How do I refinish a bathtub?

Question

I recently moved into a house that was refinished, but they apparently forgot to finish the bathtubs. They are matte, not slick and shiny and they have some stains and rough patches. I think they're so gross I don't even want to take a bath in them! I've seen people painting bathtubs on tv shows, but Lowe's said they didn't have bathtub paint. Do I need to call plumber or someone else to have this done? I'm willing to pay someone else to do it or do it myself, just need to know what's involvwed or who I should call. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have to agree with one of the other responders in that Lowe's and Home Depot "do" sell the refinishing epoxy coatings for the tubs. Find them in the plumbing section if memory serves. They run around 25 dollars and come in a few of the popular colors. We have used them. How you refinish a tub is if you have any "chips or spots" where the porcelain is missing and there is a "depression" use some "fiberglass reinforced" body filler which is similar to Bondo, but has fiberglass strands in it and is waterproof. Using an electric wire brush get as much of the rust out of the spot as you can and fill with the reinforced body filler as that product suggests. Then sand and smooth to match the level of the surrounding tub. Then using the "refinishing kit" you bought at the store you mix up the special epoxy paint with some hardener and apply as the box states. It dries in about 24-36 hours so can't use for about 2 days but is hard as heck and looks like the darned thing is a brand new tub. Of course you have to be careful in application and do a neat job, but you can get some amazing results with this stuff. Also many hardware stores carry this as well as has gotten very popular particularly with the 40's -70's houses where the tubs are often tiled around and would be incredibly expensive to remove and replace.

Answer 2

You can refinish the tub as many have told you. You can either have it done by someone or you can buy kits at a hardware store. Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinishing kits works really well and looks beautiful when it's done but is a pain to work with and really stinks (as most of them do because they are typically epoxy). Read the directions carefully and follow them closely, make sure the kit is for a bathtub, kits just for fiberglass generally don't work well on bathtubs. Also know that typically with these kits once you're done you can't use the tub for at least 3 days while it dries. So, make sure you can afford to not use the tub for that long.

Answer 3

just wanted to respond to ur question i have couple friends that have try the product from home depot and
the result is just a waste of time they have follow every step there is to follow and a month later the paint started to came off they have a company take a look and they end up striping the old paint and refinishing the tub again now there a company
don't know were you are located but this company is one the best in Virginia they will tell you what to do

Ej Bathtub Refinishing Va
202 704 4881
http//www.ejbathtubrefinishingva.org

Answer 4

Here is a link that shows the instructions:

http://www.ineed2know.org/home/refinish-bathtub.htm



You can buy a quality do-it-yourself bathtub resurfacing product from these people:

http://www.refinishingonline.com/diy.htm

At Yahoo Answers, I've heard both good and bad stories about enamel bathtub resurfacing jobs. Make sure you let it dry real good before you use the tub to bathe in.

Answer 5

It's hard to get a good job DIYin', and for the cost of a professional refinisher, you might look at a new liner, or a new tub. The liners are acrylic, fit over the old tub and look great. They are kinda pricey though...in the $500 to $700 range, last I checked. A new acrylic tub isn't that much, but in some cases...tearing out the old is a big job, so it's worth it.

I've tried the "at home" material...and it is a lot of work to prep, and then the results were not that great, and didn't last.

Answer 6

If the bath tub is free standing like the o0ld cast iron tubs I would suggest you contact a comercial bath refinisher this is the only way I have had any sucess as it involves more than just painting the old surface ask how they intend doing it and what sort of warranty you get for your money, if it is a more modern tub it will probably be cheaper to replace it.

Answer 7

Unless you want to spend a lot of money for a bathtub that MIGHT look good for a short period of time, I would suggest that the tub be replaced. Even the professional applied finishes will not last as well or as long as a new tub's finish will. The home owner applied finishes will last even less time before the peel and chip. Most home applied finishes will not even look acceptable without lots of hard work preparing the surface. A homeowner can replace the tub in less time that it would take to properly apply the finish.

Answer 8

First you need some bathtub refinish tools such as knife,razor,sander etc. turn on your ventilation fan.You take always Eye and hand protection.You are using savlon.you put on musk. Hot water is the main refinising agent. you through the water in your bathtub with insect prevention agent.

Answer 9

Sorry this is not an exact answer, but I know that you can buy "re-glazing" kits for bathtubs (at a hardware/household store, such as Lowe's or Home Depot). My mother (who is 57 years old and is quite good at DIY work on her house, but is no where near a "professional") purchased one of these and re-glazed an old, "clawfoot" bathtub that is now in her bathroom. It looks lovely -- it worked really well. I want to note that her bathtub is made out of metal (I believe cast iron), so I'm not sure as to how it would work on your bathtubs. Also, she used the re-glazing kit only on the inside of the tub, and she painted the outside of it. I would certainly explore the idea. I would advise you going to a store that sells such kits and ask for their advice to see whether such a kit would work for you. Good luck!

Answer 10

I would recommend having a professional come in and do it. They sell do it yourself kits (do a google or yahoo search) but It's not going to come out well and it will chip easy. Having a pro do it does cost quite a bit ($200-350) but I've seen some do it youself jobs and they werent pretty.