How to Paint A Bathtub
Sam Lutz • January 12, 2016

Over a period of time, bathtubs will start to discolor due to daily usage. While fiberglass bathtubs get scratches and become yellowish, cast-iron tubs get rusty and chipped, and It’s always a good idea to give your bathroom a makeover from time to time. If you don’t want to shuck out the cash for a full renovation, there are some DIY ways to improve your bathtub’s aesthetic appeal. If the tile and tub are in sound condition, you can repaint and refinish
the tub to give it the much-needed makeover. Before you jump in, however, it’s always essential to pick the right products. This post will go over the do’s and don’ts when painting a bathtub yourself.
Important Points to Consider
Before you start painting, here are some do’s and don’ts that you need to follow:
Do:
- Buy a pre-packaged tile and tub kit. Rust-Oleum or similar kits have special epoxies designed for the job. These kits contain a list of the necessary tools and supplies required to paint the tub, in addition to a step-by-step guide.
- Use a spray gun. A spray gun will give a fine finish to the painting job.
- Wear a respirator mask, use a fan, and ensure that there is proper ventilation because the painting kit has an unpleasant smell.
- Spend ample time to clean and sand the tub if you want the paint to last a while. The better you prepare, the less likely it is that you’ll have to repaint the tub.
Don’t:
- Use water-based paint as it disintegrates faster
- Take a hot bath immediately. Let the epoxy cure for at least 36 hours before you start using the tub. If you get impatient, you may end up with wrinkled surfaces.
After you are done with all the preparations,you can start painting the bathtub.
How to Paint the Tub
- Cut away the old caulk using a putty knife and remove the drain cover.
- Cover the faucets and tile surrounding the tub so you don’t get paint on them. You can use either painter’s tape or masking paper to protect the walls and use a drop cloth to cover the floor.
- Put on rubber gloves and clean the tub by scrubbing it with cleaner.
- Rinse the tub with cold water and let it dry.
- Scrub the tub with sandpaper till it feels gritty
- Apply epoxy spray paint on the bathtub and wait for around 8-9 hours before you start using the tub.
Remember that the refinishing products release poisonous fumes, so you’ll need to use proper ventilation, safety glasses, and chemically resistant gloves to avoid any injuries. If you have questions about the painting process for your bathtub, or any questions about painting in general, be sure to give Ace Paints
a call. We are Pittsburgh’s leading paint experts and are ready to help you in any way we can.

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