How to Resurface a Tub & Sink

Old porcelain tubs and sinks have the same type of surface: a cast-iron base with a coating of fired porcelain over it to provide a glassy shine. The shine can wear off over the years, leaving you with a sink and tub that are in working order, but which look dull and dingy. Resurfacing old porcelain tubs and sinks is a complicated and chemical-intensive process, but one you can undertake if you have some refinishing experience. See your refinishing supplier for the right safety equipment and chemicals.

Screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Masking tape
Tarps (thick plastic)
Chemical safety apparel (respirator, face mask, long sleeves and thick rubber gloves)
Paintbrush
Hydrofluoric acid etching solution for porcelain
Airless paint sprayer
Primer for porcelain
Paint-polyurethane compound for porcelain

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the faucet and other fixtures from the tub and sink with an adjustable wrench. Tape plastic tarps on the floor and walls around the tub and sink, using masking tape.
- 2
  Put on your respirator and other chemical safety equipment.
- 3
  Apply hydrofluoric acid etching solution over all porcelain surfaces of the tub and sink with a paintbrush. Let the acid sit on the surface for 10 minutes, dulling the shine. Rinse well.
- 4
  Fill your paint sprayer with primer for porcelain. Apply the primer onto the tub and sink in a thin, light coat, with the sprayer moving at all times to prevent drips.
- 5
  Allow the primer to set for four hours. Apply a second coat in the same way. Let it dry for 12 hours.
- 6
  Re-fill your paint sprayer with paint-polyurethane mix. Spray the compound on in the same manner, in a thin, light coat, keeping the sprayer moving. Let the compound dry four hours.
- 7
  Spray on a second layer of the paint-polyurethane mix. Let it dry, then spray on a third layer. Repeat for the application of at least four coats (more if desired). Let the final coat dry for two days.
- 8
  Re-install the fixtures for the tub and sink.

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