If your bathtub is old and dingy or even has cracks, chips or broken spots, you would be amazed by how good you can make it look with a simple epoxy paint product made just for the purpose of refinishing bathtubs. This sort of paint is inexpensive, easy to apply and you can have it tinted to match any color at all. It can bring new life to your tub and help you give your bathroom a complete makeover very inexpensively. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you should take to refinish your bathtub. Read on to learn more.
Know What Your Color Scheme Will Be
Before you begin, you must know your color scheme. Decide what colors you want in your bathroom and determine whether or not you would like to match or contrast the color of your tub. Once you have decided, take a sample of color you wan (fabric swatch, paint chip or chosen decorative item) to you local paint store or the paint section of your local home improvement center.
Ask the clerk for epoxy paint for refinishing tubs. There may be several choices. Be sure to read labels carefully and ask the clerk’s advice to select the product that is right for you.
Select Your Tint
Any epoxy paint created for the purpose of refinishing tubs and other bathroom fixtures will come in a stark white color that you would not want to use under any circumstances. Even if you want a white tub, you will want to have the base paint tinted to a shade of white that won’t cause you to experience snow-blindness every time you take a bath.
Show the clerk your color sample. He or she will be able to mix up your paint in just a few minutes. Be sure to also purchase all of the items you will need for your tub refinishing project. Refer to the label on the paint can and ask the clerk for recommendations.
Do Everything Else First
If you are doing a major bathroom remodel that involves nailing, sawing, removing wallpaper, electrical work, painting and so on you should leave your bathtub refinishing project for last. In this way you will avoid damaging the new finish on your tub if you accidentally drop something or just have to climb in and out of the tub frequently to access something else.
Prepare Your Tub Carefully
Once you have completed the rest of your bathroom project, you are ready to refinish your tub. The first thing you need to do is clean it thoroughly. Give it a good scrubbing and a light sanding. Be sure to remove any drips of paint that might have fallen on it during your remodel.
If the surface of your tub has cracks, chips or broken spots, you will need to fill them in with waterproof caulk and smooth the caulking carefully. Allow it to dry thoroughly (24 hours). Sand it down smooth and rinse away all the gritty residue.
Rinse the entire tub thoroughly, wipe it out and allow it to air dry for at least a couple of hours. You don’t want any residue of cleaning product, dust, grit or anything else on the surface. Your tub surface should be absolutely clean, very slightly rough from sanding and completely dry before you begin.
Work Smart To Avoid Sabotaging Yourself
Before you dip a paint brush into your epoxy paint, be sure to cover the drain and the overflow, as well as the chrome surrounding them with masking tape. You don’t want any epoxy paint on on your chrome or in your drain. Mask around the edge of the tub to protect the tub enclosure as well.
Use a medium width, fine brush to apply the epoxy paint. Start at one end of the tub and then move to the side of the tub that is against the wall. Lay a clean drop cloth or some other clean, protective material in the bottom of the tub to protect it from drips. If you need to, you can position yourself in the tub to paint the far wall.
Work in a logical, methodical manner always keeping a “wet-edge”. Your tub will need two coats of epoxy paint, and it is imperative that you finish each coat all in one go. You cannot stop halfway through and come back to it later if you want good looking results.
Allow Plenty Of Drying Time
After you have applied the first coat, set up a fan at an oblique angle to keep air circulating in the bathroom without having blowing directly on the tub. Keep the temperature moderate (between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit). Close the door and don’t let anyone go in the bathroom for 24 hours.
When the 24 hours is up, your first coat will be dry. Apply your second coat right away in the same manner as the first coat. Set up a fan, keep the temperature moderate and keep people and pets out of the bathroom for at least 24 hours.
Give your tub several days to dry completely before bathing or showering. The amount of time varies slightly from product to product. Follow packaging instructions and remember that more is better when it comes to drying time.
Should You Paint The Outside Of The Tub?
If you have an old-fashioned claw-foot tub, you can paint the outside with any kind of paint, so you don’t need to use expensive epoxy paint for that. You can just stop at the edge of tub lip and leave the outside as-is or paint it another color or the same color using a less expensive paint.
If your tub is built in, you can go ahead and paint the outside; however, the outside will be more subject to chipping and damage than the inside. If the outside of your tub is in good shape, you may wish to create a perfectly straight maskding tap line along the top edge of the side of the tub before you begin painting.
After both coats of paint are completely dry, you can lay a row of tiles along the top edge of the tub. This takes a bit of skill and work, but it is actually pretty easy and it makes a nice, decorative touch.
Doing It Yourself Will Save You Lots Of Money
Refinishing your bathtub yourself with inexpensive epoxy paint is not difficult at all. It is a bit time consuming, and you do have to work carefully; however, it can literally save you thousands of dollars on your bathroom remodel. With good care, this type of finish will last for many years.
