As a home improvement expert with over 10 years of experience renovating bathrooms, I‘ve refinished countless fiberglass tubs. The transformation you can achieve without full replacement is amazing. With some elbow grease and the right products, we can make your outdated or damaged fiberglass tub look brand new again.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk through everything you need to know to professionally restore your tub on your own and provide tips to make it last.
Weighing Your Options: Refinish vs. Replace
Before deciding on refinishing, let‘s look at how it compares to fully replacing your tub:
| Factor | Refishing | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $300-$800 | $2,000+ |
| Duration | 1-2 days | 3+ days |
| Surface Prep | Light sanding | Full tear out |
| Disruption | Minimal | Major renovation |
| Expected Lifespan | 8-12 years (with care) | 15-20+ years |
As you can see, refinishing provides a quick and affordable way to breathe new life into your existing tub if it‘s structurally sound. The process only takes 1-2 days and costs a fraction compared to full replacement.
With proper maintenance and care, a refinished surface can last 8-12 years, even with heavy usage. That‘s still 50-75% of the lifespan of a brand new tub.
Now let‘s walk through the process step-by-step.
Supplies You‘ll Need
Gather these supplies before starting:
- Tub refinishing kit (I recommend Rust-Oleum‘s Restore or InTheSwim Epoxy Kit)
- Angled paint roller frame + wool roller cover
- Disposable paint tray
- Sandpaper – 80 grit, 150 grit, and 220 grit
- Tack cloths
- Blue painter‘s tape
- Rubber gloves, respirator mask, eye protection
- Polishing compound (Turtle Wax or Meguiar‘s Mirror Glaze)
- Clear acrylic sealant (Aqua Mix or Hope‘s Perfect Seal)
Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Tub
The first step is to clean the tub well to remove any residue that could compromise bonding:
- Scrub all surfaces with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft brush or sponge. I recommend Bar Keeper‘s Friend.
- Pay close attention to corners and angles where grime buildup is common.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water after cleaning.
- Let the tub dry completely before moving onto sanding.
Pro tip: Run a dehumidifier in the bathroom to speed up drying time after cleaning.
Step 2: Sand the Tub Lightly
Once dry, we‘ll do some light sanding to help the epoxy coat adhere:
- Start with 80 grit sandpaper to sand the bottom of the tub, applying light, even pressure.
- Use 150 grit on the tub walls. Never press hard enough to expose fibers, which can cause leaks.
- Finish by lightly sanding all areas with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out.
- Wipe away all dust with tack cloths after sanding. Any dust left behind will show through the new finish.
See my quick video on proper tub sanding technique:
Step 3: Use Etching Solution
Next, we‘ll apply an etching solution which acts like a primer for the epoxy:
- Apply the included etching solution evenly across all sanded surfaces per kit instructions.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let dry.
- This step opens up microscopic pores in the fiberglass for superior adhesion.
Step 4: Apply Epoxy Coating
Now comes the key step – applying the two-part epoxy coating:
- Pour Part A and Part B into a disposable paint tray and mix thoroughly.
- Load the mixture into a paint roller and apply a thin, even coat across the bottom first.
- Then roll the epoxy onto the tub walls using vertical strokes. Avoid excessive rolling which can cause bubbles.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats as needed to achieve full coverage, allowing proper drying time between coats as recommended by your kit.
- Lightly sand any drips or uneven areas between coats for a smooth finish.
I recommend wearing a respirator mask and opening windows, as epoxy fumes can be strong.
Step 5: Let the Epoxy Cure
Here‘s where the patience comes in. You‘ll need to allow the epoxy to fully cure before the next steps:
- Curing times range from 24-48 hours depending on humidity level and epoxy brand.
- Avoid showering, running water, or touching the tub surface during this time.
- Proper curing is crucial for achieving maximum durability from the coating.
If humidity is low, I recommend running a humidifier in the bathroom to optimize curing conditions.
Step 6: Polish the Finish
Once cured, it‘s time to bring back the glossy sheen:
- Use a polishing compound to buff out any small imperfections left behind after curing.
- Apply with a soft cloth using circular motions.
- Start with a more abrasive rubbing compound first, then use progressively finer polishes.
- Buff until the finish has a smooth, glossy shine.
This step really brings out the new look, making it appear factory fresh!
Step 7: Seal the Surface
The final step is applying a sealant to protect the finish:
- Use an acrylic clear coat sealant made for tubs and showers.
- Apply using a clean cloth according to product instructions, polishing as you go.
- Two coats ensures complete coverage and optimal protection.
- Let dry fully between coats.
Sealing the finish keeps moisture out and prevents dulling or stains.
Tips for a Professional DIY Refinishing Job
Follow these pro tips for best results:
- Only apply epoxy when indoor temperatures are between 65°F and 90°F.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when using chemicals.
- Carefully follow all instructions for your chosen epoxy kit.
- Apply thin coats, allowing proper drying time between each coat.
- Keep the tub surface ultra clean throughout the process for maximum adhesion.
- Let the epoxy cure fully before polishing or sealing for maximum durability.
Caring for Your Refinished Tub
Once restored, be sure to care for your tub properly to get the longest lifespan possible:
- Use only non-abrasive cleaners without ammonia or bleach. Bar Keeper‘s Friend is a great option.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on the tub floor that could scratch or dent it.
- Re-apply a fresh coat of sealant every 1-2 years for ongoing protection.
- Periodically polish the surface by hand to maintain the glossy finish.
- Act quickly if you notice any signs of damage to prevent worsening.
Weighing DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
While DIY refinishing can save on costs, you may want to consider hiring a professional for optimal results:
| DIY Refinishing | Professional Refinishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200-$400 | $400-$800 |
| Convenience | Labor intensive | Sit back and relax |
| Products Used | Basic epoxy kits | Commercial-grade epoxies & tools |
| Expected Durability | 5-8 years | 10+ years |
| Skill Level Needed | Intermediate to advanced | None – it‘s their expertise! |
While pricier, a pro job typically lasts longer and requires none of the labor on your end.
The choice comes down to your budget and confidence in completing this DIY project. I‘m happy to provide guidance if you choose the DIY route!
Before and Afters of My Fiberglass Tub Refinishing Projects
Here are some before and after shots of bathtub refinishing projects I’ve completed that show the dramatic transformations possible:
[Before and after photos]As you can see, the difference refinishing makes is amazing!
Let‘s Restore Your Fiberglass Bathtub!
I hope this guide gives you confidence to restore your fiberglass tub either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.
With the right products and techniques, we can make your tub look fresh and new again for a fraction of replacement cost.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to help whether you plan to DIY or want to hire me directly for your tub refinishing project.
