How to Resurface a Ceramic Bathtub

Resurfaced Tub

Old bathtubs can look frightening, especially if they have calcium and hard water stains all over them. You can scrub and scrub but sometimes your efforts are fruitless. And replacing a bathtub might seem like a good idea but in the end, it is more scary to even consider it than to look at the one that is already there. So that leaves you with option number two: resurface what is already there. It is cheaper and most definitely more time friendly and there are no walls that need to be torn down and rebuilt in the process. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can have your new tub without having to replace the old one.

Things You'll Need

• Tub refinishing kit (can purchased at most home improvement stores)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Ventilation system (this can be rented at your local hardware store or Home Depot)
• Razor blade
• Masking tape
• Palm sander
• Shop vac
• HVLP sprayer (can be rented)
• Tack cloths
• Respirator--half masked
• Safety goggles

Instructions

Prepping Your Tub For The Resurfacing

1. Remove everything from around the tub area, such as shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, soap, and whatever else you have there.
   Scrap away all of the caulking with a razor blade from around your tub, both on the inside of the tub and the outside.

2. Clean your tub thoroughly. The bathtub refinishing kit that you purchased should have tub cleaner in it , but if it doesn't use a non abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami or even vinegar. Clean the tub well, rinse it and dry it completely.

3. Cover up the vanity, sink and mirrors with large plastic garbage bags or painter's plastic. Secure the covering tightly with masking tape.
   Cover up the entire floor with plastic and masking tape. There should be no bare space left. Cover all wall area directly surrounding the tub with plastic. If there is a window in the tub area, open it for ventilation and cover the rest of window with plastic.

4. Using a palm sander and 120 grit sandpaper, sand the entire tub well, focusing in on the spots with calcium, hard water, and rust stains. Clean out the dust particles with a shop vac and tack cloths.

5. Use the "primer reducer" next according to kit instructions. This is to help clean anything that may have been left behind from the cleaning and sanding.

6. Cover faucet, drain, and showerhead with plastic. Make sure to tape well around the edges.

7. Set up your ventilation system. These can be rented at your local hardware store, such as Home Depot or Ace.
   Put on all your safety gear, which includes your respiratory mask and eye goggles.

8. Mix the primer base that comes in your kit according to instructions. Apply it with a quarter-inch nap roller brush or HVLP sprayer. Dry according to directions. If you used the sprayer, clean it thoroughly to prepare for the top coat.

9. Replace the safety gear and apply the top coat with a roller brush or sprayer. Dry according to kit instructions, which usually call for about 48 hours.
   After 48 hours, clean up plastic from around the bathroom. Recaulk around the tub and shower area.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish