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.
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