How to Prep Tub for Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinishing?

If your bathtub has seen better days and you’re looking for a way to refresh its appearance without breaking the bank, you can easily spruce up its finish with Rustoleum tub and tile refinishing kits. It is not a difficult project to do and the results are stunningly beautiful. 

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The first step is to make sure your tub and tiles are clean. Use diluted bleach in water, scrub cleaners, and acetone (paint thinner would also work) to clean the entire surface of soap scum, mildew, and other buildup. This will give your tub a fresh, clean surface for painting. 

Next, sand the entire tub and surrounding tiles with 400- to 600-grit sandpaper. This will rough up the gloss so paint adheres better. If you have any scratches or gouges in the surface, fill them with epoxy putty and then sand them smooth before painting. 

When you’re done sanding, it is best to let the tub air dry completely before painting. This will help the coating to cure properly and will keep it from forming bubbles or other imperfections, which can be difficult to correct. 

After the tub dries, apply two thin coats of the refinishing paint. Allow the paint to cure at least three days before running water in the tub. Then, reinstall your shower fixtures and drain hardware, and continue to maintain the tub’s surface with your favorite cleanser. 

Fading: If you notice the finish on your new refinished tub to fade or chip after a few weeks of use, it could be due to improper mixing ratios in the refinishing product, not allowing the coating time to cure, or using harsh abrasive cleaners that may be damaging the refinish. You can usually restore the tub’s original color and shine by reapplying a coat of the refinishing product. 

Prep for Rustoleum tub and tile sanding: Before you can begin sanding, you must clean your tub and the surrounding tiles to remove any soap scum, mildew, or other buildup. This is where the sanding guide that comes with the refinishing kit will be handy. 

Once the sanding is complete, you can fill any imperfections with an epoxy putty, like Rust-Oleum’s Tub & Tile Repair product. Once the epoxy putty has dried, you can then sand the surface with 400- to 600-grit abrasive sandpaper. This will rough up any glossy areas to help the refinishing product adhere better and create a more durable surface for the paint. 

Open Windows and Ventilate Your Home: After sanding, you should open all the windows and turn on the fan in the room so that the fumes from the refinishing product dissipate as quickly as possible. Be sure to wear a respirator or mask, which will prevent any harmful chemicals from getting into your breathing system. 

Then, sand the surface of your tub and surrounding tiles with 400- to 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper. This will help the refinishing product to adhere better and create a more durable surface that will last for years.