Epoxy coating for bathroom surfaces – Cost guide and expert tips

Epoxy resin coating for bathroom surfaces cost guide

Epoxy coating (or resin coating) is a smart way to upgrade your bathroom without tearing everything out. It gives surfaces a sleek, seamless finish that’s waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. You can use it on floors, walls, vanities, and even over old tiles — and it holds up better than standard paint or sealants.

Whether you’re dealing with cracked grout, tired tile, or just want a modern, low-maintenance look, epoxy can do the job. The best part? It costs less than a full renovation, and it can completely change how your bathroom looks and feels.

Let’s break down what it costs and what really drives the price.

And if you’re wondering how much your bathroom epoxy coating would cost, the easiest way to find out is to submit your project in BuilderPlaza to get a free quote!

Are epoxy and resin coatings the same?

No — epoxy and resin coatings are not exactly the same, even though people often use the terms interchangeably.

Both are part of the larger family of resin-based coatings, but the differences come down to their chemical makeup, use case, durability, and finish. Here’s what you actually need to know when choosing one for a bathroom.

Epoxy coatings: Durable, thick, and long-lasting

Epoxy is a two-part resin system made from epoxide resin and a hardener. When mixed, they create a thick, chemical-resistant coating that bonds well to concrete, tile, or stone.

• Best for: Bathroom floors, shower walls, countertops
• Key traits: Strong, hard, slightly glossy or matte finish
• Durability: 10–15 years with proper application
• Common use: Coating bathroom floors, walls, vanities, or tile over existing surfaces
• Thickness: Usually applied at 1–5 mm (much thicker than paint)

Epoxy is your go-to if you’re looking for maximum durability and a finish that can take daily abuse. It’s also more resistant to heat and heavy wear.

Resin coatings: More decorative, less industrial

“Resin” can refer to many types — including polyester, acrylic, or polyurethane resins. These are often used in art projects, furniture, or decorative coatings. Some home DIY kits labeled “resin” are actually epoxy-based, but with thinner formulations for easier use.

• Best for: Art, crafts, light-use surfaces
• Key traits: Crystal clear or pigmented, self-leveling, usually glossier
• Durability: Shorter lifespan under moisture, especially in high-use bathrooms
• Common use: Decorative coatings, wall art, resin furniture, DIY vanities
• Thickness: Typically <1 mm unless layered

Unless the product specifically says it’s for flooring or wet-area use, most resin coatings are not made to handle daily water exposure, foot traffic, or steam.

Bottom line: Which one should you use in a bathroom?

Go with epoxy if you’re coating bathroom floors, walls, or surfaces that get wet, walked on, or scrubbed often. It’s designed to hold up in tough conditions.

“Resin” coatings might look nice in a photo — but unless it’s epoxy resin built for structural use, it won’t last in a humid, high-moisture bathroom.

If you’re not sure which one your project needs, talk to a bathroom surface coating contractor. They’ll know what system works best for your space.

How much does epoxy coating cost in a bathroom?

Based on 2,457 projects posted through BuilderPlaza, the average cost to epoxy coat bathroom surfaces is $4,890.21.

• The most affordable jobs — like coating a small vanity or countertop — came in around $1,290.67
• Full wall and floor epoxy systems reached up to $12,979.44, especially when the job included prepping old tile or concrete

For most average-sized bathrooms, you’ll pay around $3,000–$6,000, depending on the type of epoxy and how much surface area is involved. It’s typically cheaper than retiling or full replacement, especially if your existing surfaces are in okay shape.

If you’re comparing options, epoxy often makes more sense than tile replacement or surface refinishing — especially when you’re going for a smooth, continuous finish without grout lines.

Example pricing for epoxy coating materials

Epoxy coating materials are typically sold by weight (pounds), not volume — especially for pourable epoxy used on floors. Most DIY kits are sold in 1.5 to 2-gallon kits, which usually weigh around 15 to 20 pounds total. Pros often buy in bulk buckets, which brings down the per-unit price.

For pourable floor epoxy (used in 2–5 mm layers), the average material cost is around $11–$13 per pound. These products are thicker and require more material per square foot, especially if the floor isn’t perfectly level.

On the other hand, epoxy paints and thin coatings — like the ones used over already smooth concrete — go on in much thinner layers (about 1 mm or less) and typically cost $20–$25 per pound. Since coverage is thinner, you’ll use far less material compared to a full epoxy pour.

Here’s an example of how much pourable epoxy you might need — and what it could cost — for different surface areas and layer thicknesses, based on an average material price of $12 per pound:

Epoxy Thickness	100 ft²	200 ft²	300 ft²
1 mm (thin coat)	23.7 lbs = $284	47.5 lbs = $570	71.2 lbs = $854
2 mm	47.5 lbs = $570	95 lbs = $1,140	142.5 lbs = $1,710
5 mm	118.7 lbs = $1,424	237.5 lbs = $2,850	356.2 lbs = $4,274
10 mm	237.5 lbs = $2,850	475 lbs = $5,700	712.5 lbs = $8,550

Here’s a chart visualizing the cost of the materials:

Important: These estimates are for materials only.

You’ll also need to budget for:

• Primers and any concrete grinding or patching (especially if applying directly to bare concrete)
• Pigments or color additives
• Application tools like rollers, squeegees, trowels
• Protective gear: gloves, respirators, masking film, etc.
• Professional labor, if you’re not doing it yourself

It’s easy to spend an extra $200–$400 on tools and prep materials — even before labor.

And if you’re hiring a contractor, add in their hourly or flat labor rate. A pro will also factor in setup, curing time, and cleanup — all of which can impact total cost.

What affects the price of epoxy sealing?

Several factors impact the final price, and it’s not just about square footage.

Surface type and area

Floors use more material than walls or countertops. And the type of epoxy matters — pourable floor epoxy is applied thicker (usually 2–5 mm), so you’ll need more of it. Epoxy paint, on the other hand, goes on in thinner coats, usually around 1 mm, and costs less overall.

Material cost per layer

To give you a real-world idea, pourable epoxy can cost around $2.40–$2.80 per square foot at 2 mm thickness, just for materials. That doesn’t include:

• Primers
• Pigments
• Tools and rollers
• Safety gear
• Labor

Double that thickness or add color effects, and material costs go way up. For example, doing a 10 m² (~107 ft²) bathroom floor at 5 mm thickness can easily cost over $3,000 in materials alone.

Surface prep

Old surfaces usually need grinding, patching, or priming to get good adhesion. If you’re applying epoxy over concrete, tile, or stone, your contractor might need to level the base or add a primer layer to prevent peeling.

Poor prep ruins the finish, so cutting corners here isn’t worth it.

Complexity and labor

If you’re going for something beyond a flat gray — like metallic epoxy, marble-effect swirls, or anti-slip texture — it takes more time and skill to get it right.

You’ll also pay more for tricky layouts, edge detailing, or vertical wall applications, which are harder to coat smoothly.

Why use epoxy coating in your bathroom?

Epoxy isn’t just for garages and warehouses anymore — it’s become one of the most practical ways to finish bathroom surfaces. It creates a seamless, waterproof layer that’s incredibly resistant to moisture, dirt, and everyday wear. That means fewer cracks, no grout lines, and less scrubbing.

For homeowners who want a low-maintenance finish, epoxy checks all the boxes. It’s non-porous, which helps prevent mold and mildew. It holds up against soap, shampoo, and hard water stains. And it’s tough — it won’t chip or peel like paint.

Plus, it’s highly customisable. You can go with a sleek concrete-gray look, add pigments for color, or even create metallic or marbled effects. Whether you’re remodeling or just refreshing tired surfaces, epoxy gives you a professional-looking result without the mess of demo work.

Where can epoxy coating be applied?

Epoxy can be used on most solid bathroom surfaces — new or old — as long as the surface is properly prepped. Common areas include:

• Bathroom floors: Great for creating slip-resistant, waterproof flooring with no grout
• Shower walls: A smooth alternative to tile that’s easy to clean
• Vanity tops and countertops: Resists scratches, stains, and water damage
• Over old tile or concrete: With the right primer, epoxy can be applied directly over many existing surfaces

If you’re dealing with worn-out tile or cracked grout, epoxy can cover it all with a clean, modern surface. Just keep in mind that the base layer must be solid and level — if not, your contractor will need to prep it first with grinding or patching.

How long does epoxy last and is it worth it?

A properly applied epoxy coating can last 10–15 years or more, especially on floors or countertops with regular care. On vertical surfaces like walls or in showers, it may need to be touched up sooner — more like 5–10 years, depending on moisture levels and use.

It’s definitely worth it if you’re:

• Tired of scrubbing grout lines
• Looking for a modern, low-maintenance finish
• Updating a rental or high-use space where durability matters
• Trying to avoid a full remodel but still want a major visual upgrade

Compared to traditional paint or tile, epoxy is stronger, smoother, and longer-lasting — especially in bathrooms where moisture, heat, and soap can wreck most finishes over time.

DIY vs hiring a contractor

You can buy epoxy kits online or from hardware stores, and they’ll work fine for small jobs like a vanity top or patching a small floor. But full bathroom surfaces? That’s where most DIY attempts fall short.

Professional epoxy contractors use industrial-grade products that are thicker, more durable, and require skill to apply properly. They also know how to prep the surface so the epoxy sticks — which is the difference between a smooth, long-lasting finish and one that peels within a year.

Epoxy looks simple when it’s done right. But getting there takes experience, especially if you’re working on uneven tile, curved edges, or vertical walls. DIY kits often skip steps like priming, leveling, or adding anti-slip finishes — and skipping those steps can ruin the whole job.

If you’re coating more than a vanity or doing a full bathroom upgrade, hiring a contractor is the smarter long-term choice.

Let us connect you with trusted contractors in your area – Submit your project in BuilderPlaza today to get quotes from 3-4 companies in your area!

Real-world results from homeowners

Here’s what real people have said after epoxy coating their bathroom:

“We covered our old tile floor with gray epoxy. It completely changed the look, and it’s so much easier to clean.”

“I used a DIY kit on the vanity and it turned out decent, but I wouldn’t do the floor myself. It’s a messy job and you only get one shot to get it smooth.”

“Epoxy made the whole bathroom feel more modern. We added color flakes and sealed it with a topcoat. Still looks great a year later.”

“Our contractor did both the floor and shower walls. No grout, no scrubbing — best money we spent during the remodel.”

Most homeowners who hired pros were happy with the results. Those who went DIY said it was doable for small jobs, but harder than expected on bigger surfaces.

Finding an epoxy contractor is harder than you think

Most people assume hiring someone is easy — but actually getting in touch with reliable epoxy pros can take time.

We ran a test to see how long it would take to get three quotes for bathroom epoxy coating. It took 15 emails and phone calls. Some contractors were booked out for weeks. Others didn’t respond at all.

That’s why using BuilderPlaza is a better option. With one simple quote request, you’ll usually get 3–4 real offers from verified epoxy coating contractors near you — no chasing, no waiting.

It’s fast. It’s free. And getting quotes doesn’t lock you into anything.

Try it and see what your epoxy project would actually cost.