What You Need to Know Before Refinishing Your Bathtub

Are you thinking about refinishing the bathtub? Discover what you should know before you start!

Bathtub refinishing, or reglazing, involves applying a coat to an old, cracked bathtub to restore its look and color. It’s crucial to identify the material of your bathtub before you begin. This can be cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass, or steel. Check if your bathtub has ever been refinished. If yes, it may require specific techniques from professionals.                  

Moreover, refinishing a bathtub can breathe new life into a bathroom without the cost of a complete replacement. Refinishing your tub can be cost-effective, whether it has lost its luster, is stained, or is simply old. Before you begin the refinishing procedure, it is important to consider a few key factors.     

When To Refinish A Bathtub

Refinishing your bathtub at the right time can maintain its functionality and appearance. Refinishing an antique or valuable bathtub can extend its life and preserve its character, making it a good investment. You should refinish your bathtub if you have:

• Stubborn stains
• Rust
• Cracks
• Outdated design
• Peeling refinished surface
• Vintage or valuable
• Difficult to relocate

How Is Bathtub Refinishing Done: A Step-By-Step Process

Remove Hardware

Remove cover plates from plumbing fixtures. The bathtub nozzles may be unscrewed temporarily and removed for refinishing. Use a putty blade to remove dirt or caulk from the bathtub openings.

Clean the Bathtub

Remove all caulking around the tub and clean the tub thoroughly. Use a caulk-removing chemical to remove any remaining caulk. Bleach removes mildew, and the tub should be scrubbed with an abrasive cleaner using an abrasive sponge.

Mask Off Areas Around the Tub

Mask off the walls and floors around the tub with drop cloths or painter’s masking tape. If it is not done, It will be difficult to remove the epoxy coating, so make sure you avoid spills.

Ventilate the Space

Open windows, activate the exhaust fan or install portable fans to improve ventilation. You can wear respiratory protection as well. 

Repair Chips and Cracks

Fill in chips and cracks on the tub’s surface with the epoxy putty that comes with the kit. Allow the patches to dry completely before sanding.

Sand the Tub Surfaces

To help the new coating adhere better, you can use sandpaper or etching powder depending on what’s included in the kit. 

Prime the Surfaces

Apply the primer with a foam brush and roller. Let it dry according to instructions. Prime bathtub surfaces only with the primer included in the kit.

Mix and Apply the Coating

Blend the hardener into the epoxy resin. The coating can be applied to the sides of the bathtub using a roller. To prevent drips or roller ridges, alternate between vertical and horizontal strokes. Roll the bottom, then move to the horizontal surfaces. 

Apply Second Coating

Apply the second coating. Some products must be recoated immediately, while others require one or two hours of drying before the second coat is applied. Allow the coating to cure for two full days.

Caulk and Reinstall Hardware

Seal the tub joints with silicone caulk. Let it cure overnight, at least. Install the faucet hardware, and your refinished bathtub will be ready for use.

When To Seek Professional Help

Hiring a professional to refinish your bathtub is the best way to get a long-lasting and flawless finish. If you are up for it, Bathtub Magic is the best choice. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional results for your bathtub. Furthermore, our expertise will ensure you get a bathtub refinishing that will last.

Experts use more effective techniques, like etching with acidic solutions instead of abrasive dust. The primer coat is also applied before the epoxy coat to increase durability and quality. Trust Bathtub Magic to get the job done right for a refinished bathtub whose beauty stays long. Do not settle for anything less than professional help. 

Call us NOW and schedule your bathtub refinishing!