Peeling bathtub paint is a common problem, and it can be frustrating to remove. The good news is that with the right tools and products you can easily remove peeling paint from your tub. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use a few different techniques for removing old bathtub paint and what materials you will need.
Best ways to remove paint from different types of bathtubs
There are a few different ways that you can remove paint from a bathtub. If your tub is made of plastic, then you can use a heat gun to remove the paint. If your tub is made of metal, then you can use a wire brush to remove the paint. If your tub is made of porcelain, then you can use a scrub brush and a vinegar and water solution to remove the paint. Finally, if your tub is made of fiberglass, then you can use a chemical stripper to remove the paint.
Make sure that you are wearing goggles and gloves to protect your hands.
Once all of the paint has been removed, clean the surface of the tub with soap and water.
How to remove paint from a bathtub made from acrylic?
If your bathtub is made of acrylic, then you can use a heat gun to remove the paint. The heat gun will help to soften the paint so that it can be easily removed with a scraper.
Set the heat gun to its highest setting and hold it about six inches away from the surface of the tub. Move the heat gun in a circular motion until the paint begins to bubble up. Once the paint has bubbled up, use a scraper to scrape it off of the tub. Be careful not to damage the surface of the tub while scraping.
Remove paint from a porcelain tub
If your bathtub is made out of porcelain then you can use a scrub brush and vinegar solution to remove any remaining peeling pieces that are stuck onto it. Baking soda will also help when removing any stubborn areas if they don’t come up during this process by just adding some baking soda on top where needed and proceeding as directed below:
- Mix the vinegar with water in a spray bottle until you have created a 50/50 solution for each product.
- Spray this solution on any areas where there is peeling paint so that it can start working its way under the old paint layer.
- Once these pieces are wet enough let them sit for 20-30 minutes then scrub off using either an abrasive sponge or brush.
You may need to repeat this process multiple times before every bit of paint has been removed from the surface of your tub.
This method will work best if done outside as both products emit strong fumes when mixed.
Get rid of paint on a cast iron tub
If your bathtub is made of cast iron, then you can use a wire brush to remove the paint.
Set up an area where you can easily access all areas of the tub. Place scrap wood on either side so that it will not scratch against the tub surface when scrubbing off peeling paint with a wire brush. Next, tape around any exposed metal or fixtures (such as faucets) before removing any remaining pieces of old paint using a wire brush.
Be careful while brushing since rough bristles could leave scratches in their place if brushed too hard against the surface. Remove these marks by applying a touch-up stain once all the paint has been removed.
Remove epoxy paint from a fiberglass bathtub
If your bathtub is made of fiberglass, then you can use a chemical stripper to remove the paint. Chemical strippers are specifically designed to break down old layers of paint so that it can easily be scraped off.
Pour some of the chemical strippers onto a rag and apply it liberally to any areas where there is still peeling paint. Let the stripper sit on the surface for about 20 minutes so that it can start working its way under the old paint layer. Once these pieces are wet enough scrub off using either an abrasive sponge or brush. You may need to repeat this process multiple times before every bit of paint has been removed from the surface of your tub.
Pour a generous amount onto a rag and apply it liberally over any areas where there might still be old layers of paint left behind which haven’t bub.
How to remove paint from a metal bathtub?
You can try using a drill and wire brush. Drill into the paint until it’s loose, then scrape it off with the wire brush. Be careful not to damage the metal bathtub.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to clean the area thoroughly afterward so that no chemicals or paint residue remains.
5 steps to remove peeling bathtub paint:
Step 1: Gather the materials required
To remove the old paint from a bathtub, you will need the following supplies:
- Paint scraper
- Paintbrush
- Rags
- Bucket
- TSP cleaner or white vinegar
- Water
- Scrub brush
- Stiff brush
- Rubber gloves
- Dust mask
- Safety goggles
Step 2: Clean the damaged area
Scrape off as much of the peeling paint as possible. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape away thick layers and pieces of loose paint. Work carefully around any fixtures that may be attached, such as faucets or shower controls.
Do not use metal scrapers, which can scratch porcelain surfaces and damage enameled cast iron tubs and sinks. After scraping off as much of the peeling paint as possible, you will need to clean the area.
Step 3: Bleaching the bathtub
After you have cleaned the damaged area, it may need to be bleached to remove any left-over stains. Unscrew a clean white terry towel and make a fist around a few strands of cloth near one end. Poke a hole through the center of the towel with your thumbs and pull one end of the towel through–this makes a wick that can be dipped in bleach without getting your hands dirty.
Dip the wick in a container of bleach, then use it to apply the bleach directly to the stained areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing with water. If the bleaching doesn’t remove all of the stains, you can repeat these steps until they are gone.
After finishing this step, wait for the bathtub surface to completely dry before continuing to Step four.
Step 4: Repair any cracks or chips
If the bathtub has any visible cracks or chips, use a tube of caulk to fill them in. Make sure that you get caulk that is designed for use on bathroom surfaces, as other types may not be waterproof. Cut the tip of the tube at an angle, then press it into the crack and squeeze out some of the caulk. Use your finger to smooth it out and remove any excess, then let it dry for 24 hours before using the bathtub again.
Step 5: Baking soda and vinegar paint remover paste
To make the paste, mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Apply it to the surface with a brush or sponge, then let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge. Rinse with water and let the surface dry completely before continuing.
If your bathtub is severely damaged and these steps don’t seem to be working, it might be time to consider replacing it instead. Talk to a professional about your options.
Tips for applying paint to a metal bathtub
- When painting a metal bathtub, it is important to use a primer first. This will help the paint adhere better and will make it less likely to chip or peel.
- Make sure that the surface is clean and dry before you begin painting, and be careful not to apply too much paint at once.
- If you are using a gloss finish, wait at least four hours between coats.
- Use painter’s tape and newspaper around the area where you will be painting to prevent getting paint onto other surfaces such as cabinets or floors near the bathtub itself.
- If you are using a sprayer, hold the gun about 18 inches away from the tub and start in one corner. Apply even coats across the surface, making sure to overlap each stroke slightly. Be careful not to allow the paint to puddle as it will likely run and drip down the sides of your bathtub.
- Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next (usually takes around four hours). If you are going for a thicker finish, you may want to apply up to three coats.
- Use a sealant after finishing to protect the paint from moisture and humidity.
- Once your final coat is completely dry, remove all of the painters’ tape and newspaper from around your bathtub.
- Give it a good clean with some warm soapy water to remove any last traces of paint and you’re good to go!
- If you have any leftover paint, be sure to store it in a safe place where children or pets cannot reach it. Label the container with the type of paint and the date so that you know exactly what’s in there.
- If you follow these simple steps, your tub will look as good as new in no time at all. Enjoy!
Conclusion
You like to clean and take care of your home, but you can’t stand that old peeling bathtub paint anymore. You’ve tried sanding it down with a power sander, but the paint just keeps coming off.
Removing old paint from a bathtub can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, by following these five simple steps, you can get the job done with minimal fuss. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to a professional before beginning the project. Good luck!