Home Garden

Do It Yourself Tub Refinishing

Over time, bathtubs can begin to develop a dingy look that can make your entire bathroom appear unattractive. Homeowners could spend thousands to have a bathtub professionally redone. However, using only a few items that can be easily purchased, you can refinish your tub yourself and have it looking nearly brand new. Save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars and transform the look of your entire bathtub in the process.

Things You'll Need

  • 500-grit sandpaper
  • Tape
  • Paper
  • Spray gun
  • Primer
  • Caulk
  • Mask
  • Chemical cleaners

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the entire surface of the tub using chemical cleaners. The chemical cleaners will not only clean and degrease the surface, but also prepare it for the bonding agent that will be applied in later steps.

    • 2

      Sand the entire surface of the tub to remove old paint and film. Wipe the entire tub clean using a damp towel and allow it to dry completely.

    • 3

      Cover the drain, faucet and knobs using paper and tape, especially the drain area. Remove any excess tape.

    • 4

      Spray the bonding agent on the surface of the tub. Begin at the drain and proceed to cover the entire tub using an even back-and-forth motion. Allow 20 minutes for the tub to dry completely. Apply the primer over the entire bathtub and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.

    • 5

      Apply the refinishing paint with a paintbrush, using short strokes back and forth. Apply several light coats and wait five minutes between coatings to give the tub a polished look. Continue applying coats until the tub is to your liking.

    • 6

      Remove all tape and paper from the tub. Caulk the corners of the tub near the walls when complete. Allow two to three days for the coating to dry and harden.