If there’s one fixture in the home that will start looking dingy over time, it’s the bathtub. With all the dirt and humidity, it’s bound to show some wear and tear. Fortunately, there are options for getting your tub looking better without replacing it. For instance, you can paint it. At this point you may be thinking, how can I paint my bathtub? After all the ceramic surface doesn’t seem conducive to painting. But it can be done. This article will outline the steps you need to take.
Getting the Right Products
The process starts with getting the right products. Regular latex paints may not hold up well to the humidity in the bathroom. It’s best to go with an acrylic polymer paint for an acrylic tub and an oil-based paint and primer for a cast iron tub.
A spray gun will provide optimal precision when painting your tub. It’s more expensive than a roller or paintbrush, but it will get you the desired results.
It’s also important to ventilate the area to avoid respiratory irritation. Open the windows and use a respirator mask if you are allergic to particulate matter.
How Do I Paint My Tub?
Materials to paint the bathtub
Here’s what you will need to paint your tub:
- A respirator
- A caulk removal tool
- A paint application tool such as a spray gun, brush or roller
- A cleaner, scour pads and sandpaper
- A white tub repair kit to clean up scrapes on the tub before beginning
- A DIY tub kit- you can buy items separately, but it may be more convenient to purchase a DIY tub kit that contains anti-slip protection, a resin finish, and etching tools
Once you have all you need, you can paint your tub by taking the following steps.
- Clean the tub. Use a caulk removal tool or spackling knife to remove the caulk.
- Remove the faucet and drain hardware.
- Tape off the area around your tub as well as any exposed fixtures.
- Set up a ventilation fan and open the windows.
- Use an etching cream or powder to etch the tub’s surface. This will help the paint bond with the surface of the tube.
- Rinse the tub and wipe it down with a dry cloth. Allow it to dry completely.
- Apply epoxy or primer and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the paint on the sides of the tub alternating between horizontal and vertical strokes.
- Apply a second coat of paint after the first has dried if necessary.
- Let tub dry for 2-3 days before recaulking it and reinstalling the hardware.
If your tub is looking dingy, it may just need a new paint job. Now that you know the steps to take to get your tub looking great, you can get inventive with the look you give your bathroom. Will you be using paint to update your bathtub’s look?
If you would like a free estimate on or have any question please contact us or call (847) 356-6928
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