How to Remove Reglazing From a Bathtub

Preparation

• 1

  Turn the hot and cold water valves to shut off the water supply, but only if it's a clawfoot tub that you can move to another location. Disconnect the pipes from the tub. Enlist the help of several people to move the clawfoot tub to a garage or an outdoor location.

• 2

  Open the bathroom windows and turn on the exhaust fan if you cannot move the tub.

• 3

  Cover the floor and other nearby surfaces with plastic tarps. Remove the pop-up drain, overflow and valves.

• 4

  Remove the caulk from the top rim of the bathtub if it stands against a wall and is unmovable. Apply a line of caulk remover along the entire line of caulk. Loosen the caulk with a utility knife and pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

• 5

  Wear safety goggles, a respiratory mask and sturdy, chemical-resistant gloves to protect yourself from the caustic chemicals. Wear a chemical-resistant suit if you have one. Otherwise, wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt that repels water, like a windbreaker.

Applying Reglazing Stripper

• 6

  Apply the bathtub reglazing stripper over the entire surface of the tub. Each product comes with different directions depending on the manufacturer. In general, pump the spray bottle to apply the stripper and wait for the paint to begin bubbling.

• 7

  Scrub the entire tub with coarse steel wool to remove the paint. You may need to apply more reglazing stripper if the paint doesn't readily flake off.

• 8

  Spray a lacquer thinner on the tub and scrub the entire surface again with coarse steel wool. This removes any lingering paint.

• 9

  Rinse the tub thoroughly to remove all of the chemicals. If the tub is a clawfoot bathtub and you brought it outside, use a garden hose and pour the water runoff into a bucket. Dispose of the chemical-laden wastewater in accordance with the guidelines of your municipality. If you couldn't move the tub, use old rags to soak up the wastewater. Dispose of the rags in accordance with the guidelines of your municipality. Rinse the tub thoroughly.