Reglazing a Porcelain-Covered Bathtub

Old-fashioned porcelain bathtubs are not solid porcelain, but rather are cast iron frames covered in porcelain, which is baked on in the manufacturing process. When that porcelain becomes worn and dingy, you can't bake new porcelain on, but you can apply special paint to copy the look of porcelain. This is an involved project that requires specialized chemicals and safety equipment.

Wrench
Masking tape
Plastic tarps
Respirator with face mask
Rubber gloves
Synthetic paintbrush
Porcelain etching acid
Pneumatic paint sprayer
Porcelain primer
Porcelain enamel paint

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all fixtures from the tub, using your wrench. Tape plastic tarps around the floor and walls surrounding the tub. Put on your gloves and respirator.
- 2
  Coat the porcelain surface with porcelain-etching acid, brushing it on thickly with a synthetic paintbrush. Let it set for 15 minutes. Rinse well, leaving a dull, flat surface to the porcelain.
- 3
  Fill your pneumatic paint sprayer with porcelain primer. Set it to the lightest application setting. Apply the porcelain in a thin, smooth layer, proceeding slowly and avoiding any drips. Cover the porcelain completely.
- 4
  Allow the primer to set for four hours. Spray on a second primer layer. Let it set eight hours.
- 5
  Refill the sprayer with porcelain enamel paint. Spray it on in a light, even coat as before. Let it dry four hours.
- 6
  Spray on a second coat in the same manner as the first. Let it set four hours. Repeat, applying from four to six coats, as desired. Let the final coat set for 24 to 48 hours, then put the fixtures back in.

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