How to Repaint a Bathtub

Painting a bathtub takes more than just getting a can of paint and a paint brush. There are some toxic chemicals used for the project, so it is very important to work in a well ventilated area. This is also a labor intensive project taking quite a bit of arm strength to scrub the tub down and take off the old paint. However, if done properly you can save a lot of money that you would have spent on a new tub or hiring a professional to do the job.

Things You'll Need

• Porcelain bathtub refinishing kit
• Rubber gloves
• 240 grit and fine and ultra fine sandpaper
• Bucket
• Sponges
• Low pressure paint sprayer
• Steel wool
• Safety glasses
• Mask
• Fan
• Masking tape
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Ventilate the bathroom. Proper ventilation is very important as you will be using toxic chemicals. You can place a fan in a window to pull the fumes out or turn on the bathrooms overhead venting system. Even with the ventilation you should still wear a mask or ventilator.

2. Clean out the tub. Clean the tub with a steel wool to scrape off any pieces of caulk or gaskets. Wipe with a sponge and warm water. Mask off any areas that you don't want the paint to get on.

3. Clean the tub with the kit's cleaning solution. Make sure to put on your rubber gloves and some safety glasses. Some kits come with a two-part cleaning solution and some just have one. Either way as you use the first/only solution scrub with sand paper. Then rinse the tub with warm water. If you have a two-part cleaner, put the second part on with a rough scrubber. These two steps will get rid of all the soap scum and grease while at the same time rough up the surface to accept the new paint. Rinse again thoroughly and dry the tub off with paper towels. Then wipe the tub down with the cleaner in your kit for removing any chemicals left by the other cleaners. If your kit did not come with one you can use a primer reducer.

4. Fill in the damaged area with putty. Your kit should have a putty in it to fill any nicks or holes in the tub. Fill them with the putty and allow to dry for about a half hour. Sand them down with a fine sandpaper and repeat if necessary. Clean the dust from the putty and sandpaper with the primer reducer or cleaner that came with your kit.

5. Apply chemical adhesive. Your kit came with an adhesive that will help the paint adhere to the tub surface and not peel of like an acrylic paint would.

6. Paint the tub. Place the paint in your paint sprayer hopper. You may want to practice painting on a tarp or piece of cardboard if you haven't use a sprayer before. Spray your tub using even long strokes until it is fully covered. Allow the paint to dry for about a half hour before applying the second coat. The paint in your kit may have come in more than one part. Read the manufacturer's directions on how to mix. Allow the second coat to dry for at least 48 hours. If there are any tiny bumps or overspray marks you can sand them out with an ultra fine sandpaper. Your tub should be finished and ready for water.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to use a mask or respirator while painting. The fumes are strong and can cause illness.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish