How can I paint (distress) bath board

[joker]

I'm putting together a bathroom for my haunt and bought some bath board (that paneling stuff that looks like tile) for cheap.

My problem is that it has a very slick non-porous surface and doesn't want to hold paint very well. Is there something I could do to the surface to make it hold paint better? I'd rather not sand off the finish if I don't have to. Maybe something I could wipe it down with? Acetone maybe?

Thanks in advance

[higginsr]

there is a clear automotive primer in a rattle can that goes on clear and dulls out the surface... make specifically for water based paints... it works really well, sorry I don't remember the name.. the sell it at autozone

[joker]

thanks higginsr i'll look into. Is it expensive?

[higginsr]

no, only about 6 bucks a can or less... it is call paint adhession primer... they sell it by the paint touch up supplies... I have used it and it works well on plastics and other material that paint doesn't like... best part is you don't lose any of the detail in the underlaying piece

[1031fan]

ive done this last year and was happy with the results...its going to take layers (as always) but just put multiple washes on it - and it will eventually stick - dont expect to get anywhere with the first one, but by the tenth one you should be happy - and i dont mean painstakingly paint it on - just slap it up and your good - then you can go back with a rag or sponge or whatever you like wporking with to get the final look.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/1031fan/IMG_0226.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/1031fan/bathroom008.jpg

these are last years pics so it was really my first shot at distressing the tile...cant wait to make new for this year - will look a lot better now that ive done it i think

Riley

[farmer]

I have done this before. I just used latex paints and hade no problems with the paint sticking.

[Sickie Ickie]

love the pics of the bathroom. The clock looks a little too new in my opinion though.

as far as painting the surface, can't you sand the surface to get scratches and rough it up, then apply the paint?

[1031fan]

thanks sicki - yeah ur right..it wasn't distressed yet - but the thing is....theres no mirror there...thats just a hole with another room painted like a mirror image..imagine the possibilities :) so thats why i had to go with a newer looking clock - cause i could get an identical mate for cheap - roughing up is ok...but will get rid of the surface that makes it look like tile. underneath it is basically hardboard and it shows when sanded down