Bathtub Resurfacing: Doing It Yourself

Bathtubs are one of the most used parts of the house. Because of this, bathtubs may look old after long years of using it and you may need to replace it for a better looking one and one with a color that can match the paint in your bathroom. However, purchasing a new bathtub and getting it installed in your home can prove to be very costly. For a more cost effective solution, you can consider resurfacing your bathtub yourself instead of purchasing a new one. By resurfacing it, you will be able to save hundreds of dollars for a bathtub.

Resurfacing a bathtub is quite easy to do. With patience and a few preparations, you will be able to make your old tub looking like new. So, here are the simple preparations and step-by-step process that you have to remember when you are going to resurface a bath tub.

Safety first. Remember, you will be working with various types of chemicals. The chemicals involved with resurfacing a bath tub can be very harmful to you. Its key to remember that you should protect yourself in order for you to avoid injuries from inhalation. Keeping a well ventilated workspace is a key consideration since the fumes from these chemicals are toxic. Exposure to these may cause skin and eye irritation. Not a fun experience. Wear protective clothing that covers all parts of your body, and of course, wear goggles. Protect your eyes: you only have 2 of them for life.

Now that you are well-protected, the next step is by giving your tub a preliminary cleaning. It is important that you should remove the gaskets as well as any caulking that are loose. There are tub refinishing kits that include several chemicals that you need for effectively cleaning and refinishing your bath tub.

Okay, so now you are fully protected from head to toe. Sure, you may look ridiculous, but you're safe! Lets start the next step.

As a cleaning solution, the first two chemicals will effectively remove soaps and oils from the tub surface. Also, they will get your bath tub ready for the primer. Using sandpaper with 220 - 240 grit, thoroughly scrub the tub surface. Once you have finished scrubbing the bath tub, your next step will be to rinse away the residue with water. Let your bath tub dry out thoroughly to prepare it for the second cleaning solution.

Your next step is to use the second chemical as a cleaning solution to remove any soap and oil residue. Rinse it again thoroughly with water, and using an old towel or paper towels, dry your bath tub.

The primer reducer is next. Apply this solution to your bath tub, which will prepare it for applying the primer. Using paper towels, carefully apply the primer reducer. The deep scratches and other damages to your bath tub will become quite apparent after applying it. Repair the tub surface as well as the area around the drain, which can be accomplished simply by applying some putty to the area. Remember to let the putty dry for at least 45 minutes. The repaired area will have rough edges, so be sure to use a fine sandpaper. Apply the primer reducer a second time.

You're almost ready for the resurfacing stage. However, you'll need to apply paper and tape to the areas that you don't need to resurface. This will protect those areas from being damaged by the chemicals you are using.

Applying the base coat is the next step in resurfacing your tub. In this process, it is important that you should use a respirator to protect your lungs from the fumes the base coat emits. You have to mix the primer's components exactly as what the manufacturer's directions state and it is recommended that you should use a spray gun when applying the primer for an even finish.

After about 30 minutes you can now apply the top coat. You also need to use the spray gun properly by applying it with even strokes in order to have a great looking finish.

As you can see, bathtub resurfacing can be quite simple. It is a cost effective solution than purchasing a new bathtub. By resurfacing your bathtub, you will be able to have a brand new looking bathtub at a very affordable cost.

Learn more about how to improve your bathtub with tips on bathtub reglazing, handicap bath tub and bathtub reglazing at BathTubTherapy