A4 size and place it in your bathroom to see how it looks under different lighting conditions (daytime, artificial light, etc.).
• Computer Screens: Colours on screens may differ dramatically from actual paint because monitors can’t replicate subtle pigment variations. Always confirm with a physical sample first.
• Our Advice: Don’t hesitate to email or call us if you’re unsure about how a colour might appear on your bath. We have years of experience painting baths and can guide you to the perfect shade.

Short Answer
We can work with any suitable brand or colour, including RAL colours and popular premium ranges like Farrow & Ball.

Full Answer
One of the best parts of customizing your bath is choosing exactly the colour you want. We regularly paint baths using:

• Popular Brands: Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Zoffany, Paint & Paper Library, Sanderson, Benjamin Moore, Dulux and RAL colours.
• Extensive Colour Choices: Together, these brands offer over 1,500 colours, plus we can source any suitable paint range you’d like.
• RAL Colour Codes: If you have a specific RAL reference in mind (common for commercial projects or matching existing décor), we can paint to that code in most cases.
• Preferred Finish: We typically use a matt eggshell finish, which is both durable and washable—ideal for bathrooms. However, if you prefer another finish, just let us know!

If you have any special requirements or specific brands in mind, we’re always happy to accommodate.

Short Answer
Order online or give us a call; we’ll confirm your details, colour choice, and delivery before processing any payment.

Full Answer
We want to make ordering simple and straightforward for you:

1. Online Order:

   • Find the bath you want on our website.
   • In the “Finish” dropdown, select the “Painted Exterior” option.
   • Proceed to checkout. You can include a note about the colour, but we’ll still contact you to confirm everything before we charge your card.

2. By Phone:

   • If you prefer the old-fashioned way (and a friendly chat), just give us a call.
   • We’ll take your order details, discuss your colour preferences, and confirm shipping arrangements.

3. Payment Confirmation:

   • Your payment is authorised at checkout, but no money will be taken until we talk through your colour choice and confirm all order details.
   • This ensures no surprises on your bill and that you’re 100% happy with your decision.

Once confirmed, we’ll provide an estimated lead time (usually 2–4 weeks) and keep you updated on the progress of your custom-painted bath.

Short Answer
Usually 2–4 weeks, with possible flexibility for urgent requests.

Full Answer
We aim to balance quality craftsmanship with efficient turnaround. In most cases, you can expect your painted bath to be ready in about 2 to 4 weeks. However:

• Rush Orders: If you’re on a tight schedule, let us know—we often accommodate urgent requests and will do our utmost to meet your deadline.
• Approval & Colour Confirmation: We don’t start painting until you confirm your colour choice and we finalize your order details. Once that’s done, we’ll give you a more precise timeline.

Short Answer
Yes! In many cases we can paint the feet to match the bath or in a contrasting colour.

Full Answer
To achieve a cohesive look—or a creative contrast—you can have the feet painted in your chosen colour.

• Most Manufacturers: Many feet come in a non-chrome finish (like white), which we can paint directly.
• Chrome Feet: Some feet, especially chrome ones, need a powder coating first to help the paint adhere. Where possible we’ll handle that process, ensuring a secure, long-lasting finish.
• Additional Costs: If the feet require a separate or contrasting colour, there may be a small extra charge to cover the additional paint and preparation.

Short Answer
We don’t lacquer the entire painted surface, but we do apply lacquer around the edge of the paint line for extra protection on those baths whch require it.

Full Answer
Our painted baths are finished to a high standard without the need for full lacquering. However, for added durability, we apply a protective lacquer around the edge of the paint line to help prevent wear over time.

• Why We Don’t Fully Lacquer: A full lacquer coat is unnecessary because we prepare and apply the paint under the right conditions for a stable, long-lasting finish. Lacquer can also yellow over time, affecting the colour of lighter shades.
• Why We Lacquer the Edges On Some Baths : This creates a subtle protective barrier where the painted area meets the unpainted surface, helping to prevent chipping and ensuring a seamless, long-lasting transition.
• Quality Assurance: This extra step enhances durability without affecting the rich, matte look of premium paints like Farrow & Ball.

If you have any special requests or concerns about the finish, let us know—we’re happy to tailor the process to your needs!

Short Answer
Absolutely. The paints we use are designed for interior woodwork, making them tough and easy to clean.

Full Answer
We typically use an eggshell finish—the same kind of paint you might use on skirting boards, window frames, or doors:

• Knock-Resistant & Washable: Ideal for the normal knocks and scrapes of daily bathroom life.
• Long Life: With basic care, you can expect it to last 10 years or more before showing signs of wear.
• Expert Application: Each bath is sprayed with multiple layers, so your paint job is set to handle daily humidity, cleaning, and family use.

Short Answer
Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth to wipe away marks; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.

Full Answer
Caring for your painted bath is straightforward:

• Daily Wipe-Down: A gentle wipe with a damp microfibre cloth removes most marks or smudges.
• Stubborn Marks: If something won’t budge, contact us for advice. Sometimes a bit of mild cleaner or a specialized solvent can do the trick without damaging the paint.
• Avoid Abrasives: Steer clear of harsh scouring pads or potent chemicals—they can scratch or dull the finish.

If you accidentally scratch or scuff the paint, just let us know. We can often recommend a DIY touch-up method or provide a small paint atomiser for more significant repairs.

Short Answer
Yes—light marks can often be buffed out, and more serious scuffs can be touched up or resprayed.

Full Answer
Your painted bath is designed to handle everyday life, but accidents happen. If you notice a scratch or scuff:

• Minor Scuffs: A gentle rub with a soft cloth or mild polish (e.g., T-Cut) can sometimes restore the finish.
• Touch-Ups: For more stubborn marks, we can supply a small atomiser pre-loaded with the exact paint colour. This lets you carefully respray the affected area at home.
• Professional Repair: If the damage is significant, our team can advise on more extensive repairs or refinishing services. We’re just a phone call or email away.

Short Answer
Select the “Painted Exterior” option on any bath page to see the exact price, which includes both paint and painting.

Full Answer
We make it easy to see how much your bath will cost once painted:

1. Product Page: On our website, find the bath you’re interested in and look for the “Finish” dropdown—choose “Painted Exterior.”
2. Updated Price: The displayed price will automatically adjust to include the painting service.
3. Feet Painting: If you want the feet painted in a different colour, there may be an additional charge for the extra paint and prep work.

We believe in transparent pricing, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you commit.

13. Can I paint my own bath at home?

Short Answer
Yes—but you’ll likely achieve only about 75% of the professional finish we can provide.

Full Answer
If you’re handy and have a roll-top bath (where the underside is easy to define):

• Preparation: Key the surface with P240 wet-and-dry paper. Fill in any imperfections (if visible).
• Priming: Use a primer compatible with your chosen topcoat.
• Painting: An eggshell or similar hard-wearing interior paint (like you’d use on skirting boards) is recommended. Apply two coats, allowing each to fully dry.
• Optional Extras: We spray three topcoats and sand (mat) between layers, which produces a smooth, professional look. You can do the same if you have the time and patience.

For contemporary-style baths without a natural edge under the roll, achieving a neat, clean edge is more challenging and typically requires advanced skills. If in doubt, we’re happy to help.

Short Answer
Our painting process is thorough and reliable, but we’re always here to address special requests or unusual situations.

Full Answer

• Expertise & Experience: We’ve been painting baths for over a decade, and we were one of the first bathroom retailers to offer this service. Our skilled craftsman (who is also a master cabinet maker) handles every stage with precision.
• Colour Consultation: If you’re unsure about a colour scheme, feel free to give us a call. We can advise on everything from matching bathroom décor to picking contrasting feet colours.
• Special Requirements: Got an unusual brand of paint in mind, a unique RAL code, or super-tight timelines? Let us know, and we’ll see what we can do.
• Customer Support: Whether you need aftercare tips or help fixing a scratch years down the line, we’re just a phone call or email away.

If you have any additional questions or unique needs, don’t hesitate to reach out!