How To Restore A Bathtub

Introduction

After several years of use, bathtubs tend to lose their shine, become discolored or develop chips and cracks. Instead of replacing the entire bathtub, restoring it can be a cost-effective solution. Restoring the bathtub involves cleaning, repairing and repainting it, leaving it looking as good as new. In this article, we will discuss how to restore a bathtub using simple steps.

Materials Needed

To restore a bathtub, the following materials are needed:

• Masking tape
• Sandpaper (150-grit, 220-grit and 400-grit)
• Bathtub repair kit
• Bathtub paint
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush
• Plastic sheeting or drop cloth
• Gloves and protective eyewear

Cleaning the Bathtub

The first step to restoring a bathtub is to clean it thoroughly. This involves removing any dirt, soap scum or grime that may have accumulated over time. Here's how to go about it:

1. Remove any silicone caulking around the bathtub edges.
2. Clean the bathtub with a bathtub cleaner and a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry.
3. Use a 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface of the bathtub. This helps to remove any remaining dirt or grime and also roughens the surface for better adhesion of the repair kit and paint.
4. Clean the bathtub once more using a bathtub cleaner and a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry.

Repairing the Bathtub

After cleaning the bathtub, the next step is to repair any chips, cracks or other damages that may be present. A bathtub repair kit can be used to fix these issues. Here's how to go about it:

1. Using a 150-grit sandpaper, sand the damaged area to remove any loose material and roughen the surface.
2. Mix the repair kit following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Apply the repair kit over the damaged area using a putty knife, making sure to spread it evenly and smoothly.
4. Let the repair kit dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Use a 400-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the repair kit and blend it in with the rest of the bathtub surface.

Painting the Bathtub

Once the repair kit has dried completely, the next step is to paint the bathtub. Here's how to go about it:

1. Apply masking tape around the edges of the bathtub to protect the surrounding area from paint.
2. Put on gloves and protective eyewear.
3. Apply a coat of bathtub paint using a paint roller. Make sure to spread the paint evenly and smoothly.
4. Let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Apply a second coat of bathtub paint using a paintbrush. Make sure to spread the paint evenly and smoothly.
6. Let the second coat dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

Restoring a bathtub is a cost-effective solution to give your bathroom a new look. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can restore your bathtub and give it a new lease of life without breaking the bank.