How Do I Etch a Tub for Painting?

The important step in repainting an old tub is to etch the surface.

If you have an old bathtub that just never seems clean and bright, it can detract from the bathroom's decor. One way to rejuvenate an old bathtub is to paint it with a paint designed specifically for the purpose. Before you paint the tub, you must etch the surface with hydrofluoric acid. Etching removes the old finish and prepares the surface to accept the paint. A properly etched bathtub will look like new once painted.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Painter's tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Box fans
• Thick rubber gloves
• Respirator mask
• Long-sleeved T-shirt
• Hydrofluoric acid
• Bucket
• Coarse steel wool

Instructions

1. Remove the overflow plate, drain cover and any other metal fixture inside the tub. In most cases these items are removed with a screwdriver.

2. Tape plastic sheeting around the wall above the tub and the floor using painter's tape. Ensure that all areas around the tub are protected from the etching process.

3. Open the bathroom window if one is present. Strategically locate box fans to vent the room to the nearest open window. Equip yourself with thick rubber gloves and a respirator mask. Wear a long-sleeved shirt.

4. Fill a bucket one-quarter of the way with hydrofluoric acid.

5. Dip a piece of coarse steel wool into the acid and scrub the surface of the tub. Start at one end of the tub and work your way to the other, covering the entire surface. Allow the acid to set on the tub's surface for 15 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly with cool water.