Save Your Porcelain Tub - Here's How to Repaint It

Is your porcelain bathtub looking worn out and dated? Before you go through the hassle and expense of ripping it out and replacing it, consider repainting it instead. With the right prep work and paint products, you can refresh a porcelain tub and make it look brand new again.

We'll cover how to assess the existing tub, choose the right paint, thoroughly prepare the surface, apply the paint, and care for it after so you get a long-lasting finish. With a little time and effort, you can save your old porcelain tub and update your bathroom on a budget.

Assess Your Porcelain Tub

Before you start painting, you need to fully examine the tub to see if it's in suitable condition for simply refinishing. Start by confirming it's actually made of porcelain - porcelain enameled steel tubs have a smooth, glass-like feel. Press your hand against the interior sides - porcelain won't give like acrylic or fiberglass.

Check for any chips, cracks, or deep scratches. Minor flaws can be prepped and painted over, but large damaged areas will need repairs first. Inspect the bottom too - lifting or bubbling paint likely indicates moisture damage underneath.

Look for signs of rust around the drain and fittings. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or mineral deposits. Address stains from mold or mildew with a chlorine bleach solution.

If the tub is structurally sound with only minor cosmetic issues, painting it is likely the more affordable option than full replacement.

Common Porcelain Tub Problems

• Chips and cracks
• Rust around drains or fittings
• Stains from mold or mildew
• Worn off original enamel

Choose the Right Paint

For long-lasting results, an epoxy-based paint formulated for ceramics like porcelain or tile is best. Epoxy provides a hard, durable finish that adheres very well.

Many tub refinishing epoxy paints come in a two-part kit you mix together before applying. Opt for an option with built-in textured grit - this helps the epoxy bond mechanically as it works into the pores of the porcelain.

Choose between clear and colored tinted epoxy. Tinted paints allow you to easily change the tub color but they won't hide chips or scratches as well as a coating of white paint.

Some homeowners use enamel or acrylic paints for refinishing tubs but these don't have the same level of adhesion. For porcelain, stick with a tub-specific epoxy paint.

Types of Bathtub Paint

• Epoxy - extremely durable with strong adhesion
• Enamel - less durable but used for adding color
• Acrylic - flexible but lower adhesion

Prep the Surface

Thorough surface preparation is crucial for paint to properly adhere to porcelain. Start by cleaning the tub using an abrasive cleaner like Comet or a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). This removes any soap scum, oils or grime.

Once cleaned, roughen up the existing tub surface with 220-400 grit sandpaper. Gently scuffing gives the paint something to mechanically adhere to. Focus on sanding areas where the original finish has worn away.

Wipe down the entire tub several times with denatured alcohol using lint-free cloths. This removes any dust from sanding and ensures you have a perfectly clean surface for paint.

The tub must be fully dry before painting. Allow extra dry time and use fans to circulate air around the tub.

Surface Prep Tips

• Clean with abrasive cleaner or TSP
• Scuff with 220-400 grit sandpaper
• Wipe with denatured alcohol
• Ensure surface is completely dry

Apply the Paint

Before painting, cover any nearby surfaces you don't want splattered. Tape off the floor and mask off the walls with plastic sheeting.

Mix up a small batch of your two-part epoxy using precise measurements. Only mix as much as you can use within the working time of the paint. Pour the epoxy into paint trays or roller pans.

Use a high-quality natural bristle brush to cut in around the edges, water jets, overflows and any hard to reach spots first. Then use a 1/4" nap foam paint roller to quickly cover large interior surfaces with epoxy.

Apply the paint evenly in thin coats, allowing proper dry time between coats. Most epoxy paints require 2-3 coats for ample coverage and protection. If spraying epoxy, wear a respirator mask.

Build up coats slightly thicker along the bottom where it sees the most wear. Use a small foam brush for touch ups and smoothing out drips or brush marks between coats.

Application Tips

• Use roller for broad surfaces, brush for edges and corners
• Apply 2-3 thin, even coats allowing proper cure time
• Build up paint thickness more along the bottom
• Smooth drips and brush marks between coats

Cure Time

It's extremely important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for dry and cure times when using an epoxy paint. Most epoxies dry to the touch within 24 hours but need 1-2 weeks to fully cure.

Try to paint when you can leave the bathroom window open or use fans to keep air circulating. Proper ventilation speeds up cure time. Don't use bath mats, shower curtains or other items until the paint has fully hardened.

The tub may look ready after a day or two but refrain from using it until the coating has completely cured. Getting the paint wet or putting weight on it too early can damage the finish.

Cure Time Tips

• Dry to the touch in 24 hours
• Fully cured in 1-2 weeks
• Keep room ventilated
• Avoid use until fully cured

Fix Paint Issues

Occasionally you may run into problems with the new paint finish like patchiness, visible brush marks, runs in the paint, or cracks.

If the paint dries patchy or uneven, lightly sand any rough areas with fine sandpaper and reapply another coat just to the problem spots.

For visible drips or brush marks, wait until the paint has cured and then use 120-220 grit sandpaper to smooth them out. Wipe away any dust and then touch up with more paint.

If you notice cracks developing, sand the cracked areas to roughen them up and open the cracks before touching up with more paint.

Fixes for Paint Problems

• Sand and recoat patchy areas
• Sand out drips and touch up
• Open and repair any cracks

FAQ

How long does bathtub paint last?

With proper prep and application, epoxy paint can last upwards of 5-10 years on a bathtub before needing to be redone. Proper care helps maintain the finish.

What kind of paint adheres best to porcelain?

Epoxy paint bonds better to non-porous surfaces like porcelain than enamels or acrylics. The epoxy soaks in slightly and creates a durable bond.

Can you paint over an old porcelain tub?

Yes, existing porcelain tubs can be prepared, primed and painted over to refresh the finish. The key is thoroughly cleaning and scuffing the tub first so the new paint can adhere properly.

It's best to wait at least 24-48 hours before use while the paint dries and adheres initially. But wait the full cure time the manufacturer specifies before regular tub use, often 1-2 weeks.

You can make your tub look new again with some work. Following this guide will ensure your paint job lasts. Enjoy your revamped tub!