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| Are you stuck with one of those outdated | | | | reducer, a solvent that removes any remaining |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