TikTok's DIY Shower Faucet Makeover Has Viewers Underwhelmed And It's Clear Why
DIYers are often looking for new projects to update their homes or add a new detail and TikTok has become a platform where these tips, tricks, and ideas have gone viral. However, a DIY project getting lots of views, likes, and comments doesn't always mean the audience is impressed. TikTok user Salvaged by Sammie experienced this first-hand when showing off her spray-painted shower faucets. "I spray painted our faucet handles [three] months ago and people were MAD," Sammie writes in the caption of the TikTok video. But commenters aren't convinced that the matte-black spray paint finish is a good DIY.
The majority are skeptical about how long-lasting the spray painting job would be, especially because it seems Sammie didn't sand or prime the faucet as preparation or apply a top coat or sealant after the fact. Others believe the paint will begin to chip or peel after getting wet a few times or from hands touching it and turning the knobs on and off. Many people are convinced this DIY will only last a few days before it starts to deteriorate in appearance.
However, Sammie claims the faucet finish is going strong. "[T]his spray paint is meant for adhering to metal and for outdoor use. It's been 3 months with every other day use, and looks exactly the same as the day I sprayed them." Even if the appearance has held strong over three months, there are still a few concerns with this DIY.
Peeling paint isn't the only problem
The comments on Sammie's TikTok video were mostly concerned about the spray paint peeling with continued use of the shower. However, the peeling may only be a topical issue. Underneath, rust can become an issue if moisture gets trapped under the paint. "Most bathroom hardware is made of metal and is, therefore, prone to rust and corrosion over time. Painting the hardware can trap moisture underneath the paint and accelerate this process, leading to damage and deterioration," Pat Gilham, a painting and decorating expert, told Ideal Home in an interview. If paint peels or scratches, moisture is much more likely to get underneath and cause rust or corrosion, which would lead you to have to replace the fixtures in the future.
Similarly, spray paint is not a solution for already rusted bathroom fixtures. Spray paint won't stick to rust, especially if it's already flaking off. Painting over rust can lead to a splotchy paint job that flakes off with time. It can also make the rust issue worse, as the fixture may continue to rust underneath the spray paint, creating a larger issue down the line.
Should you avoid or try this shower faucet DIY?
Despite TikTok's comments about spray painting bathroom faucets, this is a project that many DIYers swear by. It is an inexpensive and easy way to update bathroom fixtures. Sammie used Behr Premium interior/exterior spray paint and primer in one, which costs $6.98 at Home Depot. A similar product from Rust-Oleum costs $7.99 from Ace Hardware.
This DIY comes with a few caveats, though. Sammie and many other DIYers claim that the spray paint holds up for a few months or even a couple of years. However, compared to traditional fixtures, spray-painted shower fixtures aren't as durable. With this in mind, this DIY is best done in guest bathrooms or ones that aren't used very frequently as opposed to a main bathroom or ensuite. Low traffic will help the paint last longer. Still, you may have to do touch-ups to the paint over time.
Proper preparation, including thoroughly cleaning and sanding the fixtures, will also help the spray paint last longer. Use spray paint made to adhere to metal, spray thin layers, and allow previous layers to dry completely before doing another. Allow the paint to dry completely, about 24 hours, before using the bathroom.
Compared to purchasing new shower fixtures that can be about $25 at the low end and a couple of hundred dollars on the higher end at big box stores, spray painting fixtures can be an option if you're looking to save money.