Give your tub new life by refinishing it yourself.
Replacing the bathtub is almost impossible for some bathrooms. Instead of replacing your bathtub to give your bathroom a makeover, consider refinishing the tub instead. Refinishing your bathtub takes some time to actually do the work and then some time for curing, but this is a much less expensive and more feasible option for many people who like to do things themselves.
Spray-on Paints
For the best-looking finish, choose a spray-on paint. A spray-on paint does not give you drip marks as a brush-on or roll-on paint sometimes does. Bathtub-refinishing paint hardens much more than regular paint, giving you a nice surface for your bathtub. Using a spray-on paint can be a little messier than the roll-on or brush-on varieties but will give you an excellent professional look. Just make sure to tape off and cover any other items in the bathroom, such as the toilet and sink, so overspray does not get all over them. This works well with cast iron or Fiberglas tubs.
Roll-on Epoxy
Almost any hardware store carries bathtub refinishing kits. These kits include a two-part epoxy that you must mix together and let set for 30 minutes to an hour before brushing on your tub. If you want to use the bathtub refinishing kit, read all the directions carefully before beginning. There are several steps, and there is a wait time between some of them. You must make sure your tub is very clean before brushing or rolling on the epoxy to give you an unflawed finish. The biggest problems with using the epoxy finish is that you will get some drip marks if you are not careful, and you can't use the tub for at least seven days after applying the last coat. This gives your tub time to cure. It is a good idea to close and lock your bathroom during the curing time so that no accidents occur and damage the surface. Splashing water on an uncured surface will cause bubbles. The epoxy works well with cast iron tubs.
Acrylic Topcoat
If you have a Fiberglas tub, you may want to consider using an acrylic topcoat. This is not as shiny as some refinishing products. It works great on tubs that have a matte finish or have texture, especially at the bottom of the tub. To use the acrylic topcoat, you must apply an epoxy primer to help it adhere and to prolong the life of the finish. You may also find that you need to use a bonding agent to help the acrylic paint adhere. Test a small portion of your tub before proceeding with the entire project to save time, money and effort. For best results applying the acrylic, use a spray gun for an even coating of paint with no brushstrokes.
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