How to Refinish Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs, common staples in many modern bathrooms, are pretty easy to clean and maintain. That said, even the most dutiful homeowners will not be able to prevent most of the scratches, chips and rust spots that are bound to occur over the years. Replacing an acrylic tub is an extremely costly and invasive project which is why many people opt to repair their old one instead.
Before you begin, you will need to gather up all of the necessary tools and items you will require to get the job done.
- A putty knife or screwdriver
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Sand paper
- Face mask
- Caulk gun and caulk
- Acrylic paint in the color of your choosing
- Paint primer
- Surface cleaner
- Painter's tape
- Pressured paint gun
- Brush
- Sponge
- Washcloth
- Use a putty knife or screwdriver to remove all of the tub's silicone caulk. After all of the caulking is gone, clean the entire surface of the tub with isopropyl alcohol.
- Spray the bathtub with the surface cleaner and use the sponges and brushes to scrub any stains away. Then, partially fill up the tub with warm water and give the inside another thorough scrubbing.
- Drain the bathtub and use a clean washcloth to wipe up the water. You may have to allow the tub to sit for a few hours to ensure it is totally dry.
- Begin sanding the surface once it is completely dry. The sanding will help break up the remaining stains and will even eliminate any minor chips and scratches. To protect your lungs from the subsequent dust and sand particles, wear the face mask during this step.
- Tape off any sections of the bathtub and bathroom that you don't want to get paint on, particularly the walls and faucets.
- Apply a generous coating of primer using the paint gun. Be sure to spread it out evenly over the surface. Let it sit for a couple of hours and, when it is dry, apply a second coat.
- Spray on the acrylic paint in a similar fashion. Pour it into the paint gun and spray it slowly and evenly over the entire tub. Wait a few hours for it to dry and then apply a second coating.
- Wait at least 24 hours after spraying on the second coat and then get to work re-caulking the bathtub. Using the caulk gun, carefully apply the substance to all the tub's corners and sides so that it forms a waterproof seal between it and the bathroom walls. When you are all finished, wait two days before using the tub to ensure the caulk has had enough time to cure.