Tammy Quinn McKillip is a writer living in New York City. Since graduating from Columbia University in 1999, she has written extensively about pets, parenting, theatre, design, health and environmentalism. She is the publisher and editor of Macaroni Kid--an events newsletter and website for parents on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
SUPPLIES
- Drop cloths
- Thin scraper or chisel
- Medium-grade sandpaper or electric sander
- Sponges
- Wet cloth
- Vacuum
- Fan
- Paint spray gun
- Bathtub paint (acrylic polymer coating with a gloss finish)
- Buffer
Overview
Having a chipped or scratched surface on your bathtub can lead to embarrassing stains, odor and even mildew, as moisture seeps under the top layer of finish. Once the tub finish starts to crack, it becomes harder to clean without removing more of the finish, so you'll need to buy a new tub, have the old one covered, or refinish it. There are plenty of professional bathtub refinishing companies, and you may want to give one a call unless you are extremely handy and patient. Even though refinishing your tub is really just a paint job, it's a tricky one, involving several steps and several days' work to do it right. It is not an expensive repair, even when you call in a pro, but if you decide to do it yourself, you'll want to be sure to have another place to bathe while your renovation is underway. Plan for your tub to be out of commission for several days.
Preparation
Step 1
Cover the area around the tub to keep it clean.
Step 2
Scrub your bathtub thoroughly to remove any built-up dirt.
Step 3
Use a scraper to remove old caulking.
Step 4
Remove the tub fixtures and the overflow vent.
Step 5
Sand the tub completely.
Step 6
Remove sanding shavings by hand and with a wet cloth. Then vacuum the tub for any dust left behind.
Resurfacing
Step 1
Use the primer to build up any scratches or chips in the tub surface, layer it on a bit at a time and building up.
Step 2
Spray up to three coats of primer all over the tub, allowing it to dry thoroughly between each coat.
Step 3
Spray three to four coats of topcoat paint over the entire tub surface, allowing each coat to dry completely before repainting.
Step 4
Let the tub dry for at least 3 days, then buff the topcoat to remove any imperfections.
Step 5
Re-attach the fixtures and overflow vent, then wait at least 48 hours before using your tub.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : If you are refinishing porcelain, apply a bonding agent to the surface and allow it to dry for 5 minutes before you spray your first coat of paint.
- WARNING : Always use a fan when sanding, scraping and painting your bathtub. Make sure the bathroom is properly ventilated to avoid toxic fumes.
Do not use highly abrasive cleansers on your new tub surface. Although the new coating is strong, it is not as durable as the original finish and can be scratched or chipped more easily. Use a soft-scrub cleanser instead.
Resources
