Peeling of bathtub paint is a condition that will rundown your bathtub. So, it would help if you took proper care of it. If the bathtub is looking a little rundown, you can give it a new coat of paint before thinking of replacing it.
Fixing a peeled bathtub is a do-it-yourself project that will save you some money you could have used to hire a professional to do the job. Whether the tub has a few small chips or scratches, or it is badly damaged and requires to be refinished, it is a project that you will find tools and do it yourself.
8 Steps to fix peeling bathtub paint:
Peeling of bathtub paint is a common thing among many homeowners. It is a condition that may run down your tub if it is not carefully looked at.
Step 1: Gather the materials required
The first thing to do to fix a peeling bathtub is to gather all the materials you may need to perform the project. Make sure you buy a two-component epoxy kit for the chip repair together with the accompanying tools. It can be found in the adhesive repair section of the home hardware store. Get the kit with both the hardener and catalyst that you will mix to foam the epoxy.
The majority of epoxy chip repair kits are made in white shades to match the most common color of the bathtubs. Ensure that you select the kit that will match the shade of the bathtub. You can also choose two kits that you can mix to get the right color. Epoxy repair kits primarily work in all kinds of bathtubs.
Step 2: Clean the damaged area
The second step is to scrub and clean the damaged area for effective painting. Get a sponge and a tub cleaner or soap and scrub the damaged area. Take warm water and a dish detergent to clean the chipped area. For effective cleaning, you can also use acetone to clean the area.
The use of acetone will help in softening the caulk, making it easier to remove. After scrubbing and cleaning the entire area, make sure you thoroughly dry the chipped area with a clean rage. It is also essential to wear rubber gloves as you work to protect your hands.
Step 3: Discard the old caulk and remove the spout and drain to get painted.
Discard the old caulk to the garbage bag so that it does not get in the way. Ensure you have a garbage bag near you as you scrub off the caulk so that you can put it in easily. You can throw it away since you won’t be using it anywhere. If you do not get all the caulk off, do not worry because you will be sanding down the tub later.
The next stage requires you to remove the spout and drain so that they do not get painted. Use the screwdriver to remove the water spout and drain fixtures. Use this time to clean these fixtures before you return them.
Step 4: bleaching the bathtub
Follow the directions provided on the epoxy kit to mix the two components to bleach the bathtub. Some epoxy kits feature a stirring stick and mixing tray to be used in mixing the components. Mix the epoxy in the disposable tray with the toothpick or the stirring stick.
Using a small spatula or paintbrush, apply the epoxy to the chip area. Scoop up a little amount of epoxy and spread it carefully in the thin layer over the chip area. Make sure you spread it by working in one direction and smooth out all the spots where it pools. It is advisable to use disposable items when applying the epoxy.
Follow the directions on the epoxy kit to allow it fully dry. After ensuring that it has dried, gently sand the surface using sandpaper until it gets smooth like other tub parts. If you feel the chip, you can repeat the process by adding another layer of epoxy to remove them altogether.
Step 5: Refinishing badly damaged tubs
Get the bathtub refinishing kit from a nearby home improvement center. Ensure the kit contains sandpaper, refinishing paint, tub cleaner, brush, roller, paint tray, and primer. Also, confirm if the kit has a durable resin coating for the tub. Ventilate the bathroom and cover the floors. Put up a fan and open all the windows. It is advisable to put on your protective gear.
Use the cleaner that is provided in the kit and clean the bathtub. Follow the directions provided on how to apply the cleaner and then use the sponge to scrub it. Rinse the tub and then go over it using the sponge and cleaner again to remove any stain or scum before refinishing it.
Sand the tub with sandpaper to remove the old finish. Sand the whole surface in a circular motion using an electric sander or by hand. Do it until you feel it is smooth.
Step 6: Repair any cracks or chips
After sanding the whole tub, you can check to see if any crack or chips are remaining. If you find one, repair it using a 2-component epoxy crack repair kit. Mix the two parts of the epoxy in a tray. Take a spatula or a small brush to apply a thin layer of the epoxy to any crack or chips in the tub.
Wait for two to three hours until the epoxy dries up before sanding the patches down using 2000-grit sandpaper. This will help to match the finish of the parts of the tub.
Step 7: Applying the paint
Before you start applying the paint, tape the protective sheets on the floor and walls, use the masking tape to secure the plastic sheeting to the floors and walls surrounding the tub. You can also lay the plastic sheeting over other fixtures like the sink and toilet. It is recommended to use acrylic paint.
Wear old clothes and put on the respirator once you are ready to paint. Ensure that you wear things that you will not mind getting dirty. The respirator will be used for safety purposes. Paint fumes are really h3, so it is crucial to protect yourself. Follow the provided instructions on how to prepare the paint and prepare it properly.
Load the spray gun by following the provided spray gun’s instructions to know how much the paint to load. Remember to keep the lid on the paint to prevent the enamel from drying up. You can also use rollers and paint brushes if you don’t want to use the spray gun.
Start from the top and work your way systematically across the length of the tub with even motions. Make sure you keep the spray gun about eight inches away from the tub. Repeat the process until it is well painted, and then move on to the exterior part of the tub.
After finishing the outside of the tub, allow the first coat of the paint to dry before applying the second coat. You can allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. The moment it is dry, apply the second coat without missing any areas.
Step 8: Finishing the tub
Allow the tub to stay alone until it is cured completely. Do not run any water or step in it. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for curing time. Remove the tape and reattach the removed tub fixtures. With the help of the gun, reapply the caulk to those areas where the tub meets the shower. Your bathtub will be fixed completely.
Air bathtubs are more durable than the traditional bathtubs. By installing a luxury air bathtub you can solve the pilling problem in the long run.
Conclusion
If you have meant to do something about the peeling paint on the bathtub, grab the tool kit and get started. We have profoundly looked into some of the steps you can follow to fix peeling bathtub paint. Lay down the tools, follow the procedures, and your tub will look new again.
The peeling surfaces of the tub can be repaired by filling the cracks or holes, cleaning the surface, and priming it. The moment the surface is dry, you can then repaint it following the manufacturer’s instructions. With this do it yourself steps, you can save money and give your tub a new coat rather than replacing it.