All Project

Painted Bathtub

+
A white bathtub with a white tile wall and yellow and white striped shower curtain.

Give your existing bathroom an updated look on a budget by using bathtub paint on your old tub instead of replacing it. We used Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile epoxy coating to give an old tub a new appearance.

  1. Remove all caulk. Remove hardware as necessary.
  2. Remove mildew and grime with bleach.
  3. Scrub the bathtub’s entire surface with abrasive pads. Rinse and wipe dry.
  4. Scrub the bathtub’s entire surface with 400- to 600-grit sandpaper. Rinse and wipe dry, ensuring that there’s no residual dust and dirt.
  5. Apply painter's tape around entire area that will be coated to avoid getting bathtub paint on surrounding surfaces.
  6. Open windows and use fans to ventilate the room.
  7. Open your Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit and mix the Part B solution with a paint stick to ensure any settled pigment is dispersed.
  8. Add the Part A solution to Part B and mix thoroughly with a paint stick for 1 minute. Pour the required amount in paint tray. Leave the unused amount in the mixing can.
  9. Apply the mixed Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile epoxy coating immediately in a thin, even coat.

    We recommend using a high-quality, fine-bristle varnish brush or ¼” short nap roller. Wipe off excess paint to avoid drips. Move the brush or roller in only one direction, strokes to eliminate lines. Feather the edges as you paint to avoid a hard line between painted areas.

    Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile epoxy coating is self-leveling. Small bubbles will disappear as it dries.
  10. Wait 1-2 hours for the first coat to dry. Apply a second coat if needed. The mixed solution can be used within 5 hours if stored properly.
  11. Allow to dry overnight. Re-apply caulk and install hardware.
  12. Allow the painted bathtub to cure for 3 days before exposing it to water.

Other Materials:

  • High Quality 1/4" Short Nap Roller
  • Fine Quality, Fine Bristle Varnish Brush
  • Drop cloth
  • Painter's tape

Locate a Rust-Oleum Retailer

Rust-Oleum products are sold at retailers across the country. Use our store locator to find Rust-Oleum products at retailers near you.