DIY Painted Bathtub

I just finished painting my bathtub a couple of days ago. I used Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit, and it's still curing (you're not supposed to get water on it for three days), but the paint seems very durable. Of course, it IS paint, so it won't last forever, but I think this is a very good solution if you want a somewhat easy fix for an ugly, outdated tub, and don't quite have the budget for a complete replacement. More details (including a video) at the link below.

Time: 8 Hours Cost: $125.00 Difficulty: Moderate

To see more: http://www.addicted2decorating.com/bathroom-makeover-day-11-how-to-paint-a-bathtub.html

49 Comments Displaying 25 of 49 comments | See Previous

Parents of a Dozen Spring Grove, IL

GREAT JOB! I painted my parents pink bathtub 2 1/2 years ago and it still looks great. I know they don't use that room that much but it looks great still. I am new to the group and I am not sure if I am able to post a link here to show you? Let me know if it is a big no, no!
Sharon
http://www.parentsofadozen.com/2011/12/my-p...

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 1
Jeanette Country Design S... Payson, AZ

Kristi, you did an awesome job. Paint has really come a long way. You did a great tutorial and video. Check the video out on her website.

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 2
Jeanine Wester Peoria, IL

Would love an update to see if this holds up well, hope it does because we have a rental with a tub in desperate need of this!!

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 0
Tracey T Mission, TX

WOW Kristi, amazing job! I would love to update mine, how long did it take you and how hard was it? I am very impressed!

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 0
Sherrie Nixa, MO

Kristie you always do and amazing job at researching before you do a job. It takes the hard work out of it before we do it. I always enjoy your blog because I know you are always spot on. Thanks for sharing all your hard work!

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 0
Dumblabrat South Africa

There is one caveat when painting a bathtub - constantly running very hot water into the bath will shorten the lifespan of the paint .

on Feb 16, 2013 · Like 0
Ilene Costello Hampton, VA

Thank you thank you! Have been thinking of doing this but my aunt had the same experience as Sheila so oh well. Now HOORAY it can be done. I surmise it was just the different brand. They did theirs about four years ago. now...who can lend me their tub for three days...? ;-)

on Feb 17, 2013 · Like 0
Christie Tracy

So sounds like from comments, that this does work and last for sometime. Thanks for sharing!

on Feb 17, 2013 · Like 0
8498tx Simpsonville, SC

I had never heard of this either. I called the tub doctor and had mine resurfaced very reasonable and could use the tub in 24 hours.

on Feb 17, 2013 · Like 1
Deborah G Meridian, ID

It looks great. We did the same thing and it still looked great six years later when we moved.

on Feb 18, 2013 · Like 0
Crystal Adkins - Mobile &... Oak Hill, WV

If you could bake the paint on, I'd say it would stay great regardless of water temp. However, you can buy a new tub for $139 (steel, porcelain coated) in white at Lowe's. So why not pay $14 more have a new tub?

on Feb 18, 2013 · Like 0
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decor... Waco, TX

Crystal Adkins - Mobile & Manufactured Home Living , the $139 cost of the tub that you quoted doesn't include (1) the contractor cost of ripping out the old tub, (2) the contractor cost of installing the new tub, (3) the cost of materials for the tub surround that would have to be added since you just removed the tub AND surround, (4) the contractor cost of installing the new tub surround OR the days off and tools required ...»
for DIYing the tub surround, and (5) the stress of having the main bathroom in your home inaccessible during that time because of construction.
Simply put, a $139 tub doesn't JUST cost $139.

on Feb 18, 2013 · Like 9
Nancy Weis

I did this and it still looks great 15 years later. I only clean it with vinegar and rinse well. My only complaint is that the surface is very slick. You need to use a rubber mat but remove it after bathing.

on Feb 18, 2013 · Like 1
Sia@South 47th Sacramento, CA

Great Job!!!

on Feb 18, 2013 · Like 0
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decor... Waco, TX

Fastnacht Shavout , sorry, but you lost me with your comment. I CAN'T afford a contractor, which is why I decided to paint my tub. While you have the good fortune of having a husband who can and will do these projects for you, I don't. My husband is in a wheelchair and has M.S., so LITERALLY every single project that gets done around our home, I have to do by myself, with my own two hands. And yes, it does feel VERY good, ...»
and VERY empowering as a woman to do it myself, rather than having to rely on my husband or a contractor to do it. Just about everything in my condo is my own creation, built, made, altered, updated or created with my own two hands.

on Feb 20, 2013 · Like 8
Phyllis W Saint Pauls, NC

Very nice. Looks new. Any thoughts on a mobile home plastic tub that is cracked?

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 1
Kathie Mauldin Ashford, AL

@ phyllis We are going thru the same thing! I don't understand for the life of me how they get away with building these mobile homes with particle wood floors and plastic tubs. Anyway we removed our cracked tub and the reason it cracked was because of a leak under the tub that caused the particle wood to fall apart and the tub to crack . Will be replacing everything. There are plastic repair tub kits but don't waste your money or time as they don't work!

on Feb 22, 2013 · Like 3
Phyllis W Saint Pauls, NC

Thanks Kathie Mauldin Being retired I can't waste any of my 'investments'. I have to replace all the old plumbing & floors too. I saw a blog/site once that was just about mobile home DIY. Haven't found it again.Ashford, AL

on Feb 26, 2013 · Like 0
Abi Zimmerman Crete, IL

Do you know if this can be used to cover a color other than white? We have a huge grey tub in our master bath that I've considered removing but it would require a complete remodel. Wonder if I could just paint over it?

on Feb 27, 2013 · Like 1
David Rundle Tacoma, WA

I think it looks very nice....i dont know why people just dont say that instead. I am a renter, and have been thinking about doing this as well...and now I will!! Thank you!!

on Mar 12, 2013 · Like 2
Jayne Magnolia, TX

i just finished my tub and shower they look amazing, I hope it stays that way

on Mar 21, 2013 · Like 0
Jayne Magnolia, TX

I have a concrete fountain outside and it doesn't hold water so I am going to use the tub and tile kit to see if it will seal it. If not it will look pretty

on Mar 21, 2013 · Like 1
Phyllis W Saint Pauls, NC

Gee Jayne, my son-in-law put a layer of calking in my bird bath and it is great now.

on Mar 22, 2013 · Like 0
Jackieforzone Wonder Lake, IL

going to do this with a kitchen sink I just got from a friend but! going to paint it red to match kitchen decor

on Mar 27, 2013 · Like 1
Sherrie Nixa, MO

I also think you did and amazing job! We are getting ready to gut one bathroom but it has a shower. It's nice that you gave a alternative way to refinish your tub instead of ripping it out! Especially when people are on a budget, or those that don't have access to handyman skills! I remember the days of doing things myself! Being a widow with children I lived on a very tight budget and had to do everything myself. I wish they had something like this back then! Thanks for sharing Kristi!

on Mar 28, 2013 · Like 1