| Bathtub not looking as good as it should? Are you | | | | again and dry with an old towel or paper towels. |
| stuck with one of those outdated colors of the | | | | The third solution in the kit is a primer reducer, a |
| 1970's? With a few simple preparations and a lot of | | | | solvent that removes any remaining residue and |
| patience, you can learn how to reglaze a bathtub and | | | | prepares the surface for the primer. Carefully apply |
| save yourself the hassle of buying and installing a | | | | the reducer with paper towels. After this, repair any |
| new tub. | | | | damage to the tub's surface and drain area with |
| Of course, you'll want to make sure that you work | | | | putty and allow to dry. After about 30 minutes, sand |
| safely. Since refinishing a bathtub involves chemicals, | | | | the repaired areas smooth with a fine grit sandpaper, |
| some of which are toxic, make sure that you | | | | clean with the primer reducer and dry. |
| ventilate the area well before beginning. Also, protect | | | | It is time to mask the area around the bathtub that |
| yourself with a ventilator, safety goggles and gloves. | | | | will not be refinished. Carefully apply tape and paper |
| Once protected, gather your supplies and get going! | | | | to the areas around the tub, burnishing any tape with |
| Give your tub a cursory cleaning and remove any | | | | your fingernail or a credit card to assure a good seal. |
| loose caulking and gaskets. | | | | Next, you'll apply the base coat to the tub. |
| Most bathtub refinishing kits come with several | | | | Remember to wear your respirator for this part of |
| chemicals. The first two are chemical cleaning | | | | the process, and make sure that your area is |
| solutions that will remove soaps and oils from the | | | | properly ventilated. Following the manufacturer's |
| surface of the tub and prepare it for the primer. | | | | directions, mix the primer's components exactly and |
| Most kits require you to clean the tub with the first | | | | use a spray gun to apply to the bathtub. Allow the |
| solution, scrubbing the tub with sandpaper, usually | | | | primer to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying |
| 220 or 240 grit. Once the tub is thoroughly scrubbed, | | | | the top coat. |
| rinse away any residue. | | | | Mix the paint for the topcoat following |
| The second cleaning solution is applied next, usually | | | | manufacturer's instructions. Apply the topcoat using |
| with a specially designed cleaning pad that also | | | | the spray gun with even strokes. This topcoat will |
| scores, or roughs, the surface of the tub. This | | | | take about 48-72 hours to completely cure. Reglazing |
| second step removes any remaining oil or soap and | | | | your bathtub can be a cost effective way to |
| also provides "grab" for the primer. Rinse the tub | | | | dramatically update your bathroom! |