How to Reglaze a Fiberglass Bathtub

Fiberglass bathtubs are painted with gel coat, which is a fiberglass paint. Gel coat consists of a high-quality fiberglass resin that's pigmented with color. The gel coat acts as a protective layer over the fiberglass, as well as a finishing coat. Over time, the gel coat finish of a bathtub will become faded and discolored from normal wear and tear. To regain the bright, shiny surface on an old bathtub, repaint with a fresh coat of gel coat. It can be applied with a paintbrush or felt roller, but the only way to get a smooth, professional finish is to spray the gel coat on.

Things You'll Need

• Respirator
• Palm sander
• 200-grit sandpaper
• Rags
• Acetone
• Painter's tape
• Roll of thin plastic
• Rubber gloves
• Gel coat
• Small bucket
• Catalyst
• Stir stick
• Gel coat spray gun

Instructions

1. Put on a respirator and thoroughly scuff the entire surface of the tub, using 200-grit sandpaper on a palm sander. Sand the tub until it's completely dull and smooth.

2. Clean the surface of the tub with clean rags and acetone. Remove all dust and any other dirt or grease residue.

3. Remove all the metal fixtures in the tub. Tape any metal that cannot be removed and the perimeter of the tub, using painter's tape. Tape thin plastic on the walls and any cabinets that may get oversprayed.

4. Put on rubber gloves and add catalyst to a small bucket of gel coat following the recommendations on the containers. Mix the catalyst into the gel coat using a stir stick. Add the gel coat to the gel coat spray gun.

5. Apply the first coat of paint to the tub in a heavy mist, spraying in consistent passes. Let the first coat harden. Apply a second, heavier coat that will solidly cover the surface of the tub. Let the gel coat harden for at least 24 hours before running the water in the tub.

6. Remove the painter's tape and plastic from the tub and walls. Put the metal fixtures back on the tub.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a respirator when working with fiberglass materials.

References

• Fiberglass Warehouse: Gel Coat Application and Preparation
• Valspar Composites: Gel Coat Application Guide