How to Renovate an Old Bathtub

Old bathtubs generally are cast iron topped with a porcelain coating. If the porcelain starts to look old and dull, you don't have to discard the tub, nor is it necessary to hire a professional to resurface it. You actually can resurface a tub yourself, with the right chemicals and procedures. This is a complicated project that involves some dangerous chemicals, so always check with your refinishing supplier for the correct safety equipment before you start.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Tarps (plastic)
• Masking tape
• Hydrofluoric acid etching solution for porcelain
• Synthetic paintbrush (not natural bristles)
• Paint sprayer
• Porcelain primer
• Porcelain enamel paint
• Respirator, face mask and rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Take off the faucet and other fixtures, using a screwdriver. Lay out plastic tarps on the floor, and tape them onto the surrounding walls with masking tape.

2. Apply hydrofluoric acid over the surface of the bathtub with a paintbrush, coating the whole surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes, deglossing the surface. Rinse well.

3. Load your paint sprayer with porcelain primer. Spray it on in a thin, smooth layer, keeping the sprayer moving at all times to avoid drips.Let the primer dry for four hours. Apply a second coat in the same way. Let it dry for 12 hours.

4. Refill the paint sprayer with porcelain enamel paint. Spray it on in the same manner as before, in a light, even coat, keeping the paint sprayer moving. Let it dry four hours.

5. Spray on three to five additional coats of enamel, letting each dry four hours. Allow the final layer to dry for 48 hours. Re-install the tub fixtures.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a respirator, face mask and rubber gloves when handling hydrofluoric acid etching solution, and when spraying the paint.

References

• This Old House: Reglazing Porcelain