Paint the Tub!

Asked By:  Brenda

I am planning on painting my bathtub using an epoxy paint kit. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.

Answer:  Epoxy paints are great choices assuming your tub's surface is appropriate for such paint. You didn't specify if your tub is made of fiberglass, porcelain or some other material, so we'll speak generally about epoxy paints rather than going into specifics on your particular tub. First off, while this project can save you thousands of dollars, the paint used can be extremely harmful, so the most important thing is protecting yourself. Also, we've frankly heard some mixed results on doing this project yourself. Not only will you be working with potentially dangerous chemicals, you'll be taking on a pretty tricky painting job: trying to bond new paint onto an existing, slippery surface. We do know that, like most painting projects, getting a flawless new finish on your tub is exacting work that will require meticulous preparation and strict following of manufacturer's directions. Before you start this project, make sure you have adequate eye, skin and lung protection. This means you will have to rent or buy a respirator, open the windows for ventilation, use a fan to keep the air moving and keep your family and pets away from the work area. If the tub is anywhere near a gas heater or appliance, turn the gas off to be safe. We are also responding on the assumption that your bathtub's current paint is not flaking or peeling. If this is indeed the case, or if the tub is badly damaged, you are going to have to have it professionally stripped, as working with this type of remover is especially dangerous. Cover all surrounding areas thoroughly with drop cloths, painter's tape and plastic. Clean the tub with a chemical agent intended for porcelain (if it is in fact porcelain). You want to remove any dirt or grease that is sitting at the bottom of your tub as they will affect the way the paint adheres. Next, you are going to have to apply a chemical adhesive so that the primer and paint bonds to the tub's slippery surface. You can apply it with a cloth or with a paint sprayer and it should only take a couple of minutes to dry before you can start painting. Like most painting projects, you are going to have to start with a primer. Your kit likely specifies or includes a compatible primer. If you're doing this on your own, work with the folks at your local paint shop and make sure all your paints (including the primer) are compatible with each other and with the type of surface you're painting. Working with a paint sprayer really calls for some practice. Take your sprayer outside and try a few passes on some cardboard or scrap lumber until you're comfortable. Practice until you can successfully squeeze the trigger after you hand has started moving and you can apply even, light coats. Even if it means buying a bit more paint, it'll be worthwhile because it should substantially reduce the number of drips, lumps, and pools you'll have to clean up afterward. We recommend applying the primer and paint with a sprayer. This will give you a professional-looking finish and it will take about a third of the time to complete. A sprayer can be rented from any local home improvement store for about $50 a day or less. Unless the manufacturer's instructions call for something different, you should plan on applying at least two coats of paint by spraying back and forth in smooth strokes for the best results. Watch for and fix any drips as these will quickly become permanent. Once the coats are dry and the paint has bonded, you are done! Remove all of your drop cloths and tape. Check with the manufacturer's instructions for drying times/final bonding of the paint. You and your family may want to stay away from the tub for a couple of days if the bathroom doesn't have great ventilation. We hope you enjoy many baths in your new painted tub. Good luck with this project, let us know how it comes out, and again, don't forget the safety gear!