How to Strip Paint From a Bathtub

Strip old bathtub paint with a chemical remover.

The best way to strip paint from your bathtub is with a chemical paint remover, despite its hazards, point out experts at the Bathtub Doctor. As most bathtubs are painted with epoxy paint, removing it requires use of methylene chloride paint remover. The chemicals in this powerful remover release toxic fumes. If you plan to do the job yourself, you need to properly ventilate the room and keep your lungs and skin well-protected.

Things You'll Need

• Semi-paste alkali-fortified methylene chloride stripper
• Breathing mask
• Fan
• Plastic sheeting
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Goggles
• Cardboard
• Tape
• Bathroom cleaner
• Paintbrush
• Plastic container
• Paint scraper
• Plastic bags

Instructions

1. Isolate the bathroom. Turn off all fans, heaters and air conditioners. Tape cardboard over all of the vents and registers in the bathroom. Hang plastic sheeting over doorways and keep them closed while you are working.

2. Open any windows in the room. Place a fan near a window and set it on high to direct fumes outside.

3. Scrape off any flaking or peeling paint with your plastic paint scraper.

4. Scrub the bathtub clean with a rag and an abrasive bathroom cleaning product like Comet or TSP, using according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the tub and wipe it dry.

5. Put on long clothing, a face mask, goggles and chemical-resistant gloves.

6. Pour a generous portion of the paint remover into a clean plastic container. Place the lid back on the paint remover's can. Re-fill the container as needed. Never dip your brush directly into the main supply of remover.

7. Paint a thick layer of the paint remover paste onto your bathtub's paint.

8. Leave the remover to dissolve the paint for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time (usually 15 to 30 minutes). As the remover sits, leave the bathroom for some fresh air.

9. Scrape the bubbly, loosened paint off the tub's surface with a plastic paint scraper. Place the removed goop into a plastic bag, double-knot it closed and throw it away.

10. Moisten a rag with the paint remover solvent and use it to scrub away any residual paint.

11. Repeat steps 6 through 9 on any stubborn spots of paint.

12. Soak a clean rag in lacquer thinner and wipe the stripped area clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a high-quality breathing mask, available at most paint stores. Inform the clerk of the chemical you are working with and ask for the best they have in stock.

• Work in 3- to 4-foot sections at a time. Take breaks and come back to complete other sections. This will limit the length of time you are exposed to the chemical and allow the remover to work effectively.

• Methylene chloride fumes are a potential carcinogen and can trigger heart attacks in people with existing heart conditions. Breathing in toxic amounts of the fumes can cause lethargy, irritability, nausea, headaches and lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, leave the room for at least 10 minutes to get fresh air.

• Methylene chloride also causes skin irritation. If you accidentally get some on your skin, wash it off right away.

References

• Health Canada: The Safe Use of Paint Strippers
• Bathtub Doctor: Expert Stripping & Paint Removal