Fri Dec 16 2022
How to Change Your Bathtub Color in 2023 – The Complete Guide
Why change your bathtub color? This can be the question that most of you may have when you see this article. Usually, the two main reasons why people buy a bathtub are: One, to elevate their bathroom style and bring great ambiance, and second, to have a relaxing bathing experience to wash away all their stress. Changing your bathtub color can help you to achieve both in one shot. This article will explore how changing your bathtub color helps you bring style, provide a relaxing bathing experience, and will also help you how to paint your bathtub with a step-by-step process.
How Does Changing Your Bathtub Color Affect Your Bathroom Mood?
The mind is a tricky tool. If we see a color subconsciously, we tend to become attracted to it. For example, what would be your first requirement for using a bathroom? Most people may say cleanliness. If you think about the color associated with your bathroom's cleanliness, you may automatically choose “white.” That is the main reason why most bathroom apparatus come in white color, including bathtubs.
Color plays an amazing role in elevating your bathroom aesthetics. Blue or green colors tend to dimmer and bring a calm, much more soothing experience to your bathroom and yourself. But, what about darker colors, say, black? Yes, black can bring an elegant and luxurious look to your bathroom, but the darker color shines better with lighting much more than natural ones.
Imagine this, at night, having a dimmer tangerine color light hanging down from your bathroom ceiling, taking a bath in a matte black bathtub can be very soothing and, at the same time, experience a “luxurious” bathing feeling.
Painting your bathtub can suddenly change the whole dynamic of your bathroom.
How Does Changing Your Bathtub Color Affect Your Bathing Experience?
Aesthetically you can improve your bathing experience. The other factor which also directly impacts your bathing experience is the condition of your bathtub itself. Having a rust, algae-lined bathtub can ruin your whole experience, and you probably won’t take a bath in that bathtub. Yes, maintaining a bathtub can take a little amount of time. Still, down the line, there is a high possibility of algae and rust formation on the surface of your bathtub. You can easily prevent this by painting the surface of your bathtub. This paint can act as the “protective layer” for your bathtub, which helps to prevent any moisture, which in turn helps to prevent algae and rust development. Thus, providing you with the best bathing experience for a longer period of time.
Now, you know aesthetics can have a deep and direct impact on your whole bathroom mood, as well as your bathing experience.
Common Colors Available for Painting Your Bathtub:
When choosing the color for your bathtub, it is important to know which material it is made of. Since different types of materials require different types of paint and color availability.
For example, in a stone-resin-based bathtub or natural stone-based bathtub, the common colors are:
- Black
- Dimmer Red
- White
- Brown
- Navy blue
For acrylic-based bathtubs (Also for fiberglass and porcelain), the common colors are :
- Blue
- Navy blue
- Black
- Green
- Yellow
- Silver
- Brown
- Purple (rare)
Can You Paint Your Bathtub by Yourself?
The short answer is yes. You can paint the bathtub by yourself. It is not necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of plumbing. You can get the job done perfectly fine with some precautions and step-by-step instructions.
But, before you start painting your bathtub, you need to know a few important things apart from color availability. Your bathtub is constantly in contact with moisture and water. Painting with normal paint will not stick to the surface of your bathtub. You must ensure that the paint you get from your local hardware store is water-resistant or repellent. The second thing to look for is the refinishing kit. Each bathtub has its own type of refinishing kit with painting compounds so that your paint adheres properly to the surface of your bathtub.
For example, an acrylic-type bathtub requires epoxy as its primer, and for metal-based bathtubs, such as cast iron and copper, you need a dedicated primer which you can get from your local hardware store.
Precautions to Take While Painting Your Bathtub:
Bathtub refinishing kits have paints and primers containing toxic fumes. It is necessary to have a mask for your face and gloves for your hands when you paint. Make sure you carry out your project in a well-ventilated area, so the toxic gasses can easily dissipate into the surroundings.
The next step is to clean your bathtub completely. Remove all the dirt from the edge and corners of your bathtub and ensure that your bathtub is free from any moisture or water. This helps to adhere the paint on the surface of your bathtub properly.
How to Paint Your Bathtub with a Refinishing Kit?
Usually, the following are the contents that come in a standard-size bathtub refinishing kit:
- Paint (your choice of color)
- Primer (based on the type of bathtub)
- Etch cleaner
- Hardener
- Brush (Foam)
- Paint rollers
- Rag
- Additives (Non-slip)
STEP 1 – Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area for the project. Wear protective gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Cover your bathroom floor and the walls with a plastic cover
STEP 2 – Clean your bathtub and the surrounding area completely. Remove any old caulk and any debris with the help of a putty knife. Once you are done with that, take sandpaper and sand the surface.
STEP 3 – Remove any add-ons to your bathtub, such as faucets, and dry the faucet holes.
STEP 4 – Take the etch cleaner from your kit, and apply it on your bathtub's surface. If the etch cleaner is powder, mix it with the water and apply it. Once you start to apply the etch cleaner, the surface will start to dim. This is a sign that your bathtub is ready for a new finish.
STEP 5 – In this stage, you can improve the bonding of a new paint by sanding the wet surface. Rinse your bathtub with a generous amount of water. This helps to remove any stains and debris from the surface of your bathtub.
STEP 6 – Dry out your bathtub completely with the help of a soft cloth or a paper towel. Let it sit until the bathtub is completely dry.
STEP 7 – Take the primer from your kit, and apply it to the surface of your bathtub in a clockwise rotating motion. If your kit comes with a roller, then you can use that to apply the primer. Let the primer dry as per the instructions given in the kit.
STEP 8 – Now, your bathtub is ready for the new paint. Take the paint and mix it well. Apply it on the surface of your bathtub with the help of a roller. The best stroke to apply the paint on the surface of your bathtub is from top-to-bottom. This helps cover a larger surface area and a uniform finish. Use a small paintbrush to cover the corners and edges of the bathtub.
STEP 9 – Once the first coating is done, don’t dry. Perform the second coating with the same technique. Try to coat the tub with more than two coatings.
STEP 10 – Once the coatings are done, let the bathtub cure for 24 hrs. This helps the paint to sit well on the surface.
There you have carried out the project by yourself. This is the best way to save money rather than relying on the expert’s help. The last step is to take a look at your project and get ready to take a bath in your “new” and “updated” bathtub!
Suggested Reads:
FAQs:
You can repaint your bathtub with the help of a refinishing kit. The refinishing kit comes with paint and primer, which you can use to give a new look to your bathtub.
Yes, it is. You can change the color of your bathtub by painting it. Instead of changing your bathtub when you are remodeling your home, changing the color can be cost-effective.
Yes, you need to sand the surface of your bathtub with sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere properly to the surface of your bathtub. This helps to get a high life on the painting work on your bathtub.
Final Thoughts:
Some people may replace their bathtub during their remodeling because their bathtub may discolor over time and lose its former glory. Replacing the whole bathtub can be expensive and not necessary. If the bathtub is intact (structurally sound), you can re-finish it with a new coat of paint. This is a much more viable option, and with the money you save, you can use it for other important things. If your bathtub has lost its integrity, and you are looking for a replacement, Magnus Home products offer great selections of bathtubs that satisfy your requirements. This article hopes to give enough information on how to change the color of your bathtub by yourself.