Revitalizing an Old Bathtub

Remove all parts of the tub that aren’t porcelain and that will come off, including the faucet. Put painter’s masking tape over any nonporcelain parts that can’t be removed.

Spread out tarps over the floor around the tub. Tape them to the wall behind the tub. Put on your respirator and gloves.

Brush porcelain etching compound over the porcelain surface with a paintbrush, laying on a thick layer of it. Let it sit for 15 minutes while it deglosses the whole surface. Rinse well. Let the tub dry for at least 24 hours.

Load the paint sprayer with porcelain primer. Spray the primer onto the porcelain surface in a light, thin coat, keeping the sprayer moving to avoid drips.

Allow the primer to dry for four hours. Apply a second coat in the same manner as the first. Let it dry for at least 12 hours.

Fill the paint sprayer with porcelain enamel. Apply it as you did the primer, in a thin, smooth coat, keeping the sprayer moving. Let it dry for at least four hours.

Spray on a second coat. Let it dry for a minimum of four hours. Repeat, applying four to six coats as needed. Let the last coat dry for 48 hours or more. Put the tub fixtures back in place.