How to Repaint My Tub & What to Use

Over time, bathtubs become discolored from stains, use and age. Rather than spending a large sum and having to deal with the hassle of removing your old tub in favor of a new one, try repainting your existing tub. The process of repainting a bathtub is called re-glazing, and if done right, the result can be a brand new-looking tub. Before you set out to re-glaze your tub, determine whether it can be repainted and collect all of the necessary tools and materials.

Bathtub
Putty knife
Sharp knife or razor blade
Industrial bathtub cleaner
Sand paper
Fiberglass putty
Trowel
Bonding agent or hydrofluoric acid
Plastic sheeting
Masking tape
Acrylic urethane enamel
Spray gun
Caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Examine your tub as well as the plumbing connections to determine whether everything is in working order. If there is a leak in the plumbing, you may end up needing to reglaze your tub again before too long.
- 2
  Separate the tub from the wall, if it is connected, by carving away any caulk between the tub and the wall and floor with a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch or gouge the wall or floor while removing caulk, and try not to do any additional damage to the tub. If you have a stand-alone tub, skip this step.
- 3
  Clean the tub thoroughly by scraping off mold and soap scum with a sharp knife or razor blade. Use an industrial bathtub cleaner and scrub the walls and bottom of the tub well. If necessary, use 120-grit sandpaper to remove calcium deposits and to strip any paint from the surface of the tub.
- 4
  Fill any chips, scratches and gouges in the surface of the tub with fiberglass putty. Apply the putty with a trowel; push putty into any damaged surfaces and smooth them over. Allow the putty to dry completely, then smooth out any uneven spots with sandpaper.
- 5
  Apply a coat of bonding agent to the surface of the tub to increase the ability of the enamel to stick to the tub's surface. Use a rag to apply the bonding agent and allow it to set completely. It is possible to use hydrofluoric acid instead of a bonding agent, but unless the acid is properly neutralized first, washing acid down the drain may damage the plumbing.
- 6
  Prepare your bathroom for painting by covering all nearby surfaces with plastic and tape down the edges with masking tape.
- 7
  Apply a coat of acrylic urethane enamel to the surface of the tub using a spray gun. Allow the enamel to dry for 10 to 15 minutes before applying a second coat, then let it sit another 10 to 15 minutes before applying the third coat. Allow the tub to set for at least an hour before touching it.
- 8
  Replace any plumbing fixtures that you removed and re-caulk the tub's borders, if necessary. Clean up your work area, remove the plastic from the nearby surfaces, and let your tub sit overnight before using it.

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