How To Refinish Bathtub

How to Refinish a Bathtub

Refinishing a bathtub is a great way to update the look of your bathroom without having to replace the entire tub. It can also be a cost-effective way to repair a damaged tub or to cover up rust and stains. With a little time and effort, you can refinish your bathtub in a weekend.

What You'll Need

Bathtub refinishing kit
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Gloves
Sandpaper
TSP cleaner
Painters tape
Mineral spirits
Acetone
Stirring stick
Paint brush
Roller

Preparation

Clean the bathtub thoroughly with TSP cleaner. Make sure to remove all soap scum, dirt, and grime.
Rinse the bathtub with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Sand the bathtub with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or imperfections.
Tape off any areas of the bathtub that you don't want to refinish, such as the faucet and drain.
Put on your safety goggles, dust mask, and gloves.

Refinishing the Bathtub

Open the bathtub refinishing kit and follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the components.
Apply a thin coat of primer to the bathtub using a paint brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply two or three coats of the refinishing paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.
Once the final coat of paint has dried, remove the painter's tape and allow the bathtub to cure for at least 24 hours before using it.

Tips for Refinishing a Bathtub

Make sure the bathtub is clean and dry before you start refinishing it.
Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the bathtub. This will help the primer and paint to adhere better.
Apply the primer and paint in thin coats. This will help to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping.
Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Once the final coat of paint has dried, remove the painter's tape and allow the bathtub to cure for at least 24 hours before using it.

Conclusion

Refinishing a bathtub is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your bathroom. With a little time and effort, you can have a new-looking bathtub in just a weekend.