If your bathtub is starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t worry – you can easily give it a fresh new look with a coat of paint! Painting a bathtub is not as difficult as it may seem. In this blog post, we will walk you through 11 easy steps that will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. So sit back, relax, and let us show you how it’s done!
How to Paint a Bathtub?
Having the proper supplies is essential for painting a bathtub and will make the process go more smoothly! Here is an 11 step guide.
Step 1: Prep your work area
Make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies on hand before you begin. You will need a pair of gloves, a face mask, painter’s tape, drop cloths, sandpaper, primer, and paint.
Step 2: Clean the tub
The first step in painting your tub is to give it a good cleaning. This will help the paint to adhere better and will also make the job go faster. Use a mild cleanser and a scrub brush to remove any soap scum, dirt, or grime from the surface of the tub.
Step 3: Sand the tub
Once you have cleaned the tub, you will need to sand it down. This will help the primer to adhere better and will also create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a medium-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the tub.
Step 4: Tape off the area
Once you have sanded the tub, you will need to tape off the area around the tub. This will help to keep paint from getting on your floors or walls. Use painter’s tape to tape off the edges of the tub.
Step 5: Apply primer
The next step is to apply a coat of primer to the tub. This will help the paint to adhere better and will also make the job go faster. Use a brush or roller to apply the primer evenly over the surface of the tub.
Step 6: Paint the tub
Once you have applied the primer, you are ready to paint the tub! Use a brush or roller to apply paint evenly over the surface of the tub. Start with one coat and then add additional coats as needed.
Step 7: Remove the tape
Once the paint has dried, you will need to remove the painter’s tape. Be careful not to pull up any paint as you remove the tape.
Step 8: Clean up your work area
Make sure to clean up your work area before you call it a day! This includes sweeping up any dust or sanding debris, and wiping down the surfaces that you used.
Step 9: Let the paint dry.
Once you have finished painting the tub, you will need to let the paint dry. This can take several hours or even overnight.
Step 10: Add a second coat of paint (optional).
If you want, you can add a second coat of paint to the tub. This will help to make the color more vibrant and will also give you better coverage.
Step 11: Enjoy your new tub!
Once the paint has dried, you can now enjoy your newly painted bathtub!
Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a freshly painted bathtub in no time! Thanks for reading and good luck!
Painting a Bathtub vs. Full Tub Replacement
Should you paint your bathtub or just replace it entirely? Is it true that painting the bathtub is easier, faster, and less expensive than a full tub replacement by a significant margin? And could the funds, time, and effort invested in painting the bathtub be redirected to a complete tub replacement instead?
DIY:
The cost of the kit varies. You may spend anything from $75 to $125 for the preparation, depending on whether you do it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. Kits are meant to be completed in their entirety, but if you need to paint the bathtub surround as well, you’ll likely need a second kit. Some components are lacking in some kits, resulting in a total price of around $150 to $200 when these items are added back into the equation
Professional:
The cost to refinish a bathtub typically falls between $500 and $750, whereas replacing an alcove-style 60-inch acrylic tub ranges from $275 to $1,000. If you’re experienced with home remodeling, you may be able to replace your own tub for about the same price as professional services; however, this does require that all of the necessary plumbing is already in place. On average, professional replacement costs approximately $3,600.
Painting the Tub
- DIY cost: $150 to $200
- Professional cost: $500 to $750
- Current tub remains in place
- 1 to 2 days
- Moderately easy to DIY
Replacement
- DIY cost: $500 to $800
- Professional cost: averages $3,600
- Current tub goes to landfill
- 2 to 4 days
- Difficult to DIY
How to Extend the Life of Your Painted Bathtub
Follow these methods for more durable outcomes if you’re painting your own bathtub:
During Painting
To achieve the best and longest-lasting results when painting your bathtub, make sure to thoroughly clean every square inch of the surface. Any soap scum or debris that is left behind will prevent the paint from properly bonding to the tub.
Once the bathtub is clean, it must be scoured and washed away. If you run your finger over the surface and feel the dust from the scouring powder, the surface isn’t yet clean enough to paint.
Before you paint your metal bathtub, any rusty areas must be cleaned and filled. The paint coat will not filler material.
After Painting
By following this maintenance plan, your resurfaced bathtub will last for many years.
- To prevent soap scum buildup, clean your refinished tub on a regular basis. Soap scum demands more intensive cleaning methods, which can harm the tub.
- To clean the bathtub, use mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or those that contain bleach or ammonia. If you’re using a drain opener in a liquid form, hold the funnel under it to avoid spilling the caustic substance on the end result.
- Immediately repair any chipping in the tub. Metal should not be left on the tub to prevent surface rust. When handling objects in the shower, use caution.
- A shampoo bottle made of soft plastic can easily chip the surface if dropped at the wrong angle.
How Long a Painted Bathtub Lasts
Expect your bathtub paint job to last three to four years if you do it yourself. Bathtubs that have been professionally painted can endure up to ten years. Some businesses that refinish bathtubs estimate lifespans of 15 to 20 years with constant care.
