How To Refinish A Bathtub

How to Refinish a Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your bathtub looking dull, chipped, or stained? Refinishing your bathtub can give it a fresh, new look and save you the cost of replacing it. With proper preparation and the right materials, you can refinish your bathtub yourself in a few hours. ### Step 1: Gather Your Materials Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials: * Bathtub refinishing kit * Gloves * Safety goggles * Drop cloth * Painter's tape * Sandpaper (100-grit and 220-grit) * Scrubbing pad * Cleaning solution * Acetone * Paintbrush * Roller * Tray * Stir stick ### Step 2: Prepare the Bathtub 1.

Clean the Bathtub:

Use a scrubbing pad and cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the bathtub. Rinse it well and let it dry completely. 2.

Sand the Bathtub:

Use 100-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the bathtub. This will help the refinishing kit adhere better. Rinse the bathtub and let it dry again. 3.

Mask Off Surrounding Areas:

Use painter's tape to protect the surrounding areas from the refinishing kit. Cover the floor, walls, and fixtures near the bathtub. ### Step 3: Apply the Refinishing Kit 1.

Read the Instructions:

Carefully read the instructions that came with your refinishing kit. Each kit may have slightly different application instructions. 2.

Prepare the Refinishing Kit:

Mix the components of the refinishing kit according to the instructions. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and consistent. 3.

Apply the Refinishing Kit:

Start by applying a thin coat of the refinishing kit to the bathtub. Use a brush to reach the corners and edges, and then use a roller to cover the larger areas. Work quickly, as the refinishing kit may start to thicken and become difficult to spread. 4.

Let the First Coat Dry:

Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours or overnight. ### Step 4: Sand and Apply Additional Coats 1.

Sand the First Coat:

Once the first coat is dry, sand it lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough spots and help the next coat adhere better. Rinse the bathtub and let it dry. 2.

Apply Additional Coats:

Apply one or two additional coats of the refinishing kit, following the same steps as for the first coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. ### Step 5: Clean Up 1.

Clean the Tools:

Clean the paintbrush, roller, and tray with soap and water. Dispose of the gloves and safety goggles properly. 2.

Remove the Painter's Tape:

Carefully remove the painter's tape from the surrounding areas. 3.

Ventilate the Bathroom:

Open the windows or turn on the exhaust fan to ventilate the bathroom. Let the bathtub dry and cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several days. ### Tips for a Successful Bathtub Refinishing Project: * Work in a well-ventilated area. * Wear gloves and safety goggles at all times. * Follow the instructions provided with your refinishing kit carefully. * Apply thin coats of the refinishing kit and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. * Be patient and take your time. Refinishing a bathtub properly takes several hours or days.