Marcus Chen
Painting the outside of a clawfoot tub can be a simple process with dramatic results. It can be a cost-effective way to add character to a freestanding tub. Before painting, it is important to clean the tub and remove any dirt, grime, or rust. Once the tub is clean, it is recommended to sand the exterior to create a matte surface for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, the tub should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. The next step is to prime the tub, which will ensure a smooth finish. Once the primer is dry, you can paint the tub your desired colour, using a brush, roller, or spray paint. If using chalk paint, it is recommended to finish with a wax to protect the surface. Finally, allow the paint to dry and cure before using the tub.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove the legs and other hardware. Take off the claw feet and any other hardware that can be removed from the bottom. |
| Step 2 | Sand the outside of the tub. Give the outside of the tub a light sanding, removing the sheen of the tub's finish. |
| Step 3 | Clean the tub. Using damp paper towels, remove all the sanding dust from the outside of the tub. |
| Step 4 | Tape off everything you don't want to be painted. Be sure to cover the drain holes. Then, use plastic and quality painter's tape to tape off the top and lip of the tub so that only the bottom is exposed. |
| Step 5 | Prime the tub. Use small foam rollers for a smooth finish on large surfaces and cheap chip brushes to get into tight spaces. |
| Step 6 | Paint the tub. Use chalk paint, milk paint, or spray paint to cover the outer surface area of the tub. |
| Step 7 | Finish the paint. If you used chalk paint or milk paint, finish it with wax to protect the surface. You can use a clear or tinted wax, depending on your desired finish. |
| Step 8 | Apply varnish. Apply one or two coats of varnish, depending on how often the tub is used. Allow everything to cure for a few days before using the tub. |
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What You'll Learn
Sand the tub's exterior
Sanding the exterior of your clawfoot tub is an important step in the painting process. It helps create a sound and relatively smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding the exterior of your clawfoot tub:
Prepare the Workspace:
Before you start sanding, it's important to prepare your workspace. If possible, set the tub upside down so you can easily access the exterior. Place the tub on a sturdy surface that can withstand the sanding process. If you're working indoors, make sure to cover any surrounding areas to protect them from dust and debris.
Remove Existing Paint and Rust:
If your tub has existing paint or rust on the exterior, you'll need to remove it. You can use a pressure washer or a wire brush to strip away peeling paint and rust. For more stubborn areas, you may need to use a wire cup wheel or a flexible putty knife to scrape away the paint and rust until you reach the bare metal. This step ensures that you have a clean and smooth surface to work with.
Sand the Exterior:
Once the tub is free of paint and rust, it's time to sand the exterior. Use medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to sand the tub by hand. Wear a protective mask or respirator during this step, as the sanding process may release lead paint dust. Sand the exterior until you achieve a consistent matte finish. Remove any sanding dust from the tub's surface using damp paper towels or a wet rag.
Prime the Surface:
After sanding, you may need to apply a primer to the exterior of the tub. A primer will help create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to and can be especially useful if the tub has any remaining imperfections. Choose a high-adhesion primer suitable for metal surfaces, and apply it using small foam rollers or brushes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time before proceeding to the painting step.
Remember, the goal of sanding the exterior of your clawfoot tub is to create a smooth and consistent surface that will allow your chosen paint to adhere properly. Take your time during the sanding process, and don't be afraid to use additional tools like pressure washers or wire brushes if needed.
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Clean the tub
Cleaning the tub is an important step in the painting process. It ensures that the paint will adhere properly and creates a smooth and sound exterior.
Start by inspecting the tub for any superficial dirt, soap scum, or deeper stains. Use a sponge and water to wipe down the tub, identifying any areas that may need extra attention. If there is rust, use a powerful solvent-based solution, such as Goof Off, to remove it. You can also try using a bristle brush with a powder cleaner, such as Bon Ami or a stain remover. For stubborn grime, a pressure wash or wire brush can be used, but this is best done if the tub can be moved outside.
Once the tub is clean and dry, you may want to sand the exterior to create a matte surface for the paint to adhere to. Use medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, and always wear a protective mask as the finish may contain lead paint. After sanding, use damp paper towels to remove any dust created by the process.
Finally, tape off any areas you don't want to be painted, such as the drain holes, using plastic and quality painter's tape. This will ensure that the paint job is precise and clean.
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Tape off areas you don't want painted
Painting the outside of a clawfoot tub can be a simple process. It is important to prepare the area before painting to ensure a smooth and clean finish.
First, ensure the area is tarped off to protect the surrounding space. Then, use painter's tape to tape off the areas you don't want to be painted. This includes the top and lip of the tub, as well as any drain holes. It is important to use quality painter's tape to ensure sharp lines and protect the finish of the untaped areas.
If you plan to paint the feet of the tub, tape off the area where the feet meet the tub to ensure a clean line. You may also want to tape off the inside of the tub to protect it from any accidental paint splatters. It is crucial to ensure that all areas you don't want to be painted are securely taped off before proceeding to the next steps.
After taping off the desired areas, you can proceed with sanding the exterior of the tub. This will create a matte surface for the paint to adhere to. Wear a protective mask during this step to avoid inhaling any dust or particles. Once the exterior is sanded, be sure to wipe down the tub with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris.
Now that the tub is prepared and taped off, you can proceed with confidence to the painting stage, knowing that the areas you don't want painted are protected.
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Prime the tub
To prime the tub, you must first ensure that the surface is clean and smooth. Start by wiping down the tub with a sponge and water to remove any superficial dirt, soap scum, or grime. Assess for deeper stains, rust spots, or paint peeling, and use a pressure wash, wire brush, or wire cup wheel to remove any stubborn grime or rust and to strip the surface of paint. You can also use a flexible putty knife to scrape away any remaining paint. Goof Off is a powerful solvent-based solution that can help remove scuffs and marks. Once the surface is clean and smooth, you can apply a primer.
It is important to select a suitable primer for the job. An oil-based primer, such as Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer, is recommended for metal surfaces and can be applied with small foam rollers for large surfaces and cheap chip brushes for hard-to-reach areas. If you are unable to move your tub outdoors, you can skip the pressure wash and wire brush steps and instead apply a high adhesion primer. Remember to protect your floors as primers can be drippy, and ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or turning on a fan as primers can have a strong odour.
After priming, allow sufficient time for the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is painting.
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Paint the tub
Painting the outside of a clawfoot tub can be a simple process with dramatic results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you paint your clawfoot tub:
Preparation:
First, remove the legs and any other hardware from the bottom of the tub. This includes the claw feet and any other removable parts. Place the tub upside down so you can easily work on its exterior.
Cleaning:
Next, clean the exterior of the tub to remove any superficial dirt, soap scum, or grime. Use a sponge and water to wipe down the tub, identifying any deeper stains, rust spots, or soap scum that may need extra attention. You can use a stain remover for this step.
Sanding:
Once the tub is clean and dry, it's time to sand the exterior. Use medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to lightly sand the surface, removing the sheen and creating a matte finish for the paint to adhere well. Wear a protective mask during this step, as the finish may contain lead paint.
Taping:
Cover the areas you don't want to paint, such as the top and lip of the tub, with plastic sheets and quality painter's tape. Make sure to cover the drain holes to prevent paint from spraying through to the interior of the tub.
Priming:
Apply a high-adhesion primer to the exterior of the tub. You can use small foam rollers for a smooth finish on large surfaces and cheap chip brushes to reach tighter areas, such as around the claw feet. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Painting:
Now it's time to paint! Choose your desired paint colour and apply it to the exterior of the tub. You can use chalk paint, milk paint, or spray paint designed for tubs and showers. If using a brush, ensure it is suitable for the paint type. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding additional coats if needed.
Varnishing:
After the paint has dried, apply one or two coats of varnish to protect the surface. The number of coats depends on how frequently the tub will be used. Allow the varnish to dry and cure for a few days before using the tub.
Touch-ups:
Once the tub is in place, you can do any necessary touch-ups. Enjoy your beautifully painted clawfoot tub!
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Frequently asked questions
Before painting the outside of a clawfoot tub, it is important to clean the surface and remove any dirt, grime, or rust spots. You can use a sponge and water to wipe down the tub and assess what kind of cleaning is required. If there is peeling paint, you can use a pressure wash or wire brush to remove it. If there are rust spots, you can use a solvent-based solution like Goof Off to remove them. It is also recommended to sand the exterior of the tub to create a matte surface for the paint to adhere to. Finally, make sure to tape off any areas that you don't want to be painted, including the drain holes.
There are a few different types of paint that you can use for a clawfoot tub. Chalk paint, milk paint, and enamel paint are all popular options. You can also use spray paint designed specifically for tubs and showers. If you use chalk paint or milk paint, it is recommended to finish with a wax or varnish to protect the surface. You can choose any color you like for the exterior, but it is important to use a high-quality primer first to ensure the paint adheres well.
You can paint the feet of a clawfoot tub to match the exterior color or choose an accent color like black, silver, or gold. It is recommended to use a brush to paint the feet, and you can use a smaller roller for the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding additional coats or varnish.
Painting a clawfoot tub can be intimidating, but with preparation and the right tools, it is a simple process. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area as the primer can be stinky. You may also need to remove the legs and any other hardware from the tub before painting. Once the paint is dry, you can move the tub back inside and do any necessary touch-ups. Allow the paint to cure for a few days before using the tub.
