Painting Bathtubs, Sinks, Toilets, Tile or any surfaces that receive excessive water contact or are subjected to standing water, requires FIRST that the surfaces be THOROUGHLY CLEANED, then Painted with (ONLY) EPOXY Paint!
I recommend using a one-part Spray Can Appliance Epoxy and one that is fairly inexpensive and available at most stores is Rustoleum’s Appliance Epoxy, however you can if you know how to Brush Properly, use a (one-part or two-part) Liquid Epoxy Paint (be sure to layout any vertical surfaces in the “up and down” direction to avoid brush marks or “sagging” while drying)…
FIRST you MUST CLEAN All Surfaces and the best thing to use that will insure complete scum removal is Lacquer Thinner… pour some into a tray and use Coarse Steel Wool dipped into the Thinner, to clean 12in X 12in areas, and wipe them dry immediately with a clean rag, before moving on to the next area…
If your surfaces were PREVIOUSLY PAINTED, you need to scrape off any loose paint and seal the edges with Seal All, a Glue that’s water resistant and available at most stores (apply it with your finger and “smooth out” the glue over the edges, clean-up with Lacquer Thinner)…
Next, using 1 inch masking tape and paper towels, MASK OFF all adjoining surfaces if you are going to use the Spray Can Technique…
Before you begin, use a hand vac to suck up any small particles… then you can Start Appling The Epoxy Paint…
Use care to Avoid Sags or Missed Areas, apply the paint evenly giving One Heavy Coat…
Next CAREFULLY REMOVE tape and masking, use Paint Thinner to Clean-Up…
IMPORTANT: You Must Allow A Full FIVE DAYS For Curing… before you subject the surfaces to water…
If you are going to use a Rubber Foot Mat (in bath tubs) you can do so, but they tend to absorb dirt and film and unless you remove them each time, your newly painted tub might start peeling a year or two later… SO… there is an ALTERNATIVE… read on …
There are many Rubberized Spray Coatings available, but I recommend 3M’s Rubberized Underseal Undercoating Spray Finish, available at Auto Supply Stores… FIRST: Using 1 inch masking tape and paper towels, Mask Off All Adjoining Surfaces Completely, and create whatever outline and size you desire for your final mat look (rectangular, strips, oval etc.)… Then spray on One HEAVY COAT and remove all tape and masking BEING VERY CAREFUL AS YOU DO, since the coating will smear or mark up if you accidentally touch it… use Paint Thinner to Clean-Up… this coating will need a full 24 hrs before usage…
Above all… always use Proper Lung, Face and Hand Protection, and insure a well ventilated area, and follow all product label instructions…
NEVER expect to produce a “perfect” or “flawless” job, you will always have some imperfections… your finished job if done properly will last for many years to come, and will be a GREAT Improvement from your old surfaces…
Thank You… “Magic Dave”
