A quick look at how to paint a bathtub in the right way:
- Remove old caulk and the tub’s hardware.
- Ventilate the bathroom and clean the tub thoroughly with diluted bleach, scrub cleansers, and acetone.
- Repair any imperfections along the tub.
- Mask surrounding tile and any remaining fixtures.
- If you purchased two-part epoxy, mix it now.
- Paint the tub in two thin coats, leaving adequate time between them for the paint to dry.
- Let the freshly painted tub sit for at least three days before running the water.
With these suggestions, you can paint a bathtub quickly and affordably. Without having to replace your bathtub, you can update your bathroom on a budget by doing this!
Can You Paint a Bathtub?
Yes! You can paint a bathtub.
By purchasing a new bathtub, you can update your bathroom without breaking the bank. With a few simple tools and steps, it can be updated quickly!
How to Paint a Bathtub
- Remove old caulk and the tub’s hardware.
Remove the outdated caulk first to prepare the tub. (A spackling knife or a 5-in-1 painter’s tool can be substituted in this situation if you don’t have the proper caulk removal tool.) Using the right tools and techniques for your situation, carefully remove the bathtub’s fixtures and any drain hardware.
- Ventilate the bathroom and clean the tub thoroughly with diluted bleach, scrub cleansers, and acetone.
Before you start cleaning up any dirt, soap scum, and mildew, open the windows and turn on the bathroom exhaust fan. Wash the bathtub initially with a solution of 10% bleach in water. After a thorough rinsing, use a bathroom cleaner with abrasive ingredients, such as Comet or Soft Scrub. After thoroughly rinsing, use a solvent, such as acetone (paint thinner would also work here), to wipe the entire surface and get rid of any remaining grease or cleaner residue.
- Repair any imperfections along the tub.
Use epoxy putty or a tub repair product to fill in any scratches, chips, or gouges for a surface that looks brand new. After letting these areas completely dry, sand them smooth. After that, sand the entire bathtub using wet/dry sandpaper, first with 400-grit paper and then with 600-grit. This will scuff up the gloss and make it easier for paint to stick.
Clean towels or rags should be used to dry the bathtub after a thorough water rinse. The tub needs to be completely dry before painting, so let it air dry completely.
- Mask surrounding tile and any remaining fixtures.
Use painter’s tape to cover any fixtures around the bathtub that you couldn’t remove in Step 1 to protect them from paint when preparing the surface.
- If you purchased two-part epoxy, mix it now.
Make sure your room is well ventilated and don your respirator or mask (epoxy paint is really stinky stuff). Then, prepare the paint included in the tub refinishing kit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many kits use a two-part epoxy paint that you must combine before applying. If so, combine each component thoroughly for at least two minutes by pouring them all into one bucket. Don’t skimp on the mixing step because it’s important! Then divide the mixture in half, saving half for the second coat, and transfer the remaining half into the second container. Tightly cover the container.
- Paint the tub in two thin coats, leaving adequate time between them for the paint to dry.
You have some idea of how to paint a bathtub if you know how to paint other surfaces like tile or drywall. Work your way down to the other side after starting at the top in the opposite corner. Apply in a thin, even coat, being careful to smooth out any drips as you go with your roller or brush. Don’t worry if you notice some bubbles or brush strokes because epoxy paint has a self-leveling property; these should go away as it dries.
Apply the second coat in the same manner as you did the first after letting the first coat dry in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Suggested reading: One of the best ways to quickly improve the appearance and ambiance of a space where you probably spend a lot of time is by updating your kitchen cabinets. So, how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
- Let the freshly painted tub sit for at least three days before running the water.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time as epoxy takes time to fully cure. Even if the paint appears dry to the touch and even though it may have fully dried after as little as an hour, don’t use the tub until it has. Reinstall the fixtures and drain hardware after the caulk has dried, remove the tape, and re-caulk the tub.
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