How can you refinish your acrylic tub?

Answer 1

The acrylic coating on a bathtub is thick. Depending on the depth of the damage, determine the grit of sand paper needed to sand out. If the scratches are deep and plentlyful or have imbedded chemical staining start with 120 grit sandpaper and a small palm sander and sandout entire tub, check with bright light to ensure even and complete sanding. Sandout all damage and chemical stains, watch carefully and do a good job, change your paper frequently and use a vacuum to cleanup frequently. Now continue to step up grits 120, 240, 400, 600. Always wash and dry and cleanup between grit changes. Now use polishing wheel and auto buffing compound to take the tub to mirror finish. Use water as lubricant and keep your tools and clothes etc clean of dirt and grit. This takes approx 3 days of work.

Answer 2

You may love the look of an old claw foot bathtub, but the cost of a new reproduction may surprise you. A more affordable alternative is to find an old bathtub and refinish it yourself. Old cast iron enameled tubs can be found in flea markets, junkyards and antique stores. You can usually find them for less than $200 and with a little bit of elbow grease, you can have a bathtub for your home that would cost you several thousand dollars if you bought it new.

It is a good idea to complete the refinishing either outside or in a garage with good ventilation. The enamel paint you will use to finish your tub is strong smelling, and you do not want to use it in an enclosed environment. Choose spray enamel paint in the color of your choice. You may need several cans to get a good, strong coating on your tub.

Clean your bathtub thoroughly using a metal scrub pad to work off any rust or staining. You can also use a general bathroom cleaner to make sure that your bathtub is as clean as possible. Let your bathtub dry thoroughly in a dust free environment.

When you are ready to paint your bathtub, cover any parts of the tub you do not want to paint with plastic. If you are outside and there is a breeze, you may not need a respirator. However, if you are painting in any kind of enclosed environment, it is a good idea to purchase one to use with this project. Holding the can of paint about a foot away from the surface of the tub, use slow and steady strokes to apply a thin coat of paint. Allow this coat to dry for at least 12 hours and then sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper. Apply a second coat of paint and allow to dry for 12 hours. You may need to apply a third coat, depending upon how damaged your bathtub was before you started.

With a little bit of work, you can have a bathtub that would cost you thousands of dollars for a fraction of the price.

Answer 3

use industrial oil based enamel paint apply two coats- after sanding , cleaning with mineral spirits!

Answer 4

You will need a sponge and some polish depending on what type of cast iron it is. Scrub hard on the inside of the tub, until you get a fine finish. Rinse with water.