There are many things that can cause your bathtub to chip or peel. And sometimes you can’t avoid these accidents. But what you can do is try to fix your bathtub and give it a brand new look. If the peeling is everywhere then you will need to remove the paint off the tub.
So, the question is, how to remove peeling bathtub paint?
Different types of tubs require different methods for paint removal. But basically, you will need a paint stripper, scouring pad, clean rag, and hot water for paint removal.
The piece also includes:
- Why is the paint in my tub peeling?
- How do you reglaze a bathtub that is peeling?
Now let’s dive into the article to learn more about removing paint from bathtubs.
Table of Contents
Why is the Paint in My Tub Peeling?
A chip in the surface is one of many problems that might cause a reglazed bathtub to peel. A new finish may soak through, further weakening it and allowing peeling to occur.
Dropping something hard onto the surface, using abrasive cleansers, or using scouring pads on the tub can all result in chips. Peeling can also be the result of poor refinishing, like not giving the glaze sufficient time to cure or dry.
It’s also possible that the surface wasn’t adequately cleaned or prepped to absorb the glaze.
Abrupt temperature fluctuations, such as switching from cold to hot water, strong water pressure, and normal wear and tear can also result in peeling or chipping of your tub.
However, moisture is the most common factor in paint peeling.
When moisture penetrates the paint layer and the underlying surface, paint in bathrooms begins to peel. The cycle is continued as more paint peels because moisture can enter the area with increasing ease as the paint ages.
How to Remove Peeling Bathtub Paint?
Watching your bathtub paint peeling can be really depressing when you love taking a nice warm bath at the end of the day. So, it’s best to remove those peeling paint and repaint them the way you want.
But the paint removal process depends on what type of tub you have at your home. And each of them requires a different removal method. Let’s see below how to remove peeling paint from the tub.
Remove Paint from a Bathtub Made from Acrylic
Although acrylic tubs scratch effortlessly, they are resilient to the accumulation of filth and grime. If you use numerous cleaning agents and solvents for removing paint, it can also dissolve and degrade the substance.
To remove paint stains from acrylic bathtubs, you need to stay away from abrasive cleaning chemicals. Ajax is a shower cleaner containing bleach that is non-abrasive and suitable for acrylic surfaces. Use this technique to remove hardened paint from vinyl siding as well.
Before you use a vinegar-based bathtub cleaner to clean up a fresh paint spill, try to remove as much of the paint as you can with paper towels. Liquid laundry detergent works best for acrylic paints and other readily harmed surfaces.
You should add two inches of hot water to your bathtub, or more if the tub’s sides have paint stains. You should add three ounces of laundry soap for every two inches of water. So that the detergent has a shot to loosen the paint, let it soak all night.
Then scrape the paint stains firmly with a soft sponge. If you want the solution to keep working while you wash, drain the tub or leave it on the stain.
To stop the paint from drying and cooling on the surface of the tub after this primary treatment, you should keep things wet with hot water. Give the stain a liberal coating of baking soda and give it 10 minutes to absorb.
Apply vinegar using a spray bottle. The remaining paint is removed by the foaming interaction between vinegar and baking soda. Pour vinegar onto the sponge and rub as the bubbling reaction takes place to remove particularly difficult paint stains.
Remove Paint from a Porcelain Tub
Most household cleaners and chemicals won’t scratch or harm porcelain. When cleaning unintended paint splatters or peeling paint from a porcelain bathtub, you can use a scraper or razor blade without risk of injury.
If the paint is oil-based or water-based, you can loosen it with acetone or rubbing alcohol. Apply the solvent on a sponge and vigorously rub the afflicted area. Use an industrial paint stripper as an alternative. Apply the paint removal solution to the paint stains using a paintbrush.
The paint should begin bubbling after about ten minutes as it comes away from the tub’s surface. Then apply another application of paint remover if that doesn’t work.
Peel the loose paint using a razor blade or scraper. Once the paint has been completely removed, wash the tub in warm, soapy water and rinse to get rid of any remaining paint remover.
When you will be handling caustic chemicals and solvents, you should always use safety gear including rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask.
Remove Paint from a Cast Iron Tub
Cast iron bathtubs are generally coated with a porcelain or enamel coating to prevent oxidation. Older cast iron bathtubs can have interior or exterior paint on them. They eventually require refinishing.
You will need to clean the tub well with dish soap and a gently abrasive sponge before beginning the paint removal procedure to get rid of any accumulated filth and grime. Then use steel wool or sandpaper to clear paint from bare cast iron.
Use a circular motion and a moist rag to frequently remove dust from the surface while sanding paint off cast iron by hand. Alternatively, remove outdated paint with an electric sander.
Your cast iron tub can be refinished straight away by applying a fresh layer of paint, lacquer, or refinisher oil. You will find a complete refinishing kit available online or at your neighbourhood hardware shop.
Remove Epoxy Paint from a Fiberglass Bathtub
Latex acrylic is used to create epoxy paint, which provides bathtubs with a tough, long-lasting finish. Fortunately, removing epoxy paint and returning your bathtub’s surface to fibreglass is rather simple.
While acetone and paint remover can remove epoxy paint more quickly, they are more likely to damage fibreglass tubs. Instead, soften epoxy using a milder solution.
Create a thick paste that resembles cake icing by combining baking soda and enough vinegar. You should apply the paste evenly over the painted surface, and it should sit for at least 30 minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the loose paint.
After removing all of the paint, wash the area with warm, soapy water and then rinse to remove any paste or debris that could have lingered. You can also clean hot tub jets with vinegar and baking soda, it is quick and easy.
Remove Paint from a Metal Bathtub
Copper and stainless steel bathtubs are an appealing addition to bathroom upgrades. However, harsh cleaning tools like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or steel wool might scratch them and cause damage.
Rub olive oil with paper towels into the bathtub after carefully cleaning it to help the paint stain come off. Give it a few minutes to sit. Then use a thin cloth wrapped around a plastic paint scraper to remove as much paint as you can from the lubricated surface while protecting the metal surface from scratches.
Then you should apply mineral spirits to a clean rag. Use the rag to blot the stain for a full minute. The residual paint can be removed using a fresh rag. Use this technique to remove caulk off your faucet as well as paint.
How Do You Reglaze a Bathtub that is Peeling?
If you want to reglaze your chipped or peeled bathtub without going through the hassle of removing all the paint first, then this section of the article is just perfect for you. Now let’s read below to learn how to fix peeling bathtub paint.
So, you will need epoxy acrylic paint to fix your peeling tub. And the best epoxy acrylic product on the market is the Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Touch-up. Just before applying, combine the two parts of the epoxy.
When you’re only touching up, the method is pretty simple. You need to clean the tub with soapy water, rinse it, and let it air dry as preparation. There is no need for harsh chemical cleansers or sanding.
Remove any loose old finish as another prep step that the product directions omit. The touch-up will look and function better if there are no loose pieces, even though it feels bad to be losing the finish and enlarging the peel.
The only issue is that it would require the whole bathtub resurfacing. Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Touch-Up take three days to cure.
For applying the epoxy, the portion B bottle includes a little brush like a nail polish brush. It resembled painting a wall with a bottle of white-out when utilizing some of the larger sections. It works admirably on minor cracks and chips.
Just the chip or the area where the previous tub is visible should be painted with epoxy. Avoid applying new epoxy on top of the old epoxy since it will cause the previous epoxy finish to curl back.
Even while a huge area will never again look as wonderful as it did before it started peeling, it will appear better than it did before and won’t continue to peel.
FAQ
Can You Paint Over Peeling Paint?
Yes. You might be able to gently brush off peeling or flaking paint from a small area before priming the wall and painting over it. This remedy will function so long as the peeling area’s remaining edges are solid.
Can You Repaint a Painted Bathtub?
Yes, of course. You can paint your bathtub to seem almost brand new with a little work. All you need to do is to make sure you have the proper supplies, including an epoxy primer and resin finish.
Conclusion
Thanks for coming this far with our article. Hope our piece could help you figure out how to remove peeling bathtub paint. Now that you know everything about fixing your tub, just get your tools and start working on it.