Repairing A Painted Tub: A Step-By-Step Guide

If your bathtub is flaking or peeling, it can be fixed quite easily and cheaply. One option is to use an epoxy refinishing kit, which can be used to fill in chips and cracks in the tub surface. The tub should be cleaned and sanded down, and all caulking removed before applying the epoxy coating. Another option is to use a bathtub paint product, such as Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Paint, which can be applied directly to the tub surface. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and take the necessary precautions to avoid making a mess.

How to fix a tub that has been painted

Prepare the tub

Before you begin painting, it's important to prepare the tub properly to ensure a good result. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your tub for painting:

First, remove any escutcheons and cover plates from the plumbing fixtures. If possible, unscrew and remove the bathtub spout temporarily. Use a putty knife to clean away any dirt or caulk residue from the bathtub openings. Make sure to clean the tub thoroughly, removing all caulking from the joints. If necessary, use a chemical caulk remover to get rid of stubborn traces. You can use bleach to clean mildew stains, then scrub the entire tub with an abrasive cleanser and rinse with clean water.

Next, use drop cloths and painter's tape to mask off the floors and walls surrounding the tub to protect them from drips and spills. If your tub has chips or dings, use epoxy putty to fill them. Allow the patches to dry completely before proceeding. To help the new coating adhere better, dull the tub's surface with etching powder or sandpaper.

Additionally, if you plan to use a primer, clean the roller cover before applying it to avoid leaving lint on the tub's surface. You can use sticky tape to remove any loose lint from the roller. If you're using a refinishing kit, be sure to follow the specific instructions provided, as some kits may have different requirements or additional steps.

Clean the tub

Before you begin to repair or repaint your tub, it is important to clean it thoroughly. This will ensure that any new paint or epoxy coating will adhere properly to the surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your tub before refinishing:

Firstly, remove any escutcheons and cover plates from plumbing fixtures. If possible, unscrew and remove the bathtub spout. Use a putty knife to clean away any dirt or caulk residue from the bathtub openings. It is important to ensure that all caulk is removed from the joints around the tub. If necessary, use a chemical caulk remover to ensure that all traces of caulk are gone.

Next, clean the tub with a mild abrasive cleanser. You can use a product such as Lime-A-Way, or a mixture of bleach and water, to remove any mildew stains. Scrub the entire tub with an abrasive pad until it is free of stains and residue. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the tub thoroughly with clean water.

After rinsing, wipe the tub lightly with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or paper residue. This step is important to ensure that the surface is completely free of debris before you begin the refinishing process.

If your tub has any chips or gouges, you may want to fill them at this stage. You can use an epoxy putty, which is often included in refinishing kits, to fill in any imperfections on the surface of the tub. Allow the putty to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Finally, dull the surface of the tub to help the new coating adhere properly. You can do this by sanding the tub lightly with fine-grit sandpaper or etching powder, depending on the specific refinishing kit you are using. Be careful not to over-sand, as this can damage the surface.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your tub is properly cleaned and prepared for refinishing or repainting. A clean surface is essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Use a refinishing kit

If your bathtub is flaking or peeling, it may be time to use a refinishing kit to give it a facelift. This is a much cheaper option than replacing the tub, and it's a project you can do yourself. You can buy a DIY epoxy refinishing kit, which will include epoxy resin with hardener, etching powder, latex gloves, steel wool, a brush, cleaning solution, cleaner or thinner, and safety goggles.

Before you start, you'll need to prepare the tub. Remove escutcheons and cover plates from plumbing fixtures, and unscrew and remove the bathtub spout. Clean the tub thoroughly, removing all caulking from the joints. You may need to use a chemical caulk remover for this step. Use bleach to clean mildew stains, then scrub the entire tub with an abrasive cleanser. Rinse with clean water, then wipe with a tack cloth to remove any dust or paper residue.

Now you're ready to start refinishing. Use drop cloths and painter's tape to mask off the floors and walls around the tub. Use the epoxy putty to fill any chips or dings on the tub surface, then let the patches dry. Next, dull the tub's surface with etching powder or sandpaper to help the new coating stick. Apply a coat of primer with a roller and foam brush, and let it dry. Check the product label to see how much time you have before the epoxy coating hardens, as you'll need to coat the entire tub in one session. Blend the hardener or catalyst into the epoxy resin, then apply the coating to the sides of the tub with a roller.

If you're repairing a small area, you can paint the epoxy directly onto the chip. However, if you're refinishing a larger area, it's best to apply multiple coats of paint to the tub.

Apply the coating

Before applying the coating, ensure you have cleaned the tub thoroughly and removed all caulking from the joints. You can use a putty knife to clean dirt or caulk residue from the bathtub openings. If there are any large chips or cracks, use the epoxy putty to fill them in and let the patches dry before sanding.

Now, it's time to apply the coating. If you are using a Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Kit, you may want to first apply a coat of primer with a microfiber cloth. Although the manufacturer does not state that primer is necessary, some people recommend it. If you do use a primer, allow it to dry before proceeding.

Next, mix the epoxy resin with the hardener or catalyst. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to harden soon after mixing. Be prepared to coat the entire tub in one session. Use a roller to apply the epoxy coating to the sides of the tub.

If you are only repairing a small area, such as a chip or a peel, you can use a brush to carefully apply the epoxy to the affected area. Try to avoid getting the new epoxy on top of the old finish, as this will cause the old finish to curl back.

Once you have applied the coating, allow it to cure for 24 hours. After curing, you may need to apply a follow-up coat of caulking.

Let it cure

Once you have completed the process of refinishing your bathtub, it is important to let it cure thoroughly before using it. This is a critical step in the refinishing process and will ensure the longevity and durability of your tub's finish. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to properly cure your bathtub:

The first 24 hours after refinishing are crucial. During this period, ensure that the area is well-ventilated and free from dust and debris. Open windows or turn on fans to maintain airflow, which will help the surface dry faster and prevent the accumulation of dust that may stick to the fresh paint. It is recommended to keep the bathroom door closed to prevent pets or children from accidentally coming into contact with the wet surface.

After the first 24 hours, you can continue to aid the curing process by maintaining good ventilation in the bathroom. Keep the windows open or use a fan to ensure proper airflow. This will help the paint continue to cure and harden properly. It is best to avoid any strong solvents or chemicals in the bathroom during this time, as they may interact with the paint and affect its curing process.

For the next 48 hours, you should avoid any water contact with the tub. This means no showering, bathing, or even light splashing. The paint needs this time to harden and fully cure. Any water contact during this period may damage the finish, leaving permanent marks or affecting the adhesion of the paint to the tub's surface.

After 72 hours, your tub will be ready for light use. This means you can take quick showers or lightly use the tub, but it is best to avoid baths or long periods of water contact. The paint will still be curing and hardening during this time, so continue to avoid any strong chemicals or abrasive cleaning products. Lightly wiping down the tub after use with a soft cloth is recommended to remove any residual water.

Finally, after approximately one week, your tub will be fully cured and ready for normal use. At this point, you can resume your regular cleaning and maintenance routines. It is important to use mild, non-abrasive cleaning products to maintain the finish and avoid any harsh chemicals or scrubbing that may damage the paint. Enjoy your beautifully refinished tub!

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