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Remodel your tub quickly and easily with a bathtub liner

After an exhausting day with your work, nothing can be more pleasurable than immersing yourself in a hot bath. However, it is not the case with bathtubs full of cracks and holes because they may cause such problems as overflow pipes or bathtub drain, which necessitates bathtub refinishing.

However, if you neither want to grin and bear it nor spend a large sum of money on replacing your existing tub, so what can you do to better the situation?

Well, there are quite a few remodeling ideas, and we are here to provide you with a miracle method: a bathtub liner.

What are Bathtub Liners?

Bathtub liners (also known as bath liners or acrylic liners) are tailor-made bathroom accessories under the form of sheets. They are made of acrylic or PVC plastic, and are moulded to fit your tubs, thus giving them a pristine look.

These liners are reported to be durable, easy to maintain and polish. Many products from famous liner companies even come with a lifetime warranty.

The range of colors on offer for bathtub liners is quite limited, and mainstream options are almond, biscuit, grey or white. However, that should not count for too much importance, considering its major benefits below.

Why Not Just Change Your Tub?

It is always easier said than done, and indeed, changing your tub can be quite a demanding task when put into practice. Bathroom remodeling projects are both capital-intensive and time-consuming, and replacing the bathtub is no exception. Holistic bathroom remodeling can also be a real eyesore as it damages your wall surround, flooring and plumbing. You have to replace your old tub, not to mention the removal of the bathtub surround and tile wall.

Liner installations are much simpler, more labour-saving and cost-effective. If an upgrade in comfort is all you need, you should consider the idea of tub liners, which is quite a practical solution to your bathtub imperfections.

How to Remodel Your Tub Quickly and Easily With a Bathtub Liner

While experienced bath fitters ensure higher accuracy and technical know-how, you can still install a bathtub liner on your own with specialists’ in-home consultation. Provided that you follow our guidelines, a certain level of meticulousness will do.  

Step 1: Check the bathtub

Make sure that your tub is clean and free of dirt. Even a thin film of soap and bath oil must be removed so that the liner will stick well later.

A rag helps with clearing soap scum and oil away, provided that the bath surface has a sufficient amount of alcohol on it.

Step 2: Pull out the knobs

This is a must when you execute a shower conversion, and it helps get the tub liner in place. 

In case you want to replace the water tap as well, take it off first and do that later.

Remove the knobs before going on to the next step

Step 3: Apply adhesive and sealer.

Both adhesive and sealer are substances whose functions are respectively to stick things together and prevent water from escaping.

First, apply adhesive to your existing bathtub, and make it evenly proportioned. Do not fail to miss a single space or else you will eventually your efforts will be wasteful.

Next, disperse the sealer well so that the outer edge of the tub liner can be enveloped, thus countering moisture or drainage under the bottom.

Step 4: Install

The main point of this remodeling project is here.

Before installing the liner, apply silicone caulking to the drain at the top as well as the gasket at the bottom. For the sake of effectiveness, choose bands of silicone with the minimal length of half an inch.

Carefully put the liner on your bathtub, and apply great pressure so that it clicks into place. If the liner is larger than expected, trim it with a utility knife. Remove the air by either pressing the tub liner hard to the surface or laying heavy objects on it, thus making it stick well.

Step 5: You are almost there!

Fill the tub with water, and drain it after a while. At this point, polish both the bathtub and the liner using a neutral cleansing agency in combination with warm water.

You should also stay alert to the possibility of damaging the tub’s surface if you use scouring powder or abrasive cleaners.

To optimize the wanted result, allow the liner to dry for at least one day before it can come into service. Once your waiting finishes, you can savor every pleasing moment to the full!

Tips on the maintenance and purchase of bathtub liners

Take pictures of your bath

If you intend to install a liner yourself, it is advisable to take some pictures of your bath before shopping for a bathtub liner. Shop assistants from liner companies can rely on the measurements and give you useful advice on liners which are fit for purpose.

Opt for suitable cleaners

Such products can come under various forms, such as cream, detergent, gel, etc. Scrutinize their labels as well as usage so that you can choose compatible cleansers for your  tub liners.

Look for necessary information before purchasing a suitable product

Clean gently

Contrary to popular belief, scrubbing hard will do more harm than good. Also, distance your tub liners from abrasive sponges and steel wool as they  will leave your liners with scratches, thus making them fragile and unattractive. Instead, appropriate pressure in combination with a rag, soft sponge or microfiber cloth will stand users in good stead.

Avoid rubbing the bathtub surface too hard

Disinfect on a regular basis

If you want to prolong the lifespan of your bathtub liners, great emphasis should be put on frequent sanitizing. A mixture of water and bleach will do, but if you want to repel mold and mildew as well, clean the surface with a moderate solution of water and vinegar.

It is also noteworthy that water strapped between the tub surface and tub liner gives rise to the proliferation of harmful bacteria.

Getting rid of water trapped beneath tub liners

Improper measurements or lack of care in installation may lead to the accumulation of water between the liner and the tub. And this is how you can overcome the issue.

First and foremost, use a screwdriver and pliers to unscrew the drain shoe (an elbow that carries water through a drain pipe). Then, suck out all the water with a shop vacuum. Unless you want to be in the same bath with mold, carry out this step carefully.

For the next 24 hours, leave the shoe drain out so that the moisture between the bath and liner disappears completely.

Drill through the bathtub surface, but do not touch the liner so that residuary water drains out.  It is also important to ascertain that the water is collected during this process.

Lastly, treat the joint between your tub and liner with a caulk gun, and your problem has been successfully solved!

Create a pleasurable environment

When cleaning your bath and tub liner, wear strong gloves, especially those made of rubber to protect your hands. An open window (if possible) and a working fan provides ideal ventilation, which repels the excessive odor from cleansing products.

Conclusion

Despite the repeated arrival and disappearance of various bathroom renovation trends, bathtub liners still stand the test of time and sustain its mainstream popularity.

Should you want to enhance the comfort of your bath without such bother as removing tub or bath surround, tub liners are an ideal option for you. Importantly, you can curb installation costs even further by doing it yourself, provided that you take great care.

Above are our tips on the upkeep as well as ways to remodel your tub quickly and easily with a bathtub liner. We hope that you derive some valuable experience from these pieces of advice, and good luck for now!

Read more: Most Comfortable Soaking Tubs Reviews

How to remove bathtub drain?

Removing bathtub drain is a necessary task that you should do regularly even if your bath starts to drain slowly or to face some bathroom repairs. The reason for this is from stuffs that stay underneath your drain for a good amount of time such as rust, gunk, and others. The longer they attach to your bathtub drain, the harder you can take it out and clean properly.

This means you need to take action to avoid all the issues now! The article below includes the list of essential tools you will need, and it also shows you how to remove bathtub drain.

Tools You Will Need

• Screwdriver
• Plug wrench
• Needle-nose locking pliers
• Old towels
• Fresh plumber’s putty

How To Remove Bathtub Drain

• Remove The Stopper

The first step you need to do is to remove the stopper. There are many types of drain stoppers so that you can find a suitable way for what you’ve got.

Types of bathtub drain

Read more: Most Comfortable Soaking Tubs Reviews

The simplest stopper to remove among those is toe-touch drain stopper. It is a device that activates with a push of your toe based on a spring-loaded operation.  For this kind, you can push it down to close it, and then push it one more time to make it up again to open.

If you want to remove one, make sure it is in the open position, hold the shaft cylinder, and unscrew it counterclockwise. Then move to the shaft-cylinder. This part is threaded to the cross bar that is at the bottom of the drain. Try turning the shaft-cylinder of the stopper.

Unscrew the stopper counterclockwise

Regarding other types, you may need a screwdriver to remove it. Once it is unthreaded, lift and take out the complete stopper.

Pop-up stopper can easily be found in the freestanding bathtub. The drain part of this tub stopper is similar to a bathroom sink pop-up. Try lifting up and turn lightly the spring-loaded pop-up stopper to see if you can simply remove the cap this way. There is another type with a little knob on top. Using a flathead screwdriver is a good way to remove it.

Remove pop-up stopper

Another common bath drain stopper is the lift-and-turn stopper that is usually recognized by a small knob on the top of it. Only twisting the knob by hand, you can easily open and close the stopper.

The first thing to do is to it into the open position just like you are emptying your bathtub. Hold the stopper body, turn the knob, and then look for a set-screw. Your stoppers can either have a visible set-screw on the knob or not.

 Turn the knob

If yours doesn’t, rotate the lift-and-turn stopper counterclockwise until it is completely removed from the strainer. You will need to ensure that the mounting post aligns with a channel on the trainer by twisting the stopper. Then move it off the mounting post. When all those steps are done, lift the stopper.

In case your stopper doesn’t lift off, it’s because the post threads could be stripped. You will need to exert pressure while unscrewing it. In the worse scenario when that maneuver doesn’t work, you can try unscrewing the drain flange from the pipe. In case the set-screw is present, unscrew the stopper with a wrench or small screwdriver.

Remove lift-and-turn stopper with a set-screw

Regarding other types of stopper such as the push-pull one, you may need some tools to do it, especially when your drain firmly sticks to the place because of initial over-tightening, rust and gunk over the time. There is usually a screw in each stopper. What you need to do is to lift the stopper up, then use a screwdriver and remove the screw.

The principle and process are the same for most common kind of bathtub, which includes whirlpool bathtubs, walk-in tubs, and others. You just need to know how your stopper is attached and then remove the essential parts.

There are lots of stoppers that haven’t been mentioned here such as flip-it tub stopper and trip lever stopper. However, we’re not going into details of the removal of every kind here. The principle is pretty similar for most stoppers so that you just need to work out what your kind of stopper is, and follow steps to access to the drain.

• Remove The Screen

Your bathtub may or may not have this. A screen can be a rubber plug or a metal disc that is attached to the bathtub drain assembly. It helps to retain water by preventing large objects from falling down to the drain.

Removing it is pretty simple. You can either use a fingernail or a screwdriver to remove it. Some models have a screw. If you’re having a stopper like that, unscrew it to lift the screen off.

• Remove The Drain

Now you’re ready to move onto the main step of the work. There are two choices that you can consider for this part.

The most recommended way is to use a drain wrench. It comes with two head sizes, which can fit comfortably over the drain’s cross. If you use a drain tool, there is less chance of accidentally damaging the cross. This tool is inexpensive as well, so it really worths buying, isn’t it?

The first thing you need to do is find the head that fits your drain. When the drain wrench is assembly in place, gentle turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the drain. In case you need more force as the drain is too stiff, insert a screwdriver in the hole in the drain tool and use it to turn. Then simply loosen it and continue turning until the drain totally comes out.

Use a drain wrench 

The other choice is using a set needle-nose locking pliers. This set is undoubtedly the best substitute when you are lack of a plug wrench. This technique is not preferable as it has more chance of breaking off the cross. The pliers should be small enough to go through the cross.

To start, push the handles of pliers into the drain. Make sure you clamp onto the center hub of the cross. When the first pair is in place, use another pair of pliers to grasp it and rotate it counter-clockwise. Go slowly until the temperature reaches warmer to easily loosen the plumper’s putty.  Keep turning until the drain comes free.

Use locking pliers 

• Clean the seal

There is some kind of sealant that assembly attaches to the drain hole like plumber’s putty and caulk. Sometimes it’s really hard to remove as it has been there for a long time. What you need to do is to soften it up by heating. The simplest way is to use a hairdryer.

Remove plumber’s putty

You can use it to blow hot air into the drain, keep it for two to three minutes before taking it out. Rub it with a damp cleaning rag and gentle scrap with a screwdriver.

Don’t forget to replace the old putty with a fresh one before installing the new drain. If you ignore this step, you may face the problem of the bathtub drain leaking to the sections below.

Apply fresh putty

Conclusion

It’s an important for you to know how to remove bathtub drain. You need to do it on a regular basis to avoid draining issues. Though it isn’t as simple as reaching in and turning out the drain, you can easily DIY it with essential tools.

This will save you a good amount of money for a plumber service to do it for you. As long as you carefully follow the instruction for removing, you can manage it without causing any damage.

There are many bathtub drain stopper types in the market, which may hit you for awhile if you are new in this major. Do you think only plumber who knows about the bathtub drain stopper? Well, you need to think that again.

We are here to help you with the essential information about the bathtub drain stopper types. If you are going to replace a bathtub drain stopper, this article may also help you choose the best one. Let’s check it out now.

What is the bathtub drain stopper?

A bathtub drain stopper is a part/device that places in the bathtub drain to hold the water. Meanwhile, you may have heard about the bathtub drain strainer, which is a tool located on the drain to block the hair, debris, and particles on the way. Unlike the stopper, a strainer cannot hold the water.

What is a bathtub drain stopper?

However, the name “stopper” is not an official name. We just call it that way to imply the use of it: stop the water from draining out. When you finish taking a bath, lift this device to remove the water inside the tub.

Well, the most classic and common bathtub drain stopper is the rubber plug coming with a metal chain. However, there are many types of bathtub drain stopper nowadays, which gives you more options for your tub. What are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at these types below and choose the best one.

Different Bathtub Drain Stopper Types 

Type 1: Push-pull bathtub drain stopper

This bathtub drain stopper type comes with a set of the metal piece, which has a small knob on the top, a center setscrew, and a small rubber piece to stop the water. The way you install this device is much more comfortable. You will find a set screw under the top cap of the stopper, screw it into the bathtub drain, and now it’s available to use.

Push-pull bathtub drain stopper

The name “push-pull” says it all – it works in the push-pull motion. To close the bathtub drain, push down the stopper until you hear a “click.” To open the drain to remove the old water, gently pull the stopper up. Sound easy and straightforward, right? If you want to buy this, check out these pros and cons, too.

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• Durable and long-lasting
• Simple and friendly design
• Affordable

Cons

• A bit slippery 

Type 2: Lift-turn bathtub drain stopper

Well, you may mistake the lift-turn vs. the push-pull stopper because they have similar design and appearance. The lift-turn stopper is also made of stainless metal, which has a knob on the top of the stopper to lift and turn. The setscrew is also beneath the top cap that you use to install into the bathtub drain.

The only difference between the two tools is the way it works. While the push-and-pull stopper works in the push-pull motion, the other one works in a much different way.

You will need to turn the knob on the top in clockwise (or anti-clockwise) until it cannot go down any more to close the bathtub drain. To open the stopper and drain out the water, lift the knob and turn it in the opposite way.

Lift-turn bathtub drain stopper

Remember not to tighten the stopper too much; otherwise, it’s hard to lift and open it again. You will also need to unplug the stopper occasionally to clean the bathtub drain and get rid of hair or debris.

Pros 

• Minimal look and design
• Durable
• Easy to install and use

Cons

• Overtightened sometimes
• A bit slippery 

Type 3: Toe-touch bathtub drain stopper

You may find this stopper type similar to the two types above, and yes, it is. The minimal design may not get much attention, but it’s useful and efficient. The toe-touch stopper is made of stainless metal, while it especially uses the spring-loaded design. The setscrew under the cap of the stopper is to fit into the bathtub drain.

With the spring-loaded design, you will use this stopper with the pushing motion, which is much more straightforward than the two preceding devices. You can use your toe (or thumbnails) to push down the stopper to close the drain. After you finish the bath, push the stopper again to open and drain out the water.

This is one of the simplest bathtub drain types in the market at an affordable price. However, because this type uses a spring, it may not last longer than other types. The spring will get old and wear out by the time that you need to find another stopper to replace.

Toe-touch bathtub drain stopper

Pros 

• Easy to use and install
• Affordable 
• Simple look and design
• Not slippery 

Cons

• Not durable 

Type 4: Flip-it bathtub drain stopper

The flip-it drain stopper is another straightforward type in the market you should consider. The way it works is absolutely simple and easy, which makes you excited right at the first time. However, let’s get into its design first.

This device has a lever on the cap of the stopper that allows you to move side-to-side to open or close it. There is also an O-ring rubber seal that you will attach inside the stopper to hold it tight and seal it from the water.

The idea is simple. Flip the top knob 180 degrees to the left (or right) to close the stopper and hold water, while flipping the other side to open and drain out the water. Remember that you should attach the rubber seal properly so that the water won’t get through when you close the stopper.

However, the durability of this stopper type is not good as the top knob will wear out after many times of use. You should consider this before buying one.

Flip-it bathtub drain stopper

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to use, install, and replace
• Not slippery

Cons

• Not durable 

Type 5: Trip lever bathtub drain stopper

The trip lever drain stopper is considered to be the complicated type because of its operation and structure.

A trip lever bathtub drain stopper

Basically, you will see a knob to switch up/down to open/close the drain stopper. This switch is connected with a plunger via a set of rods in the tub overflow pipe (as you can see in the picture). And here is how it works.

When you switch down the trip lever, the plunger will go up to open and drain out the water. On the contrary, the plunger will fall down to close the drain stopper and hold the water when you turn the switch up. It’s not easy to install this device as you must place the set of tools accurately inside the overflow pipe.

Pros

• Efficient 
• Comfortable 
• Durable

Cons

• Complicated
• Not easy to install

Type 6: Pop-up bathtub drain stopper

The last type of the list is another complex bathtub drain stopper, which is a bit the same as the trip lever stopper. Well, this type works with the same lever type on the overflow pipe.

Pop-up bathtub drain stopper

When you twist the lever, the set of rods inside the overflow pipe will move and impact the rocker arm connecting to the stopper. There is also a spring to push that rocker arm to operate the stopper.

Turn the lever on the left (or right) to close the stopper. Turn the lever in the opposite way to open it.

Well, as you have just read, the structure of this device is a bit complex, and so, it’s difficult to replace and clean the stopper by yourself. Consider carefully before choosing this type.

Pros 

• Efficient
• Durable
• Convenient

Cons

• Difficult to replace and clean
• Easy to get hair and particles

Wrapping up

So which is the best for you among the bathtub drain stopper types above? Each of them has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the comparison, but only you can decide which is the best.

As a straightforward user, we recommend you should go for the push-and-pull bathtub drain stopper thanks to its efficient and simple design. The installation is not complicated as you can do it all by yourself, while this tool can last a long time that you don’t need to pay much attention to it. Sound fair enough?

Let’s make your own choice.

Do you remember the last time you went to the bathroom and cleaned your tub? If the answer is NO, you forgot to unclog a bathtub drain, which is the work you should do regularly. So, how to unclog the bathtub drain?

Read our article and follow one of three best methods that we provide them below.

Why do you need to unclog the bathtub drain?

Why do you need to unclog the bathtub drain?

Well, there are many bad results if you don’t unclog the bathtub drain. First, the water in your tub won’t drain, and your tub is full of water that you can’t use for the next time. Second, there will be too much debris and hair inside the drain if you don’t unclog and then, the dirt and particles will come back in the water. So, why do we need to unclog the bathtub drain?

#1. For a clean bathtub

Yes, by unclogging the bathtub drain, you will remove most of the dirt, hair, and soap scum inside the drain. This will make your tub cleaner and more ventilated. No more dirt and debris is coming back with the water, and you can fully relax in your own world.

#2. For a convenient and useful bathtub

Imagine you are going to take a relaxing bath after a long day working. Then, you realize there is another one using it before, and the water is still full in the tub. Not a comfortable feeling, right? It’s because the drain gets so much particles and debris that the water cannot go through it quickly.

If you unclog the bathtub drain often, this will never happen, and you will have a relaxing time inside the tub.

#3. For your health

Get your back alongside the tub, and taking a bath with clean, hot water is the best for our health. But what if the water can’t drain thoroughly? The dirt and body oil from us will not be washed away as it will stick onto the tub, which may harm your health. And this is the result of the unclogged drain.

Yes, that place is where the debris gathers most. If we don’t remove the hair and dirt inside the drain, the water can’t go down thoroughly to wash all the dirt from our body.

The soap scum and hair stuck on the bathtub drain

How to unclog bathtub drain

Method 1: Using a drain claw

Using a drain claw is the most common and straightforward way to unclog the bathtub drain. You don’t need to prepare anything but a simple, yet efficient drain claw to do the job. Sounds easy and simple, right?

However, the drain claw can just remove the hair, particles, and debris that are stuck on the drain. It cannot reach the deeper area where there is even more hair and dirt. This is just a portable method you can do whenever you finish (or begin) taking a bath. Anyway, let’s see how to unclog the tub with a drain claw.

Step 1: Remove the strainer or stopper

Most drain systems have the strainer, and some have the stopper. The first thing to do is to remove these parts from the drain and clean them carefully. You may need a screwdriver for some kinds of strainers that have screws.

Both strainer and stopper are stuck by the hair, dirt, and soap scum. As you take them apart from the drain, it’s easy and convenient to wash them with clean water.

Step 2: Clean the strainer or stopper

After removing the strainer or stopper, wash away the hair, dirt, debris, and particles accumulating on it. If it hasn’t been cleaned for a long time, you may need a sponge to scrub it to remove the excess dirt thoroughly.

Step 3: Use the drain claw to get the hair and debris

Well, this is the main part of method 1. You may not see the waste inside the bathtub drain, but there is much more than you think. Insert the claw deep into the drain until it hits the drain trap. Continue pushing the claw through the trap and move it in an up-down motion.

As the claw has many hooks, it will gather the hair and debris quickly once it hits them.

Pull out the stick, remove the soap scum and hair accumulating on it, and repeat until you don’t get any hair.

Step 4: Check if the bathtub drain is unclogged

When finishing the work, turn on the faucet to rinse water in your tub, check if the water is drained thoroughly or not. Finally, put the strainer or stopper to the beginning position. If the result is not as you want, move to the next method.

Let’s check out how to apply this method following the below video:

Method 2: Using cleaning products

This method is considered to remove the dirt, debris, and hair more efficiently without much effort, compared to the first one. However, you need to prepare a pair of gloves and a mask as you will work with chemicals.

As this is a cleaning product, it can quickly remove the stubborn dirt or scum inside the bathtub drain. However, don’t make use of it as it’s not good for your health. Let’s see how it works.

Step 1: Purchase a chemical drain cleaning product

The first thing you must do is to get yourself a cleaning chemical from hardware stores. It often contains potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, which is a hazardous and robust chemical to remove the debris easily. This is also considered an essential step as not all products can apply in your bathroom.

Read the ingredients and instructions carefully to make sure the drain cleaner is the right one and suitable for your pipe type. Also, you will need to know the instruction clearly before using the product.

Step 2: Apply the chemicals onto the bathtub drain

Make sure the bathtub is fully dry for the best result. Equip yourself with gloves, masks, and goggles (if needed). Read the manual to know the required amount of chemical you will need for one time, as the different product comes with a different amount. Remember not to splash the chemicals out.

Gently pour a suitable amount of cleaning product around and inside the bathtub drain. After finishing, let it be for about 30 minutes so that the product can sit there and take its effect.

Step 3: Flush the water

After 30 minutes, rinse (or flush) the water onto the bathtub and see the result. If it works, the water should be drained thoroughly and disappear immediately down the drain. 

Usually, you should use both method 1 and 2 for the best result. While the drain claw helps gather much hair and soap scum on the bathtub drain, the chemical product will remove the debris deeper inside that the claw can’t reach.

Method 3: Using baking soda and vinegar

While the baking soda helps clean and remove the dirt, the vinegar contains acid to get rid of stubborn debris. This method is effortless and straightforward that you don’t need to do much. The material you use is not harmful to your health, and so, this method is nearly perfect.

However, this requires using boiled water, and you must be careful if you don’t want to get burned. So, how to unclog the bathtub drain with the baking soda and vinegar?

Baking soda is useful in bathroom cleaning work

Step 1: Remove the strainer or stopper

Like method 1, you must remove the strainer or stopper to clean and wash it. This will get rid of the hair and debris accumulating on it, while you can access the drain quickly.

Step 2: Boil water

You will need an amount of boiled water (that you have just boiled) to pour directly to the drain. By doing this, you may unclog the drain partially as hot water is useful in getting rid of the dirt and soap scum. What about the debris and hair?

Step 3: Apply the baking soda and vinegar

Now we have a strong combination to fight against the stubborn particles and debris: baking soda and vinegar. It’s very straightforward and convenient to get these things as there are many of them in common stores. Moreover, it’s not chemical and doesn’t cause any harm.

Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar around and inside the drain. Keep it for 20 minutes so that it can take effect.

Step 4: Pour boiled water into the bathtub drain

Again, pour another amount of boiled water into the drain to remove all the hair and debris left. Rinse the bathtub with clean water to check if the drain is thoroughly unclogged.

In conclusion

So, can you unclog the bathtub drain on your own?

Yes, definitely.

With our comprehensive guide on how to unclog the bathtub drain, the cleaning work has never been easier. If you find that one method is not enough, try to combine both of them and see the result. The more you work, the better result you will get.

However, we recommend that you keep your bathtub clean and ventilated as often as you can. Don’t wait until it gets clogged that you start to clean your tub. Still find any difficulties in unclogging the tub? Comment below for the immediate support and advice from our team.

Need a guide on how to paint a bathtub? Can we do it ourselves at home? Is it straightforward or easy? If you have never heard about bathtub painting, this article will definitely surprise you by the instruction to do this job. Plus, painting a bathtub at home has never been easier with this guide. Let’s check it out now!

How to paint a bathtub?

How to paint a bathtub – Step by step

Step 1: Prepare 

• Remove the caulk on your bathtub

As a bathtub may have a cover of caulk during the use, you will need to remove it before applying a new coat to the tub. 

First of all, always remember to wear gloves so that chemicals or detergents will not harm your hands. Spray a little of alcohol to soften the caulk cover and makes it easy to remove. Then, use a specialized tool to remove the caulk as much as possible.  

Like other painting projects, you need to remove all things around the objects you are going to work on to avoid stains or paint. For a bathtub, the drain and the spout are the things you must detach before painting. 

This is also the chance for you to clean up these parts after a long time using. There is often dirt, debris, or grime inside these components that you need to get rid of. Meanwhile, you can also see if they can still work well or not. 

Step 2: Wash and bleach the bathtub

Before applying a new cover to your tub, make sure the paint will be well-abrasive and gives you the actual color. That’s why we need to bleach the bathtub, but first, let’s clean it. 

During the process, ensure the atmosphere is clean and fresh by opening all the windows inside the bathroom as well as the fan on the ceiling. 

First, wash all the dirt, debris, and dust away with clean water from a showerhead. For the best result, use some pieces of grapefruit to scrub the bathtub as they have acid to get rid of dirt and body oil quickly. Also, remember to use a sponge so that your tub won’t get scratched.

After washing the tub, mix 10% bleach with 90% water into a large bucket. Stir it evenly and keep it for two minutes while making sure you are well-equipped with gloves and a mask to avoid breathing bleach smell.  

Use a new sponge, damp it with the mix, and start scrubbing the tub from inside to outside. You are going to paint the whole tub, then don’t forget to work on the exterior. Scrub and squeeze at the same time so that the bleach can affect the surface of the tub.

When you finish applying the bleach onto the tub, wash it with clean water again until there is no bleach liquid on the surface anymore. Now, are we ready for the painting part? Not yet. Take it easy because we need one more process before getting a new coat for your tub.

Bleach the bathtub before applying paint on it

Step 3: Fill the cracks and crevices on the bathtub

During the use, we can avoid the small gaps or cracks inside the tub, and here is how we deal with it. 

First, get a box of epoxy putty (or tub-repairing paste) and read the manual before using it. Then, extract a small amount of the putty and knead it until it gets pliable. Apply the putty piece onto the crack area and fill it evenly. Estimate the size of the crevice to extract a suitable amount of putty and avoid wasting. 

However, we are not done in this step, yet. You will use a putty knife to smoothen and soften the surface and patched area. Then, scrape it gently to remove surplus putty and have an excellent finish.  

Finally, use sandpaper to sand the bathtub for a glossy finish and smooth surface, which is excellent preparation for painting. You can use a dry or wet sandpaper, while we recommend the dry one as it helps remove the dust, debris, and grime better. Rinse the bathtub with clean water and keep it dry before applying a painting coat. 

Step 4: Paint 

• Tape the walls and tiles surrounding

Well, you don’t want to get other parts in your bathroom painted, do you? So you had better protect them with tape or unused paper. You can also cover all the areas around the bathtub with unused clothes/ garments, and you are now free to paint the way you want.

• Prepare the paint which is suitable for your bathtub

Not all paints in the market are suitable for your tub, and therefore, you need to read the instruction of the manufacturer carefully before buying one. However, there is a popular paint type you can use: acrylic urethane enamel. It comes with two options: you can buy an already mixed product, or you will mix it yourself.

When you get the suitable paint, you will prepare a brush, roller, or a spray gun to apply the paint coat. Usually, we use a spray gun for the best result because it will be more suitable in a wet and damping environment like a bathroom.

• Paint with a steady hand and long patterns

Paint the exterior of the bathtub for a glossy look

You should start from the top corner of the tub and keep your hand stable for even coating and spraying. Apply according to the length of the tub until it’s fully covered. Remember to keep the gun 20 centimeters away from the tub for safety and the quality of the coat.

After finishing the first coat, let’s wait for 20 minutes so that it gets dry and ready for the second one. Repeat the same process for the second coat as you do previously.

Finally, make sure the tub is not in use for the next 24 hours, while you can remove the tape and re-attach the drain and spout into their positions. Apply the caulk to your bathtub again to prevent mold. Congratulation! Take a look at a brand new glossy coat of your tub. 

Let’s check out this video for your reference:

Tips for bathtub painting

As you can see, it’s not challenging to paint a bathtub; however, you need some tips to make your project easier and more straightforward.

Tip 1: Safety first

Always wear gloves and respirators when dealing with chemicals or detergents to keep your hands protected. Painting material is also harmful to your health, and so, you had better not breathe by any chance.

Also, create a fresh and clean atmosphere by opening the fan or windows so that the air can come in and out to get the paint dry. Read the instruction from the manufacturer first for safety guide. 

Tip 2: Spray gun or brush 

Some people don’t know which they should go for: spray gun or brush. Let’s refer here to have your own answer. 

The spray gun gives you a super glossy look and perfect coat like professional. It offers the actual color of the paint, while it allows the shortest time for dry. However, it also costs a little bit more than a brush because, well, it’s a kind of machine, while a brush is just a simple painting tool. 

But the brush won’t be messy like a spray gun. The area around the object will get painted easily when you use a spray gun, and that’s why you need to cover and tape all the walls and windows nearby. A brush cannot perform as high as a spray gun, but it does come with a good look if you take more time and effort.

So, the answer is up to you. 

Tip 3: Choose the most suitable paint

Because painting a bathtub is not like painting a wall, it requires a particular type of paint. And here it is Acrylic polymer paint. You cannot use regular paint or latex paint as both of them cannot withstand the water. Acrylic polymer paint, which is an oil-based primer, is the best choice. 

Research the paint carefully before purchasing as you can waste a ton of money if you choose the wrong type of paint. 

Wrapping up 

Now you have just walked through the detailed steps of how to paint a bathtub at home. Like other painting projects, preparation is much more important than you think. The more you prepare, the better result you will get. Using a spray gun or a brush/roller? Depending on your purpose and budget that you will get your suitable tool. 

Finally, write down at the comment box what you are concern about and get a prompt response.