If your cast-iron bathtub is a little worn, save money by repainting the tub instead of buying a new one. After patching any cracks or cracks, smooth the interior and exterior of the tub and apply several coats of acrylic urethane enamel paint for a new-looking bathtub. The cost of this procedure is cheaper than replacing the tub with a new one.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Getting Rid of Putty
Step 1. Use a caulk remover and isopropyl alcohol to remove the caulk
Apply isopropyl alcohol to the putty with a spray bottle or pat it dry with an old rag; This will soften the putty so it's easy to remove. Use a putty remover tool to scrape off as much of it as possible.
- Wear rubber gloves while working to protect your hands.
- The price of this putty removal tool should be no more than IDR 200,000.
Step 2. Remove the used putty so that it doesn't interfere
Keep a trash bag near you when scraping the putty so it's easy to throw away later. You can't reuse this used putty so it's best to just throw it away.
If you can't scrape off all the putty, that's okay because later you'll be sanding the tub and working on any stuck areas
Step 3. Remove the drains and faucets so they don't get painted
Use a screwdriver to remove the drainage and faucet fittings, then set them aside. If you have trouble, try lubricating it with oil to loosen the screws.
This time is also good for cleaning faucet fittings. Soak the fitting in warm dish soap water to loosen any dirt. Brush with an old toothbrush to get rid of any remaining dirt
Part 2 of 5: Applying Bleach in the Bath
Step 1. Open a window or bring in a fan before starting to bleach
If your bathroom is small and has no ventilation or windows, bring a fan to circulate air while you work. Primarily, you should get fresh air not breathe bleach fumes.
You can also wear a respirator if you are concerned about bleach fumes
Step 2. Put on rubber gloves and mix 90% water with 10% bleach
Use a large bucket to mix the water and bleach. Leave enough distance from the lip of the bucket so that the solution does not spill easily. Make sure you wear gloves and used clothes.
We recommend that you fill the bucket in the bathroom near the tub so you don't have to worry about the water overflowing when you carry it around
Step 3. Scrub the tub with bleach and a water solution, then rinse
Use a sponge and start at one corner of the tub, then scrub systematically. Squeeze and re-wet the sponge as needed. Rinse the tub with water after cleaning. You can return to using the bleach solution bucket and fill it with clean water to rinse off, if you prefer.
- Don't forget to scrub the tub's exterior. You will need to clean the entire tub as all surfaces will be painted.
- The tub should be as clean as possible before any part of the cleaning process so that the paint can adhere properly to the surface.
Step 4. Wash the tub with an abrasive cleaner to ensure it is clean
Use a product like Comet and sprinkle it on the surface of the tub. Use a damp sponge to scrub the tub. Rinse the sponge periodically so it doesn't get too dirty with the cleaner, then rinse the tub with clean water.
If you don't have Comet, you can sprinkle and rub some baking soda for a similar result
Step 5. Use acetone and a clean rag to remove any residual cleaner
Moisten a clean washcloth with acetone and wipe the interior and exterior of the tub. Make sure you are still wearing gloves as acetone can be very drying or hurting the skin.
The acetone will remove any remaining cleaner, oil, or dirt
Part 3 of 5: Covering the Gap and Sanding the Bak
Step 1. Prepare the epoxy putty before applying it to the crack
Wear rubber gloves to protect the skin, and read the product manual before starting. Remove the putty or cut a small part of it. Work the putty between the fingers until it can be shaped, like playing with a wax or clay toy.
If you can't find an epoxy putty, buy a similar bathtub repair paste from a hardware store
Step 2. Fill any cracks or gaps in the tub with epoxy putty
Use your fingers to push the putty into the gaps. Depending on the size of the crack, tear the putty to the size it will cover. Make sure you press the putty firmly until it fits into the gap.
At this stage, the putty does not have to be flush with the surface of the tub
Step 3. Use a putty knife to even out the patched area
Take a putty knife and position it so that it is flush with the surface of the tub. Gently scrape off excess putty on the patch. Wipe the blade occasionally with a damp kitchen paper.
If you are scraping a curved area, adjust the position of the putty knife several times for a smooth finish
Step 4. Sand the entire tub to remove the gloss and prepare for painting
Use wet/dry sandpaper and start with 400 grit, before moving on to 600 grit sandpaper. Attach the sandpaper to the sanding block, and use a spray bottle to wet the tub as you work.
Wet sandpaper will remove a lot of dust, but it's a good idea to wear a respirator, especially if working on small areas
Step 5. Rinse the tub and dry completely before painting
After the tub has been sanded, rinse the interior and wipe the exterior to remove any remaining paper and grit. Use a clean towel to completely dry the surface of the tub.
The tub must be 100% dry before it can be painted. Use as many towels as needed
Part 4 of 5: Applying Paint
Step 1. Adhere the protective sheet on the walls and floor
Before painting, use masking tape to attach the plastic sheet to the wall surrounding the tub. You can also spread the plastic sheet over other fittings, such as the toilet or sink, and pick up decorations, towels, and beauty products.
The paint that will be used is acrylic spray paint, and the “dust” from this paint will settle on the walls and doors
Step 2. Put on a respirator and used clothing before painting
Your clothes will be exposed to paint and dust so wear clothes that can be soiled. Also, wear a respirator for your safety as paint has a very strong vapor.
Don't forget to keep the window open or turn on the fan during painting
Step 3. Follow the user guide on the package to apply the paint properly
For cast-iron or fiberglass (glass fiber) bathtubs, you can use acrylic urethane enamel, which has been mixed with the paint, or you can mix it yourself, depending on the type purchased.
- For a fiberglass bathtub, you can use a two-part epoxy paint instead of acrylic. Epoxy paint can also be used on porcelain and ceramic baths.
- The easiest option for painting yourself is to purchase a device specifically designed for this purpose. Some manufacturers even make spray acrylic urethane enamel paints so they don't need to be mixed anymore.
Step 4. Fill the paint gun and attach the lid of the paint can
Follow the paint gun's guide to find out how much paint to load. Keep the paint can lid on so the enamel doesn't start to dry out.
If you're not using a paint gun, use a brush and paint roller. In this case, you don't need to load anything and just mix the paint in the can
Step 5. Apply paint to the entire tub lengthwise and evenly
Work systematically by starting at the top interior corner and working your way along the tub. Keep the paint gun 20 cm away from the tub. Repeat the process until the entire interior of the tub is painted, then move on to the outside of the tub.
- Spray paint is usually easier to apply because you don't have to bend over to the tub and brush off the paint.
- Also, if you're painting the tub manually, use long, even strokes to cover the entire tub.
Step 6. Allow the first coat of paint to dry and then apply the second coat
It usually takes 15-20 minutes for the first coat to dry and touch. If you have, feel free to apply a second layer, and work systematically so that no areas are missed.
“Dries” and “hardens” are two different things. The paint may dry but not harden; paint is said to harden when it is dry and hard, and usually takes longer than just to dry. Continue to the second coat after the first coat has dried
Part 5 of 5: Finishing the Bath
Step 1. Leave the tub until the paint has completely hardened
Do not step on or use the tub, and do not turn on the water. Read the product's user manual to find out how long it will take for the paint to harden (usually 24 hours).
Some sources state that you can use lamp heat to speed up the setting time, but it can also change the color of the paint
Step 2. Remove the masking tape and replace the tub fittings
Once the paint in the tub has dried, remove all sheets and tape, then reinstall the tub drain and faucet. Throw away these used sheets and tape
You can also wipe the floor and walls of the bathroom to clean the remaining dust and dirt from the painting process
Step 3. Re-caulk the tub before reuse to protect it from mildew
Use firing putty to apply it to the area where the tub meets the shower, if possible. Read the user manual for the brand purchased and allow to dry before using the tub.
Putty usually takes 24 hours to harden, but it is water-safe after a few hours
Tips
- The tub cannot be used for at least 24 hours after being painted, or even longer. Be prepared to shower at the gym or at a friend's house if you don't have a second bathroom.
- If you don't want to paint the tub, it's best to get a new tub coating. The cost can run into the millions of rupiah, which is still cheaper than completely replacing the tub.
- You can hire a professional to paint the tub, which costs only a few hundred thousand if you don't want to do it yourself.
