How to Strip a Cast Bathtub

Cut away any caulk using a utility knife if your cast iron tub attaches to a wall. Wipe the surface of the tub using a cloth to remove all caulk crumbles from the surface.

Spread tarps on all areas of the bathroom floor under and around the tub to protect them from damage. Apply painter’s tape over all drains and other areas of the tub that you do not wish to strip the paint from.

Put on a respirator, safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves before proceeding, since chemical paint strippers are extremely caustic. Open all windows in the bathroom to provide ventilation.

Open a can of paint stripper that contains either methylene chloride or potassium hydroxide and insert a paintbrush into it. Brush the stripper onto all painted surfaces of the tub liberally to at least a 1/4-inch layer. Apply the stripper in single brush strokes and avoid rebrushing areas.

Read the stripper can to determine the amount of time to wait, which may be up to 30 minutes.

Scrape off the old paint from the tub by pushing the blade of a putty knife forward along the surface to peel it up. Continue the process until you remove most of the paint.

Remove any remaining particles of paint using a wire brush to gently scrub the tub surface using circular motions.

Soak a rag in mineral spirits and wipe all surfaces of the tub immediately to neutralize the acid and prevent damage to the cast iron.

Roll up the floor tarps and discard them in the trash. Proceed with priming and repainting the cast iron tub.