If your bathtub is looking worn and stained, but replacing it seems too expensive, why not consider refinishing your existing one? Refinishing provides an instant makeover for a tired, used-up tub. With some basic home improvement tools and a bit of effort, you can transform your old bathtub to look as good as new. Follow the steps outlined below to learn how you can refurbish your bathtub.
Required Materials:
- Shower cleaner
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Towels
- Paintbrushes
- Protective gloves
- Masking tape
Follow these steps:
- Start by putting on gloves for protection. Clean your bathtub thoroughly to remove rust and residue. Make sure to dry every side and corner of the tub completely.
- Cover any areas you wish to protect, such as the drain and the area where the bathtub meets the wall, with masking tape [source: BRAOA].
- Sand off any stains carefully. Take your time to ensure the resurfacing materials will properly bond to the surface. Once sanding is complete, rinse off any debris and dust. It’s advisable to clean the worked areas with a shower cleaner. Let the tub dry completely before moving on to the next step [source: Goode].
- Apply a smooth coat of primer to the problem areas using a paintbrush. Allow it to dry.
- Next, use a fresh paintbrush to apply a consistent base coat to the areas you want to resurface. Ensure that there are no cracks or bubbles in the base coat. Let it dry thoroughly.
- Finally, apply an even layer of top coat with another paintbrush to the resurfaced areas. Make sure the top coat is smooth and free of cracks or bubbles. Let the top coat dry completely [source: Alward].
