How do you refinish a bathtub?

To refinish a bathtub, clean the tub thoroughly with a nonabrasive cleaner, and then apply two layers of a specially formulated primer. You need a bathtub refinishing kit. Wear safety gear to apply the primer, and ensure the room has proper ventilation.

1. Remove the fixtures

   Remove the drain cover and overflow plate.

2. Remove the caulk

   Use a razor blade to peel off and remove the old caulk.

3. Clean the tub

   Use the cleaner from the kit or a similar nonabrasive cleaner to remove all traces of dirt and soap scum from the tub, and then rinse it thoroughly.

4. Sand the tub

   Sand the tub with a waterproof sandpaper if it came with the kit. Vacuum the leftover dust, and spot dust with a piece of cloth. Wash away the rest, and wait for the tub to dry.

5. Apply a primer reducer

   If your kit includes it, follow the instructions on how to apply the primer reducer.

6. Mask off the surrounding area

   Place bags over permanent fixtures, and mask off other non-paintable surfaces with tape.

7. Apply the first coat of primer

   Mix the primer according to package instructions, and apply the first coat.

8. Apply the topcoat

   Wait for the first coat to dry, and then apply a topcoat. Allow the topcoat to dry for 48 hours.

9. Reinstall the caulk and fixtures

   Apply silicone caulk where the old caulk was installed, and reinstall the fixtures.