How do you fix a bathtub with peeling paint? Can you touch up the bathtub? By using the right paint and applying the proper painting technique, it’s possible to renew a chipped bathtub. Below, we’ve explained everything you need to know about fixing a bathtub with peeling paint.
How to Fix Paint Peeling in Bathtub?
Peeling paint on old bathtubs is a common occurrence. It happens with both acrylic and metal bathtubs. Before buying a new bathtub, it might be a good idea to fix the peeling paint and try painting it. However, repairing a bathtub with peeling paint is a detailed and laborious process. You will probably put off buying a new bathtub for a long time.
What Causes Bathtub Paint to Peel?
Peeling bathtub paint often occurs in older bathtubs. Friction, hot water and steam erode the paint over time. However, the use of abrasive cleaning agents in the process of cleaning the bathtub can also cause peeling.
Can You Repaint a Peeling Bathtub?
Yes, you can repaint a bathtub with peeling paint. Unfortunately, you have to use a different paint than the original paint. You should paint the bathtub completely, not just the peeling parts. However, you can sand minor peeling and touch up the bathtub paint.
Can You Touch Up Paint a Bathtub?
Yes, you can touch up bathtub paint. It is difficult to find a small amount of paint to touch up peeling bathtub paint. For this reason, you can use nail polish for touch-up after sanding the peeling area. The nail polish is resistant to hot water, so it will work for a long time.
How do You Fix Chipped Tub Enamel?
The method of fixing chipped bathtub paint depends on the condition of the paint. If the bathtub paint is peeling like a leaf, you should remove as much as you can. Then you need to sand the parts where there are elevation differences and apply primer and paint. If there are only fine cracks in the paint, primer and paint can cover these cracks. However, if there are deep cracks, you should use synthetic or epoxy putty before painting.
What Paint Can You Use to Paint a Peeling Bathtub?
Most bathtubs are painted during the production process by coating them with an enamel coating. “Related article: how to use enamel paint?” However, it is not possible to apply this coating at home. There are two methods to paint a peeling paint bathtub at home without any problems. The first is ready-made enamel bathtub paints, and the second is epoxy paints. Below we have explained how to fix a bathtub with peeling paint using epoxy paint.
How Do You Fix Peeling Paint in a Bathtub?
In the process of repairing a bathtub with chipping paint, surface preparation, the quality of the paint materials and the correct application are important. To prevent the paint from peeling again on bathtubs that are constantly in contact with hot water, you must pay attention to the pre-painting preparation and painting process. Here are the steps to repair the flaking bathtub paint step by step.
1-Prepare the Materials You Use to Fixing Peeling Paint on a Bathtub
- Sponge sander
- Utility knife
- Epoxy primer 1 kg
- epoxy paint 1 kg
- epoxy varnish 1 kg
- Sufficient amount of synthetic or epoxy putty 0.5 kg. or 1 kg. (Depending on the size of the crack.)
2-Prepare The Tub for Painting
Try to peel off the flaking bathtub paint by hand. If not, cut it with a utility knife. You should peel off the chipping parts of the bathtub before painting.
3-Putty The Areas Where There is a Difference in Elevation
After peeling the flaking paint off the bathtub, there will be differences in elevation. To fix these, you need to putty them. The most durable putties are synthetic and epoxy putties. Use these putties to smooth the surface of the bathtub. Allow the putty to dry for 1 day before priming.
4-Apply Primer to the Bathtub
In order for the paint to adhere well to the glossy surface of the bathtub, you need to apply a primer. This way, the paint will adhere effectively to both the putty and the glossy bathtub surface, ensuring its long-lasting durability. You can use an epoxy primer for priming the bathtub; if you can’t find one, a synthetic or general-purpose primer will suffice. Allow the primer to dry for at least one day before starting the painting process.
5-Prepare the Paint
Epoxy paint is the most suitable choice for repainting a bathtub with peeling paint. Epoxy paints are resistant to hot water and household cleaning materials. Approximately 1 kg of epoxy paint will be sufficient for painting the bathtub.
6-Paint the First Coat
Mix the components of the epoxy paint in a bowl and apply the first coat using a high-quality roller with a short handle. A 3-4 inch paint roller is enough to paint the tub.
7-Paint the Second Coat
Wait for the first coat to dry; this period is approximately 1 day. However, check the waiting time between coats by reading the instructions for the use of the epoxy paint you purchased. Once the initial coat of epoxy paint has thoroughly dried, proceed to apply the second coat onto the bathtub.
8-Apply Epoxy Varnish
While epoxy paint is durable, we recommend using varnish. It’s wise to apply epoxy varnish to minimize scratching and protect the paint from damage caused by hot water. One day after the second coat of paint has dried, apply the epoxy varnish to the bathtub using a short-pile roller.
Warnings and Precautions
Epoxy paint dries quickly. Therefore, mix components A and B in the amount you plan to use. Prepare separate mixtures for the first and second coats. The information provided above is a general guide; please follow the specific application instructions provided with the epoxy paint or bathtub paint you have purchased.
