Many homeowners do not even think about their bathtub color. However, picking the perfect color for your Chattanooga bathtub can make a sizable difference.
Bathtub paint comes in several colors, designs, and patterns. White and navy are the most popular bathtub colors for homeowners. However, our experts are happy to recommend the best paint color for your bathtub.
The Jack of All Trades is a full-service home remodeling business, serving hundreds of Chattanooga, TN, homeowners each year. Our licensed and insured experts have decades of experience painting bathtubs.
Below, we will review each step of the bathtub refinishing process.
Step 1: Prepare for Painting
First, you must prepare your bathtub for painting. To do so, you must eliminate old caulk from your tub. Many paint retailers and home improvement stores sell caulk removal tools.
If you do not have a caulk removal solution, you can use a spackling knife or a multi-purpose painting tool to eliminate caulk from your tub. Next, remove your drain cover and any other fixtures from your bathtub. Please ensure that you use the correct tools to remove these items from your tub.
One of our painting experts can recommend the best tools for your paint job. We are available to take your call anytime during business hours.
Step 2: Ventilate Your Bathroom
Next, you must ventilate your bathroom to create an optimum environment for painting. Keep bathroom windows open and turn on the exhaust fan to eliminate moisture and humidity from the room.
After ventilating your bathroom, wash your tub with a 10% bleach solution. Then, rinse the bleach away and use a soft scrub to remove dirt and debris from your tub.
Finally, wipe a paint thinner over your tub to eliminate grease and clean your tub. After this step, your bathtub should be sparkling and clean.
Step 3: Fill Scratches
Before you paint your bathtub, you should cover any imperfections in the tub. If you have scratches or chips on your tub, you can cover them with epoxy putty.
Let the putty dry before sanding your tub and removing excess grime. You can sand your tub with sandpaper, which you can buy from any home goods store. Make sure that you use a wet/dry brand of sandpaper.
Use 400-grit sandpaper during your first sanding pass. Then, switch to a more durable 600-grit paper on your second round of sanding. The principal purpose of sanding your tub is to ensure that your coats of paint stick to the tub surface smoothly.
Next, clean the tub with water and wipe it down with a rag. You must wait until your tub is dry before you begin painting.
Step 4: Protect Your Bath Tiles
Protecting your tiles is essential to getting the most out of your bathtub refinishing project. You can use painter’s tape to cover your tiles during painting.
Eliminate all dirt and debris from your bathtub before beginning the painting process. If you do not cover your tiles, you could damage them when painting.
Step 5: Mix Your Epoxy
If you have two-part epoxy, you can now mix them. When you mix epoxy, you should wear a ventilation mask because epoxy has a strong odor that can be intoxicating.
When you buy refinishing paint, the manufacturer will include painting and drying instructions on the can. You must mix your epoxy solutions for at least two minutes. If you do not mix your two-part epoxy properly, that could lead to various issues.
Once you mix your epoxy paints, pour half of the mixed solution into another container to preserve it for your second paint coating. Cover the mixed container until you are ready to apply the second layer of paint.
Step 6: Apply Bathtub Paint with a Foam Roller
Finally, it is time to apply your bathtub paint. We recommend using two thin coats of paint when painting your bathtub.
To paint your tub, start at one of the top corners and slowly move the foam roller down to the opposite end. Try to minimize drippage and spills.
If you see bubbles and uneven paint marks, do not worry. Epoxy has self-leveling properties that ensure your paint job will turn out even.
We recommend waiting four to six hours between your first and second coat of paint. Your paint can will also inform you how long to wait between paint sessions. Apply the second paint coating the same way you did the first.
Step 7: Wait a Few Days
Once you have painted the tub, we recommend waiting three days before running water in it. Make plans to shower at a friend or relative’s house during this period.
Epoxy takes a few days to cure. The manufacturer of the paint you use will inform you how long the drying period is for your epoxy solution.
After waiting for a few days, you can remove the painter’s tape from your tub. Then, you must re-caulk your bathtub.
The final step of your bathroom renovation project is reinstalling the bathtub’s hardware after painting your tub. Your tub will look brand new and improve the visual appeal of your bathroom.
If you plan to sell your home, refinishing your bathtub can help you receive higher bids on your property. A refurbished bathroom is one of the most desired luxuries for homebuyers.
Get Help with the Bathtub Refinishing Process Today
A skilled paint job can change the look of your bathroom for the better. Once you refinish your bathtub, you will see the difference immediately. You will also feel better about yourself when you have a clean, stylish bathroom.
The Jack of All Trades is a team of expert home remodelers that can improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. Our skilled painters can paint your bathtub when you contact our Chattanooga, TN, office by filling out our form. We will walk you through our process and provide a free quote for our painting services.
You can also view our bathroom renovation portfolio to look at some of our past work.
