Asked on Jul 02, 2017

What can I do to clean a painted bathtub?

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Answered
A year ago we moved into a house where they had painted the bathtub. I really didn't care for that part of the house when we bought it but figured we'd do something later. Well, now a lot of the paint has come off and dirt and grime seem to cling to the splotches of paint. I do not know what is the best way to approach this project. I didn't know if scraping it would harm the surface underneath and make it worse. If you scrub hard with a plast scratchy pad some comes off. It just looks awful!! This pic is after I cleaned it. Suggestions??
what can i do to clean a painted bathtub
  17 answers
  • William William on Jul 02, 2017

    Not knowing what kind of paint was used. Try Citristrip paint remover first. If that doesn't work try straight acetone. Easy Off No Fume Oven Cleaner in the BLUE can is a good cleaner for porcelain tubs and fiberglass tubs and showers.

  • Raregmz Raregmz on Jul 03, 2017

    If you can find a professional tub refinisher in your area I would suggest calling them. It might just pay to have them remove and resurface the tub. Should cost about $300 and will look brand new.

    • Patti Patti on Jul 09, 2017

      Biggest mistake of my life! I had my perfect-looks-brand-new tub "professionally" resurfaced (color change from green to white) by a supposedly top notch company. Never again. The tub began peeling. They redid it and now I have peeling again (and NO WARRANTY) along with some lumps/large pieces of grit (they didn't thoroughly wipe down before repainting). I don't even use the tub ... just rinse & dust it when needed. What a waste. Also, you cannot put any skid mats or stickers on the tub bottom because it will peel the paint. IMO we would've been better off just replacing the tub.

  • Judy Hollandsworth Judy Hollandsworth on Jul 03, 2017

    There is a fiberglass complete new bathtub that inserts over the existing tub. It is done by professionals and is very quick.

    • See 2 previous
    • Julia Sipe Bentley Julia Sipe Bentley on Jul 30, 2017

      Do you know the name of the fiberglass company? I have 2 very well installed, solid, 29 year old fiberglass tubs. The top layer of each has some surface cracks. I called bathfitters and they will not cover fiberglass tubs. They would, however, gladly replace both my tubs to the tune of $3500 each. Uh, no thanks. Would love to have them covered in a fiberglass shell but can't find anyone to do it.

  • Merry Mount Merry Mount on Jul 03, 2017

    First, I would determine the type of paint that is on it. Put a chip of paint in the palm of your hand. Using your fingernail, press on it. If it cracks and breaks, it is probably an oil based probably. If it does not break, it is usually an acrylic latex paint.

    I would call a large bathtub supplier and ask them what they would use, since you should have identified the type of paint that is on it.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jul 03, 2017

    Citristrip will def help remove the curent paint

  • Debby Dale Debby Dale on Jul 03, 2017

    Rustoleum makes a bathtub resurfacing kit for around $50 - $60. You can use sandpaper to sand the old paint off, then use acetone to remove any residue and dust. You then just use a sponge roller to paint the surface on the tub and let it dry for 2 days. Works great.

    • See 2 previous
    • Debby Dale Debby Dale on Jul 07, 2017

      What kind of cleaner do you use?

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Jul 03, 2017

    Epoxy at the your DIY home store.

  • Fau9004222 Fau9004222 on Jul 03, 2017

    I have a tub i had painted.It was green,I had it done in white,They told me not to use anything on the tub except some like Scrubbing BubblesNo comet or it will scratch it.So i have never used anything but Scrubbing Bbbles. Its been done about15 years.

  • Sandy Gehrke Carlton Sandy Gehrke Carlton on Jul 03, 2017

    Really? Well I'm happy it worked for you. I've never scraped it, just sprayed cleaner and wiped. I just think they used a lower grade of paint. Why they painted it a light shade of pink in a nice beige and white bathroom is beyond me🙄

  • William William on Jul 03, 2017

    No Citrisrtip is a safe stripper. Won't harm the finish.

  • William William on Jul 03, 2017

    Citristrip is a safe stripper. Won't harm the original finish.

  • Judy Hollandsworth Judy Hollandsworth on Jul 04, 2017

    Sorry. I had no idea abut the cost.

  • Sandy Gehrke Carlton Sandy Gehrke Carlton on Jul 04, 2017

    Thanks William! I bought some at HD this a.m. Will try it later😁

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jul 04, 2017

    mr clean magic erase works well

    • Jackie Jackie on Jul 30, 2017

      That is the only thing I have found that will whiten the non-slip oval things in the bottom of the tub. The tub has been refinished twice now after a fire. I should have insisted on a new tub!!! However, I was happy to learn about Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! Takes some elbow grease, but works better than bleach!

  • Donna turrisi Donna turrisi on Jul 09, 2017

    Scrubbing bubbles?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 06, 2023

    Have a new bath fitted. It really isn't worth your time an effort to try to keep fixing!

    If finances won't allow, live with it and save up!