Bringing An Old Tub Back To Life

By Author: Jason Delmar
Total Articles: 335
Comment this article

If you are looking for a inexpensive way to spruce up your bathroom, here is a quick tip. Over time, bathtubs get old and look used. There is a difference in what can be cleaned and what is scratched. Other than taking it out completely and installing a new one, there are couple of options that you can use. Here is an idea that can help improve the look of your bathroom tub.

If your tub needs refinishing, it usually becomes a large project, however, if you want to refinish your current tub, maybe it has just a few scratches, there are many products at your local hardware store.

Cleaning the surface is very important. Prepare the surface by cleaning with a good cleaning agent like TSP - trisodium phosphate. Rinse with water, buff with 0000 steel wool, rinse again and repeat this step two more times. It seems repetitive but the proper preparation is the most essential step in cleaning and resurfacing a tub. After cleaning allow the surface to dry for 24 hours. Next make any repairs such as small cracks or chips in porcelain or metal. These imperfections can be filled with a high quality epoxy. After applying ...
... the epoxy, smooth it with some steel wool. Let dry and get ready for the next day.

After waiting the 24 hours, you will want to get ready to apply the paint. The paint you will be using is a special tile/ bathroom type paint. Look in your local hardware store or ask a hardware store attendant to help. This type of paint is common and once you tell the store attendant what you are looking for, it will be no problem to find. It should be a little more expensive, but compared to the alternative of removing your tub, it clearly becomes the best short term solution.

Make sure the area is well ventilated, you're wearing a mask, and you have rubber gloves in use. Thoroughly stir the paint and let it sit for one hour. This allows the paint to set up and it will adhere better to the surface. This type of paint can be used up to 12 hours after opening, so you have some time, however, one hour after stirring is the optimal time to apply the paint.

Apply two coats. First a light coat avoiding runs and feathering lightly in one direction as you cover the surface. Look over the painted product and eye any runs or drips. Again feather these imperfections out and then wait at least 12 hours. Note, that you don't want to wait over 36 hours when applying the second coat.

Apply the second coat the same way as the first. Feather in one direction and apply evenly. After this you should see a vast improvement in the look and feel of your bathroom. This is a great step to improving the look of your tub. If you can tackle this job, you should be prepared to take on any other bathroom improvements.
I have been remodeling house for 15 years, and I have the secret to getting high qualitykitchen cabinets at an affordable price. Interested in finding out my secret? Follow these links to find out the secret to getting kitchen cabinets at 30-40% below retail prices