Refinish Antique Bathtub

Tools:

high-velocity, low-pressure sprayer and compressor
bucket
sponges
paper towels
exhaust fan
plastic sheets
paper tape dispenser
small paper cup
5-in-1 painter's tool
putty knife
spreader
stir stick
240-grit sandpaper
scouring pads
respirator
rubber gloves
safety glasses
two-part cleanser
two-part filler putty (auto body putty)
fine filler putty
chemical adhesor
base
catalyst
primer reducer
paint thinner

1. This project uses toxic chemicals. Before starting, set up an exhaust fan venting air to the outside (figure A).

2. Rough clean and scrape bathtub surface to remove bits of old gaskets and other materials using the painter's tool. Wipe away any debris with a sponge.

3. Put on safety glasses and rubber gloves and clean the tub using part one of the two-part cleansing solution. Pour some of the part one solution into the tub and scrub thoroughly using 240-grit sandpaper (figure B). This removes any soap residue and grease.

4. Thoroughly clean and rinse the tub. Move on to the step two solution and green scouring pads. This roughs the surface allowing the new paint to adhere better. Clean the tub thoroughly and dry with paper towels.

5. Wipe down tub with primer reducer and paper towels to remove any traces of the previous two chemicals.

7. Wipe away dust and clean area using a paper towel and primer reducer. Repeat process to fill in any other damaged areas.

8. Apply chemical adhesor to tub surface. Mask off tub exterior and other areas you do not wish to repaint (figure D).

9. Mix the three elements for the base coat (primer, catalyst and reducer) in the sprayer. Follow manufacturer's instructions when mixing.

10. Connect the sprayer to the compressor and pressurize system.

12. Allow the first coat about 30 minutes to dry. While waiting mix up paint for top coat.

13. Apply top coat and allow to dry. It will take about 48 hours for the paint to cure. After that time come back with ultra-fine 1,500-grit sandpaper and buff away any imperfections if necessary.