Hi, long-time reader, first-time 'caller' 😉 I'm trying to update my bathroom shower and need help removing a plastic drain collar (I think that’s what it’s called?) from a 1990s shower base. The drain cover popped off easily enough, but the collar or neck remains firmly stuck. I'm using the Rust-Oleum 946ml White Gloss Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit (from Bunnings Australia) to refresh the white tub. The instructions say to "remove the drain", but that’s proving tricky. * The drain collar/neck appears to be plastic with a peeling chrome finish. * I plan to replace it with a matte black one, so I’m fine with destroying the old piece if needed. * I’ve used WD-40 and removed the silicone that was sealing it to the tub. * I’ve also tried a bunch of internet-recommended tricks—no success so far. Any Ideas on how to remove it? I’m now wondering if the grey pipe below might be glued to the white pipe, which would make removal impossible. If that’s the case: How should I cover or protect the existing drain area to still get a good finish with the Rust-Oleum kit? And if removal isn’t possible, what’s the best way to refinish the existing drain collar and cover in matte black? Any suggestions—or even just insight into what I’m working with—would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

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How to remove a shower drain collar?

Hi, long-time reader, first-time 'caller' 😉

I'm trying to update my bathroom shower and need help removing a plastic drain collar (I think that’s what it’s called?) from a 1990s shower base. The drain cover popped off easily enough, but the collar or neck remains firmly stuck.

I'm using the Rust-Oleum 946ml White Gloss Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit (from Bunnings Australia) to refresh the white tub. The instructions say to "remove the drain", but that’s proving tricky.

The drain collar/neck appears to be plastic with a peeling chrome finish.
I plan to replace it with a matte black one, so I’m fine with destroying the old piece if needed.
I’ve used WD-40 and removed the silicone that was sealing it to the tub.
I’ve also tried a bunch of internet-recommended tricks—no success so far.

Any Ideas on how to remove it?

I’m now wondering if the grey pipe below might be glued to the white pipe, which would make removal impossible. If that’s the case:

How should I cover or protect the existing drain area to still get a good finish with the Rust-Oleum kit?
And if removal isn’t possible, what’s the best way to refinish the existing drain collar and cover in matte black?

Any suggestions—or even just insight into what I’m working with—would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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EricL

Hello @LRLV

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shower drain.

Your plastic shower waste is very likely glued in place using silicone and will be next to impossible to remove. It is also anchored in place with a giant plastic nut underneath along with the waste pipe which is also glued to the body of the shower waste. The odds of removing the shower waste intact without damaging the shower tray is very small.

However, it is possible for you to paint the shower waste. I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to paint a shower grate? by @viide. You'll see in the discussion that I've made specific recommendations on what products to use when painting your shower waste. To protect the waste from overpainting, I suggest using a small piece of painters drop sheet and masking tape to mask off the waste.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

LRLV

Thanks so much for your detailed, knowledgeable, and speedy response! You've saved me a ton of time (and frustration, haha). I’m looking forward to sharing the after pics!

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