How to Refinish Your Tub - Spray-on Kit

Instructions for Refinishing Your Tub

Supplies Needed

Required Items

• Safety glasses
• Rubber gloves
• Abrasive scrubbing pad
• Abrasive cleaner like Comet® or Ajax®
  • Brands are registered trademarks of the manufacturers
• TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) Cleaner
• Bucket
• #400/#600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Lint-free cloth
• Tack cloth
• Masking tape
• Drop cloth/masking film

Optional Items

• Wire brush (For removal of loose paint and rust, if present)
• Bleach (For removal of mildew, if present)
• Caulk remover tool (For removal of old caulk)
• Caulk (For replacing caulk when complete)
• Room fan (Use when ventilation is not adequate)
• Vacuum with HEPA filter (For dust clean-up)
• High-quality paint brush, 2” with fine soft bristles (For smoothing drips- especially on vertical surfaces)
• Utility knife (For removal of tape, if needed)
• Lacquer thinner (For removal of product from surrounding surfaces and tools)

Before You Begin

Before you begin your refinishing project, it is important to review the list of supplies needed to make sure that you have all necessary materials on hand. The total project time will depend somewhat on the size and condition of the surface you are refinishing.

You should plan to dedicate at least 2-3 hours of time for surface preparation and application of the first coat. Most projects will require 2-3 coats. You should allow for 30 minutes of drying time between each coat. The final coat should be applied within six hours of the application of the first coat and should be left to dry for at least 72 hours before exposing to water.

Surface Usage

Recommended for: Refinishing ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, enamel coated cast iron and acrylic tile,

tubs or sinks. Not for use in toilets, pools, hot tubs or other surfaces constantly submerged in water.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Careful preparation of the ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, enamel coated cast iron or acrylic surface is critical to achieving a smooth and lasting finish. Take your time and follow the detailed steps below to ensure the best results. Please utilize proper protective equipment when completing this project. Review all cautionary information on each manufacturer’s label for guidance.

1. If refinishing a sink or tub, begin by removing metal drains and hardware.
2. To ensure complete coverage, remove all caulk around sink or tub.
3. If present, remove any loose paint and rust with a wire brush or sandpaper. Warning: Scraping, sanding or removing old lead-based paint may result in lead exposure which could cause serious health issues. If you may have lead paint, learn how to properly protect yourself and your family by calling 1-800-424-LEAD or logging on to www.epa.gov/lead.
4. If mildew is present, remove it by scrubbing areas with a solution of three parts bleach and one part water. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Prepare surface by cleaning with an abrasive scrubbing pad and abrasive cleaner. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
6. Wipe surface clean with a lint-free cloth.
7. Sand entire surface with #400/#600 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
8. Vacuum up dust or rinse away residue with water and dry with a lint free cloth.
9. Mix TSP cleaner in bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Scrub entire surface with scrubbing pad and TSP. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a lint free cloth.
10. Wipe surface with a tack cloth immediately before painting to remove any remaining dust.

Step 2: First Coat

For best results, apply when room temperature is between 50-90ºF (10-32ºC) and humidity is below 85% to ensure proper drying.

1. Use masking tape and drop cloths or masking film to mask off the surrounding surfaces.
2. Properly ventilate the area by opening windows and/or using fans. Do not position fans so that they blow directly onto the surface being sprayed as this could cause bubbles to form in the finish. Use product only in well ventilated areas.
3. Remove one can from box (both cans are the same). Shake can so that mixing ball begins to rattle and
   then continue shaking for one additional minute to ensure product is well mixed. Repeat process for
   second can when first can is empty.
4. Remove cap and spray product 10 – 16 inches from surface using large sweeping motions with slightly
   overlapping passes. Apply in thin layers to avoid drips. Shake can occasionally during use to ensure
   product remains well mixed.
5. If drips occur, smooth them with a paint brush or wipe them with a cloth immediately. Using a paint brush can be particularly effective on vertical surfaces where product may drip more easily.
6. Allow 30 minutes for first coat to dry before applying a second coat when room temperature is 70ºF (21ºC) and relative humidity is 50%. Allow more drying time at cooler temperatures and/or higher humidity.

Step 3: Additional Coats

1. Apply additional coat using the same method as the first coat.
2. If satisfied with coverage, remove masking tape immediately after the completion of the final coat. You
   may need a utility knife to cut along edge of tape to ensure the tape removes cleanly. Allow final coat to
   dry at least 72 hours when room temperature is 70ºF (21ºC) and relative humidity is 50%, before exposing
   to water. If additional coats are needed, repeat the steps in this section as necessary waiting at least 30
   minutes between the applications of each additional coat. For most projects, 2-3 coats are sufficient. Do
   not add additional coats more than 6 hours after the application of the first coat.

Step 4: Clean-Up and Complete Project

1. Clean any paint off of tools or paint brushes with lacquer thinner immediately.
2. Properly dispose of all soiled rags and empty containers. Do not burn or place in home trash compactor.
3. Re-caulk around tub or sink and re-install hardware.

Use / Maintenance

• Allow surface to dry for at least 72 hours before cleaning and at least two weeks before using bathmats or suction cups on surface.
• To maintain your newly refinished surface, clean with nonabrasive, non-bleach cleaner.

Troubleshooting / Additional Information

• Removing drips/overspray from surrounding surfaces: Wipe up immediately before product dries on
  surface. If already dried, use lacquer thinner to remove. Test lacquer thinner on inconspicuous area to
  make sure it does not damage surface.
• Non-glossy finish: May occur if humidity is too high at time of application. Utilize dehumidifiers to reduce humidity before applying additional coats.
• Drips on finish: If drips are present after finish has dried, sand drips so they are level with the surrounding finish and spray a light coat over sanded areas. Allow to dry an additional 72 hours before exposing to water.
• DO NOT strike or puncture can or stick sharp objects into hole at top of can

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