Renovating a bathtub with a tub and paint kit takes less time than a complete remodel. Typically, the paint kit will protect your surface from scratches, while the tub is available in a variety of finishes to modernize your bathroom. Both are significantly cheaper, so you eliminate the cost of buying new materials.
Choosing the Right Bathtub Paint and Tools
To achieve a long-lasting finish, you should choose the right bathtub paint and tools.
Porcelain: use epoxy or acrylic paint to prevent cracking and peeling. Both adhere to the ceramic finish and are easier to apply.
Fiberglass: use paints that can handle the expansion of fiberglass without peeling. Acrylic and epoxy paint offer better adhesion.
Cast iron: use enamel or epoxy paints to achieve a glossy finish. Both can withstand heavy usage and won't peel over time.
Since bathtubs experience significant wear, use the right tub and paint kit. Focus on water-resistant paints that can withstand the rigors of bathroom use to achieve long-lasting results.
You'll need basic tools like:
Rollers: they allow better reach, especially on flat surfaces.
Brushes are useful around the corners and edges. Use a fine-tipped brush to work on small areas.
Sandpaper: improves the surface you want to paint and removes the old finish.
A tape: helps to mask off the faucets and edges by ensuring the paint doesn't bleed on unwanted surfaces.
Prepping the Bathtub Surface
You should prepare the surface to achieve a professional finish.
Clean the bathtub
Use a strong bathroom cleaner to remove grime, soap, and scum. Use products with bleach for deep cleaning. Some cleaners recommend mixing with water, while others are used at full strength.
Simply apply the cleaner to the entire surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a sponge or non-abrasive brush. Next, rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a cloth. Don't forget to inspect for spots you might have missed.
Sand the surface
Use 220-grit sandpaper to create a rough texture. Apply a back-and-forth motion while focusing on areas with a glossy finish. Vacuum the surface to remove any dust particles.
Rinse and dry the surface. Use a handheld showerhead, especially around the corners and edges, to remove residual cleaning agents. Use a dry towel to dry the surface to the touch.
Before you start the painting process, tape off the tiles and faucets to prevent unwanted paint splatters.
Applying the Tub and Tile Paint
Be careful when applying bathtub paint to ensure you achieve a professional finish.
Step-by-step process：
Start from one side, work in small sections
The painting process requires a systematic approach. Start from one side for consistent paint application. Working in small sections ensures the paint job is even and minimizes the risk of errors. You can divide the bathtub into manageable sections.
Use a small brush to cut around edges and corners
Use an angle brush to work around the corners and edges. Lightly dip the brush to load a small amount of paint. Pay attention to areas where the bathtub meets the walls and follow along the taped lines. Also, feather the edges to ensure the paint blends seamlessly with the rest of the surface.
Use a roller for larger areas, applying thin, even coats
Use a roller (4-6 inches) to apply thin and even coats. Begin at one end while maintaining a consistent, overlapping pattern. Apply light pressure to avoid excessive paint buildup.
You should apply two coats for the best results. The first coat is for initial coverage, while the second one evens out inconsistencies. The general rule is to wait at least 2 hours before the next application.
As you apply bathtub paint, open the windows and the door. You can also ventilate the area using fans. You must prioritize safety too - wear a pair of gloves, goggles, and a mask.
Final Touches and Cleanup
Once the paint is fully dry, peel the painter's tape (at a 45-degree angle) to check for any missed spots or uneven edges. Next, look for inconsistencies (you need adequate lighting). Mark the areas that need touch-ups and apply additional paint using a small, high-quality brush. Use light strokes and feather the edges.
After the painting project, use water and soap to clean the brushes and rollers. If you see paint residues, rinse them under warm water. Use a brush comb to reshape the bristles and let them dry.
To ensure the paint reaches its maximum durability, you should allow proper curing time before you can use the bathtub again. This critical step enhances its resistance to moisture and wear. The curing time can take 7-10 days for the paint to achieve its final properties.
Conclusion
You should follow the above steps to achieve a professional-looking bathtub renovation. Simply put: prepare the surface, properly tape off areas, apply the paint, and perform touch-ups for missing spots. As you undertake the renovation project, your painting products will impact the outcome. You should invest in high-quality bathtub paint and tub and tile paint kits to achieve stunning and enduring results.
