How do I re-paint a bathtub?

KateWS

Hi my bath has been painted white by the previous owners. Not sure how long ago and what paint they've used. In a few spots the paint has peeled revealing the original pink. Can I just paint over these spots? or Will a professional be able to paint over the whole bath? I want to keep it white but it needs freshening up and the pink spots covered. Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @KateWS,

I had the exact same issue with my bathtub, and what I found was that the best approach really depends on the condition of the existing paint. I ended up scraping off all of the previous white coating because, when I checked the exposed pink areas, I found that the surrounding white paint wasn’t adhering well either. If the surrounding paint is also peeling or lifting easily, it's best to remove it completely to ensure a smooth, even surface for the new paint to adhere to.

Before you start, I’d recommend checking the surrounding paint carefully to see how well it’s bonded to the tub. If it’s well-adhered, you could just sand down the edges where the paint has chipped or flaked, to remove any raised sections. I’d also suggest sanding the entire tub with 180-grit sandpaper to create a better surface for the new paint. Then, I’d recommend recoating the entire tub with White Knight 500ml White Tub and Basin Paint, as it will give you the most consistent and professional-looking finish.

If the rest of the white paint is coming off easily and you need to remove it entirely, keep in mind that the original pink coating might be lead-based, as was the case with mine. If that's the case, you’ll need to take extra precautions, such as wet sanding and using proper safety gear to avoid inhaling any dust. This can be quite a tedious and risky job. So, if you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of removing all the paint safely, it might be worth considering hiring a professional to spray the tub for you.

While you can just touch up the peeled areas if the surrounding paint is secure, for the best results, I recommend sanding the whole tub and applying a fresh coat. But do take care with the removal process if you’re dealing with lead-based paint, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell