What type of paint would one use in a bathtub?

Question

I am trying to do some home repair and was in need of a way to paint a scratched up tub basin. What kind of paint works best?

Answer 1

You can get touch up paint at places like Home Depot, but you will see the corrections. The best thing to do is hire someone to come in to refinish the tub.

Answer 2

As a retired professional bathtub re finisher, I can tell you that in most cases a 2 part polyurethane coating is used. Because of its durability and and color retention (epoxy will yellow over time).
If your tub is porcelain or steel with an enamel coating, you must first etch the surface with acid then use a primer that's compatible with the finish coat. If its fiberglass, you can etch the surface with a 320 grit sand paper, primer is not necessary. Be sure to remove all soap and residue with a good scrubbing. I have removed many a do-it-yourself refinish because of poor prepping. To properly apply the coating you should spray it on with a good cup gun. And make certain you have a good respirator and spray suit. mask off everything you don't want paint to get on. And use an exhaust system to remove the over spray and fumes created. If you are resolved on doing the job yourself, your local auto paint supply store will carry a finish that will work OK. If you do hire a professional make sure they have been in biz for at least 3 years and can back up a warranty.
----- Good Luck-----

Answer 3

I was about to do this same project myself a couple of weeks ago. I purchased a two part epoxy kit from Home Depot, about $30.00 and decided to go at it. Then I saw on this web site where a fella had the same kit and it gave him all sorts of grief when he tried to mix the two cans together, as the instructions said to do.

I called a local professional and we talked at length. Wanted $400 to do the job. I am still thinking about it.

I took the kit back and settled for cleaning the heck out of the tub, which was what I had to do any way, prior to any kind of painting could take place.

The pro guy claims the kits will only last 18 months, at best, with a 5 mil thickness of paint. I did not want to go through all the effort for only 18 months of reward.

Call you pro and talk with him. I got my money back for the kit.

Answer 4

Don't do it. A tub's ceramic finish is like glass. Like glass, it is too smooth for the paint to adhere to.A primer works by interlocking with the surface that is being primed. Sanded wood, even metals that have been properly prepped, have enough irregularity, at the molecular level, for paint to grab. There are products that can be slipped over the tub. They cost more, but at least you get something that holds up.

Answer 5

I found a 2-part moisture cured paint called Hardnose. Just follow the instructions carefully. Found it online @ prp-porstore. My sink looks great.

Answer 6

Touch up paint might work.However if you are going to do the whole tub DON'T they all peel (even the special refinishing coatings con men sell)

Answer 7

Klencks is the stuff to buy. It's an epoxy made just for tubs and sinks.

Answer 8

Lowe's sells white bathtub paint.

Answer 9

water based, just kidding, I don't know, I guess it depends on the material your tub is made of, if its an old iron one it would probably be different than if it was a modern plastic or ceramic one. A phone call to Lowes or Home Depot will have a quick answer for you, and one you can hold accountable

Answer 10

if its a metal bath with an enamal finish try t-cut or get some enamal paint
plastic bath try nail varnish