How to DIY Bathtub or Shower Refinishing

Remove the Tub or Shower Fixtures

Remove anything in or abutting your tub that you do not want to be recoated, such as the tub drain, caulk, the overflow drain cover, all fixtures, soap dishes, and the faucet and handles, as needed.

Thoroughly Clean the Tub Surface

• Clean your tub or shower. Unlike normal cleaning, where it is acceptable to miss a spot or two along the way, this type of cleaning must be entirely thorough. Every single square inch of soap scum must be removed because it will weaken your refinishing coat. Use abrasive cleansers, followed by a razor blade to remove any soap and dirt residue.
• Do not wash the shavings down the drain. Using a damp paper towel, slide the shavings up the side of the tub and onto the deck. From there, it is easy to scoop the shavings off the deck and into a waste can.

Etch and Sand the Surface

• Rub down the surface of the tub with the kit's included etching powder to remove the gloss from the surface. A dull surface will help the refinishing coat stick better. Follow the package instructions to do this properly.
• Wash down your tub. While it is still wet, lightly sand down the surface of the tub. The aim is not to take off any previous coatings but to further bring down the gloss. The scratches from extra fine-grit sandpaper provide an excellent base for the coating.

Clean the Dry Tub With a Tack Cloth

• Wash down the tub one more time.
• Make sure that the faucets are tightly closed.
• Cover the tub and shower faucets with plastic bags, securing them with rubber bands.
• From this point forward, no water should touch the surface.
• Let the surface dry thoroughly. To accelerate drying, wave a heat gun over the tub.
• Wipe down the surface with paper towels even if the tub might appear to be dry.
• Lightly wipe down with a tack cloth as the last cleaning step.

Cover or Replace the Caulk

When the tub and surrounding areas are thoroughly dry, apply low-stick painter's tape over the caulk and other areas that will not be refinished.

If the caulk is in poor shape to begin with, this is a good opportunity to remove the caulk and replace it after the refinishing is complete. Unless the caulk is in absolutely perfect condition, you may want to consider replacing it. With the right tools, caulk removal is a fairly simple project that produces better overall results.

Apply the Primer and Coating With the Roller

• Put on latex gloves and the respirator.
• Apply the primer. Unlike familiar white paint primers, the primer solution in the kit will likely be acetone or some other petroleum-based surface preparation solution. Apply this primer as directed and let it dry.
• Mix the refinishing coatings. The kit will likely include a separate container of coating and hardener. Pour the hardener directly into the coating container and shake it up. After shaking, close the lid and let it rest so that the bubbles can work out of the mixture.
• Pour some coating mixture into the paint tray. Immerse the roller in the coating and run it across the flat end of the tray several times to equalize the mixture around the roller.
• Roll the sides of the tub. Roll vertically to obtain the smoothest coat.
• When reaching corners, switch to horizontal movements.
• Liberally switch back and forth between vertical and horizontal strokes to flatten out drips and roller ridges.
• Prioritize the back walls and deck over the front deck.
• Coat the front deck last, since you need to be able to lean over it to access the other areas of the tub.
• Roll the coating over the floor of the bathtub or shower pan as the last step here.

Apply the Coating With the Sponge Brush

• Switch to the sponge brush to apply the coating on the lip of the tub and up to the painter's tape.
• Lightly dab the sponge brush in the coating in the paint tray or container.
• Run the sponge parallel to the painter's tape.
• After the first coat, immediately begin the second roller coat over the entire tub.
• Follow the roller coat with the sponge brush.
  

Allow Proper Drying Time

• Keep the fan running for a full day.
• Carefully remove the painter's tape by pulling it away at a 90-degree angle.
• Wait two full days before using the tub or shower.