It is common knowledge that all bathtubs necessitate appropriate care and maintenance to retain their luster and functionality. Painting your bathtub serves the dual purpose of safeguarding the protective coating that covers its surface and exuding an aura of hygiene. Depending on the hues selected, the color of the paint may also contribute to a more tranquil and pleasurable atmosphere. So, can you change the color of your bathtub?
What Are Common Bathtub Refinishing Colors?
The type of material from which your bathtub is constructed will ultimately dictate your initial color selections. If your bathtub is made of a natural stone, such as marble, granite, or solid rock, then the fundamental colors for restoration will fall within the range of white, red, brown, and black. Conversely, if your bathtub is constructed from porcelain, fiberglass, or acrylic, its color spectrum will encompass a vast array of hues, including, but not limited to, yellow, green, and blue.
Standard Bathtub Paint Colors for Natural Stone:
- Brown
- White
- Red
- Black
Colors commonly found in acrylic, fiberglass, and porcelain bathtub paint:
- Blue
- Green
- Pink
- Purple
- Yellow
- Tan
- Metallic
Can You Change The Color Of Your Bathtub?
In brief, the answer is yes. Self-painting the bathtub is possible. Proficiency in the field of plumbing is optional. You can accomplish the task without a hitch by following a few precautions and the instructions provided in detail.
However, aside from color availability, there are a few other crucial details you should be aware of before painting your bathtub. Moisture and water are in constant contact with your bathtub. A bathtub painted with standard paint will not adhere to its surface.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the color you purchase from a nearby hardware store is repellent or water-resistant. After that, consider purchasing a refinishing kit. Each bathtub is refinished with unique equipment containing painting compounds to ensure the paint adheres properly to the bathtub’s surface.
An instance of this is the primer required for an acrylic bathtub, which is epoxy. In contrast, metal bathtubs, including those made of cast iron and copper, require a specialized primer, which you can obtain from a nearby hardware store.
How To Paint Your Bathtub With A Refinishing Kit?
In general, a standard-sized bathtub refinishing kit comprises the following components:
- Paint (a color of your choosing)
- Primer (various according to bathtub variety)
- Etch cleanser
- Hardener
- Brush (Foam)
- Paint rollers
- Rag
Additives ( slip-resistant)
Step 1: Ensure that the area where the project is conducted has adequate ventilation. Utilize a mask and protective mitts to shield yourself from the fumes. Adhere to the lavatory walls and floor with a plastic cover.
Step 2: clean the bathtub and its surroundings. By employing a putty razor, eliminate any obsolete caulk or debris. Upon completion of that, sand the surface using sandpaper.
Step 3: Remove any bathtub accessories, including faucets, and dry the faucet openings in the third step.
Step 4: Apply the etch cleanser from the kit to the bathtub’s surface in the fourth step. When the etch cleanser is in powder form, combine it with water before applying. As soon as the etch cleaner is used, the surface will dim. It indicates that a new finish is necessary for your bathtub.
Step 5: Additionally, you can enhance the adhesion of a new paint by sanding the wet surface. Thoroughly rinse the bathtub using an ample quantity of water. It aids in the elimination of debris and discoloration from the bathtub’s surface.
Step 6: Thoroughly dry the bathtub using a soft cloth or paper towel. Wait until the bathtub is entirely devoid of moisture.
Step 7: Apply the primer contained in the kit to the bathtub’s surface using a clockwise rotating motion. You may utilize the roller included in your kit to apply the primer. Dry the gesso according to the instructions included in the kit.
Step 8: At this point, the bathtub is prepared to be painted. Combine the paint thoroughly. Implement it onto the bathtub’s surface utilizing an implement. When painting the surface of your bathtub, it is ideal to work from the top down. It facilitates the coverage of a greater surface area with a consistent finish. Apply a thin paintbrush to the bathtub’s margins and corners.
Step 9: Do not allow the first coating to dry. Apply the second coat utilizing the identical methodology. Make an effort to apply more than two coats to the container.
Step 10: After applying the coatings, allow the bathtub to cure for twenty-four hours. It facilitates the paint’s adhesion to the surface.
How Do You Paint Your Bathtub Without A Refinishing Kit?
The typical contents of a standard-sized bathtub, excluding the refinishing equipment, are as follows. What is required:
- Painter Tape
- Bathroom specific paint
- Hardening solution
- Cover or tarp
- Brush or sponge roller
1. Utilize a powdered cleanser or limescale remover to clean your bathtub meticulously.
2. Roughen the surface of the bathtub to a point where it is no longer reflective with sandpaper; this will improve the paint’s ability to adhere. After removing the dust with a microfiber cloth and rinsing, allow the basin to dry entirely.
3. Trim any extra painter’s tape that extends beyond the perimeter of the bathtub and fixtures, including the drain.
4. If your bathtub paint does not include a hardener, combine the hardener with the color by the instructions on the hardener.
5. Employ a brush or roller to apply a base coat, ensuring that your motions are swift to prevent any drips or stains. Allow the first coat to cure for one to two hours following application.
6. Apply a second coat with caution to avoid drips and stains.
7. Apply an epoxy thinner for the final step, and after approximately an hour, remove the painter’s tape. Dry the bathtub before use for a minimum of 36 hours.
Precautions To Take While Painting Your Bathtub:
Refinishing packages for bathtubs include primers and paints that emit toxic fumes. When painting, it is imperative to have protective equipment such as hand gloves and a facial mask.
It is essential to conduct the project in an area with adequate ventilation to facilitate the dispersion of hazardous gases into the surrounding environment.
The following stage is to clean your bathtub thoroughly. After removing all grime from the bathtub’s edges and crevices, ensure that the tub is devoid of any water or moisture. It facilitates the paint’s correct adhesion to the bathtub’s surface.
Some individuals may decide to replace their bathtub as part of a renovation if it begins to discolor and lose its former splendor. Complete bathtub replacement can be costly and unnecessary. It is possible to refinish the bathtub with a fresh paint application if it remains structurally sound. It is a significantly more practical alternative, and you can allocate the savings towards other critical expenditures.
Thank you for reading…..