Can I re-glaze (resurface) my bathtub as a home improvment project or do I need a professional?

Answer 1

Have it done professionally. You could do it, but if you're not experienced, you wouldn't be happy with the results.

Answer 2

i resurfaced my clawfoot about one year ago with a kit i bought from menards. it was only $20 so i thought why not it has 2 cans you mix togeather and involves sanding old surface the 2 cans you mix togeather are actually paint i didnt really expect much but i sure was suprised! it looked great! now the downside a couple months after that i was putting up moulding above the tub when some plaster fell in tub not paying attention i ground plaster into surface of tub with my feet over time some of the paint has come up perhaps because of plaster but not alot of it im going to get some more of the stuff from menards and mix a small amount from 2 cans saving the rest for later i believe i can repair damage in 30 minutes or so people thought my tub as new when the y first seen it i think i saved alot of money and i can deal with 30 minutes year to keep it looking like new

Answer 3

Ok, Here is how i do it for my apartments I own and its worked out super.

1. Go to MAB paints and buy the material in pint or quart cans, it is expensive but commercial quality. It is a 2 part expoxy with colorant. You will also need a quart of thinner to suit.

2. Get yourself a small paint sprayer, a small one one with the canister about 2 inch diameter and 6 inch long. Any brand will do.

3. Clean the tub thoroughly with 600 gritt wet and dry sand paper Keep it wet when sanding, never sand dry and create dust or clog the paper.

3. Flush it out using the spray hose. Immediately wipe it down so as no streaking of water marks. Then I wait till it drys and tack rag it off with a tack rag bought especially for painting at MAB too.

4. Read the mixing instructions and in a pint glass gar with a plastic lid carefully measure out with a measuring cup the exact, and I mean exact, quantities of A and B paint mixtures you purchased along with the EXACT amount of thinner. Shake that thing for about 2 minutes in that glass jar. That is a must so it will mix good.

5. Load the sprayer can to about 1/2 full, Of course you will already have let the compressor build up pressure and set that pressure at about 40 pounds on the regulator.

6. Spray that entire surface, a thin coat is better than wasting material and fixing runs. Dont be overly concerned about a couple runs or getting it perfect, that is not needed at the first coating. It will harden in about an hour so once you have sprayed out probably the entire contents of the mixed paint it will get hard. So once done get that cleaning that sprayer pronto.

7. Wait about 8 hours, Take 1000 gritt wet and dry paper, you can get that for about $1 a sheet at an automotive paint store. Sand that tub down good smoothing out runs. I use a felt padded wood block to sand out runs with. Once done flush it down good with the spray hose, repeat the same cleaning ive mentioned in step 1 above. Now you are ready for coat #2.

8. I make coat #2 with a bit more thinner, say 3 tablespoons more to the whole. Then I spray it again and let it harden good. At this point I decide if i need a 3rd coat. If so I hit it again with 2000 grit wet and repeat cleaning and spraying again. So of those damaged tubs might take 4 coats. A good tub takes about 2 coats.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

You can buy some of the supplies, but not everything you need. The pro knows exactly what needs to be done to prep the surface, and make the "paint" adhere. You, on the other hand DON"T. This is the key to making this project last. The Supplies Will cost over half of what the pro will charge for the whole job. Call a pro.

Answer 5

I agree with the last answer - my mother in law did it. And she is not what you'd call "handy" - but paint she can handle. She turned her olvie green 60's bath tub white and it looked great.

She did not need fancy tools, and besides - if you REALLY hate it hire someone to re-do it after you give it a go.

Answer 6

I think it depends on how much of the surface. If you are talking about a small chip or something, you can buy something to do it yourself, otherwise I would hire a professional, because they have the tools (spray gun, etc.)

Answer 7

There are kits available at the box stores for you to refinish your tub, but I will agree with the other person in saying that it is better to let a proffesional to do it.

Answer 8

The do it yourself kits look like crap
Let the pro's do it, they have the proper equipment to make it look great

Answer 9

its pretty easy do a google step by step instruction if u think thats hard then better leave it to the pro.

Answer 10

leave it to a pro