The cost of refinishing a bathtub with paint depends on who does the work. If you do it yourself, it will cost about $50 for the kit, a respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, painter's tape, a 2 1/2-inch angled paintbrush and a plastic dropcloth. The average cost of hiring a professional is $300 to $500. The key to successfully refinishing your tub is preparation.
Preparation
A poorly prepared surface will cause the epoxy paint to fail, resulting in chips and peeling paint. A tub refinishing kit contains a quart of paint, steel wool and a package of cleaning solution. Before using any of these items, etch your bathtub with muriatic acid. Muriatic acid will remove grime and the glossy surface of the tub. Read the instructions carefully on the container for safety precautions. Mix one part acid to 20 parts of water. Remove caulking around the perimeter of the tub before proceeding.
Cleaning Solution
Thoroughly rinse your bathtub after etching it. Open the package of cleaning solution and mix it in 1 gal. of water. Stop the drain in the tub and pour in the solution. Use a scouring pad to clean according to the directions on the refinishing kit. Drain the solution and rinse the tub. Allow the tub to dry.
Steel Wool
Use the steel wool to further dull the surface of the tub. Rub the steel wool across the entire surface, then rinse out the residue. Allow your bathtub to dry, using a fan to speed the process.
Painter's Tape
Use painter's tape to cover your tub overflow and the drain; professional tub refinishers will remove them. Tape a plastic bag over the end of the tub spout and the shower head. This will keep unexpected water drips from ruining the paint.
Painting
Thoroughly stir the epoxy paint before using it. Start painting the rim of the tub farthest away from you and work your way down into the tub. Apply a light coat to avoid having runs or sags in the paint. This is a two-step process--most epoxy paints will dry within four hours and can then be repainted. There is enough paint in each kit to cover your tub twice. After the second coat, immediately remove the tape. This will keep the tape from pulling off the paint when it is dry. Allow your tub to cure for a minimum of 72 hours before using it and reapplying caulk.
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