What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Bathtub?

What kind of paint do you use on a bathtub? Repainting your bathtub seems like a fun DIY project. It could give new life to your bathtub and make it look so much better. If your old bathtub is chipped and the paint is fading, it might be a wise idea to repaint it altogether.

If you can notice signs of pitting, chipping, or scratching on your bathtub, it is important that you think about overhauling it altogether. The bathtub often forms the focal point of the entire bathroom, so you have to make sure that it looks good.

Instead of going through the hassle of tearing out your old tub and then putting in a new one, you can just repaint your old one. For instance, you can put in an acrylic liner. These don’t cost a lot, but it’s better than throwing it away altogether.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Bathtub?

Epoxy is an excellent choice for repainting the bathtub. It is important that you consider using high-quality epoxy paint because that’s going to withstand the excessive moisture that develops in the bathroom.

Of course, you wouldn’t want the surface of the paint to crack after taking a few baths. The harsh chemicals are all going to mix in the water and create a series of problems. That is one of the main reasons why you should consider using resilient and durable paint such as epoxy.

Can Bathtubs Be Painted?

You can literally change the way your bathtub looks and feels by adding new paint on it. There are specialty kit paints that are designed for porcelain, fiberglass, and ceramic bathtubs.

You will find these paints readily at your local store as well. Keep in mind that the paint that is used for bathtubs is quite different than the one you will use on the walls.

If you use the one on the walls, it’s simply going to peel and crack over time. The excessive moisture and heat generated by the bathtub simply cannot be tolerated by these paints.

Epoxy, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Epoxy sticks to the surface very firmly, and once it has been properly cured, epoxy also lasts quite a long time.

Epoxy is expensive, but you don’t need a lot of it. A single quart kit is more than enough for your entire bathtub. However, it’s best to pick up at least two kits because you never know how much you might need.

It can be a bit problematic to reglaze the bathtub with epoxy on your own. It is best to mix at least one-part epoxy with the kit before applying.

How to Paint a Bathtub

There are a series of different steps that you need to follow when painting a bathtub. Here are a few simple steps that you need to take when painting your bathtub.

Removing the Old Caulk and the Hardware

The first step is to prepare the tub for the new paint job. You will want to begin by removing all of the old caulk that is stuck on the bathtub. It might be a wise idea to buy a spackling knife.

If you don’t have one, just use a caulk removal tool or buy a versatile painter’s tool for the job. Start by unscrewing the overflow assembly and the hardware associated with the drainage system in the bathtub.

If there are any fixtures, such as the faucets and taps, get rid of those as well. It is important to carefully unscrew each and every thing instead of tugging at these things. Be gentle and remove them carefully.

Remember, you will have to put them back together on your own afterward, so it’s best to have the right tools on hand. Make a video if you have to so that you know the process that was followed. Make a note of any specific procedures as well.

Properly Ventilate Your Bathroom

Before you get to work in cleaning up the bathtub, it is important for you to ventilate the bathroom properly. Before painting the bathtub, you need to clean it up as carefully as possible.

Start by using some acetone to get rid of surface residue, then use some bleach and other surface cleaners. The aim is to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the tub over time.

The paint is going to create a strong smell, so it’s important to leave the windows open. Turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom so that the pungent smell is allowed to escape. Start by using a 10% bleach solution and clean the bathtub with this.

Once you are done, use an abrasive cleaner to clean the bathtub deeply. Once you have rinsed the residue from that, the final step is to use acetone or any other solvent.

If you don’t have any, it might be a wise idea to stick with conventional paint thinner. It’s the best way to remove all kinds of grease or oily residue from the bathtub.

Cover the Imperfections

The paint will not be applied properly if there are any chips or gouges on the surface. Make sure you repair the imperfections properly before you decide to paint the area.

You can use crack fillers or surface fillers for this. Sand the areas carefully to create a smooth finish before you decide to apply the paint. Ideally, sandpaper with 400 grit is a wise choice. Start with 400 grit then use another with 600 grit instead.

After the surface has been filled, rinse the tub as carefully as possible. Use rags and clean towels to dry the bathtub as fully as possible. You really don’t want any moisture on the surface before you decide to apply the paint.

Cover the Surrounding Areas

There’s going to be quite a bit of residue and drops, so it’s important that you cover the surrounding areas. You should consider using painter’s tape to cover the tiled area so that there is no staining on the surface.

Mix the Epoxy

If you purchased two-part epoxy, you need to start by mixing it properly. Your room should be properly ventilated, and it’s important that you put on a mask or a respirator properly. Prepare the paint by mixing two-part epoxy.

Follow the instructions given on the solution so that it is done properly. A majority of the kits that are available nowadays use two-part epoxy.

You will want to make sure that the epoxy has been mixed properly. It’s important that you mix these carefully, so you have to be thorough with the instructions.

Apply the Paint in Two Thin Coats

Next up, it’s important to use a paint brush to paint the surface carefully. Apply a thin coat of paint on the bathtub using uniform lines so that there is no thickness in any corners.

Epoxy paint itself levels properly, so if you see any marks, don’t worry about them. Wait for the first coat of paint to dry out before you apply another one.

Let the Paint Dry Out for at Least Four Days

The epoxy is going to take several days to cure at least. In most cases, this is around three days, but you should wait an extra day just to be safe. Once the paint has been cured, you can remove the painter’s tape.

Recaulk the bathtub carefully, and then add in all of the fixtures. Once it is done, you can then go ahead with the process. It’s important to maintain the epoxy surface of your bathtub in the best possible manner.

You can use any cleanser to keep it clean. The maintenance is very similar to that of other porcelain surfaces, especially those in your bathroom. Your new epoxy covered bathtub is ready for use.

You can keep it in your bathroom or you can use it for any other purpose. For instance, some people like to keep their old bathtubs in their garden or backyard, and they like to grow plants in it.

It’s best to leave the bathtub in the bathroom and connect all of your drain pipes and assembly. The bathtub is ready for use and it will be as good as new. The glossy surface will make it look and feel as good as new, so it’s definitely worth the effort!