Over time, it’s natural that your bathtub will lose some of its luster. The constant use can cause its shine to fade, and one day, you’ll look at it and think it’s time for a new one. However, that’s not your only option. You could always refinish it so that it looks like new without the hassle of replacing it.
In today’s DIY world, many homeowners don’t want to rely on someone else for their house projects, so we’ve brought together five tips on how to finish a bathtub successfully.
How to finish a bathtub.
Figure out if it’s worth refinishing.
Some ideas sound great on paper but, in reality, might make more of a hassle than it’s worth. So you have to ask yourself why you want to refinish it. Does it hold any historical value or is it a run-of-the-mill bathtub? Is the damage too much that you can’t refinish it? Do you have any upcoming bathroom renovations that might make you get a new tub to fit the new space? Sometimes, it makes more sense to replace it entirely, but if it isn’t too damaged and you like it, you should move forward with your project.
Assemble your tools.
Having the right tools is an essential part of how to finish a bathtub. You likely have many of them lying around your house currently, such as a sponge, drop cloth, screwdriver, paintbrush, and paper towels. However, you’ll likely need to purchase others featured on the list below.
Once you have all these, you’re ready to start the project.
Prepare your workspace.
You need to ensure the bathroom is ready for refinishing the tub, otherwise, you can make quite a mess and give yourself more work. Clear out as many unnecessary items as possible, like the shower curtain, trashcan, and toilet paper holder. Otherwise, they’ll get in the way and make the job harder. Then, cover the surrounding surfaces so you don’t accidentally spill onto them. You should also turn the fan on and open the door and window. The glaze contains toxic materials, and exposure to them in such a confined space can cause serious harm.
Clean the tub thoroughly.
Getting the tub completely clean is an integral part of how to finish a bathtub. Start by removing all the caulking around the tub. You can use a blade and chemical remover if needed, but just make sure you remove all of it. Once that’s removed, use an abrasive cleaner to scrub the entire tub and remove any soap scum with a plastic putty knife. Finally, rinse it well with clear water and dry it off completely.
Let the glaze set.
Understand that after you apply the new layer of glaze, you can’t use the bathtub for a while. Precisely how long depends on various factors, such as the material of the tub, the amount of glaze applied, and the humidity levels in the bathroom. If you don’t let it dry completely before using it again, you can get cracks or bubbles on the surface. Typically speaking, you can use the bathtub again anywhere between 12 to 24 hours after application.
Our experts know how to finish a bathtub.
You could try to undertake this house project yourself, or you could rely on the team of experts at New Finish Tub and Counter. Whether the job is big or small, our refinishing experts can tackle it. We’re usually in and done in 2 days, so you can enjoy your newly refinished tub soon. Learn more about our tub refinishing services or get in touch to schedule your free estimate.
