What Are the Steps to Repainting a Tub?

Cleaning

• Even though you are going to strip the surface and repaint it, you still want to start the project by cleaning out your tub. Cleaning removes any slippery liquids, such as soap and shampoo, that could make you lose your grip while working.Removing the debris also makes sanding and the other steps a bit easier.

Removing Hardware

• Removing the faucet, shower head, soap dish and any other hardware not attached to the tub gives you a good opportunity to enhance your bathtub upgrade with new hardware.

Repair Work

• Prior to sanding your tub, you can fill in any cracks and gouges that have developed over the years with fiberglass putty. You will need to allow the fiberglass to harden overnight before you can proceed to sanding. The fiberglass filler will not expand, so apply it with a putty knife to make sure that you fill all the cracks and gouges completely.

Sanding

• Use a palm sander to remove the top surface of paint. The palm sander vibrates to create a more uniform sanded surface and is easier to control. If you have a fiberglass bathtub, you will not need to sand it, but porcelain, tile and iron bathtubs will need sanding.

Chemical Adhesive

• Regardless of what material your bathtub is made from, you will need to apply a layer of chemical adhesive to ensure that the paint will adhere properly to the surface of the tub. You can find bathtub paint adhesive at any local paint or home improvement store. Allow the adhesive to dry for 10 to 15 minutes before applying the paint.

Apply Paint

• The most common coating when refinishing a bathtub is an acrylic polymer coating known as EP-Acrylic, according to the Repair Home website. It is offered by several different manufacturers in a variety of colors and it gives the smooth and durable finish that is common to bathtubs. Apply painter's tape around the work area to prevent paint from getting on your walls, or any surface that you do not want painted. Apply the first coat, and then allow it to dry overnight before applying a second coat. There is no need to put a layer of chemical adhesive between coats of EP-Acrylic.