How to Refinish a Bathtub With EP-Acrylic Paint

Refinish your bathtub and make it look brand new.

If you have an acrylic bathtub that looks worn or is an ugly color, you can use EP-acrylic paint to refinish it. Painting your tub with acrylic is often less expensive than replacing it. by painting your tub, you can make it look like new and improve the appearance of your entire bathroom. The primer and the finish coat will be applied with a standard spray gun, which is available at virtually any hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Epoxy porcelain scratch remover
• Putty knife
• Soapy dishwater solution
• Abrasive sponge
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Plastic drop cloth
• Tape
• Spray gun

Instructions

1. Scrap off any caulking or grout with a putty knife that contacts the actual tub surface. Clean the bathtub thoroughly with a soapy dishwater solution and an abrasive sponge to remove any soap residue and rust. Allow to dry.

2. Fill in any chips or scratches with an epoxy bathtub filler. Apply the filler, following the directions on the package. Sand the surface smooth with 220 grit sandpaper. Rinse off any dust from the sanding and dry the tub thoroughly.

3. Cover absolutely everything in the room except the bathtub with a plastic drop cloth and tape down the edges. Don't forget about the ceiling and floor. You want to make sure you don't get EP-acrylic on any unwanted surface in the bathroom.

4. Apply the primer to the bathtub with a spray gun. Move the sprayer in slow, even strokes to completely coat the bathtub in primer. Don't spray on so much primer that it is running down the sides of the tub. Let the primer dry.

5. Apply the EP-acrylic with the spray gun in the same manner as the primer. You should apply the finish in several coats, rather than one coat for the smoothest finish.

6. Let your refinished bathtub dry for at least 48-hours before you re-caulk it. Let the caulk cure for a few days before you use the bathtub.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated while you are refinishing the bathtub.