Over time your jacuzzi tub may start to turn yellow, appear dull, or show light cracks. You’ll be happy to know that you can paint your tub to restore it and make it look brand new. But what’s the best way to do this? We have researched an easy method to paint your jacuzzi tub, and this post will cover it in detail.
Here are the basic steps to prepare and paint a jacuzzi tub:
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- Ventilate the room
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- Remove the caulk
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- Remove the fixtures
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- Clean the jacuzzi
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- Apply epoxy putty to holes and cracks
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- Smooth out epoxy putty
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- Sand and clean the jacuzzi
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- Prepare the epoxy solution
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- Apply additional coats
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- Remove tape and re-attach fixtures
Painting a jacuzzi tub is an inexpensive and easy DIY project to take on. With a bit of epoxy paint and a few other tools, you can have your jacuzzi painted within a few hours. Continue reading and learn more about the steps involved in this project.
Why Paint a Jacuzzi Tub?
If your jacuzzi is over 10 or 15 years old, you may notice that it is starting to turn a bit dull, yellowed, or cracked –especially if it is made from acrylic. Also, sometimes painting a jacuzzi a different color can add a bit of life to a bathroom, changing the dynamic and essence of the space. You’ll be happy to know that this project is fairly simple and can typically be done in a day’s work.
Steps to Paint a Jacuzzi Tub
Things you’ll need:
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- Bathroom cleaner
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- Bleach
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- Abrasive cleanser
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- Screwdriver
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- Tub epoxy refinishing kit
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- Epoxy putty
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- Cleaning sponge
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- Screwdriver
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- 2-4 large towels
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- Tub repair kit
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- Electric sander or 400-grit sandpaper
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- Utility knife or caulk removal tool
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- Painter’s tape
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- Paintbrushes and rollers
1. Ventilate the room
The fumes from the tub repair kit and epoxy paint can be a bit overwhelming. Before performing the tub, take a minute to open up any windows in the bathroom and the door to nearby rooms to create airflow–this is very helpful if you plan to use bleach to clean the tub.
This is also the perfect time to place a tarp on the outer edge, floor, and wall around the jacuzzi. This will prevent you from getting any accidental paint drips or sprays on your floor or walls.
2. Remove the caulk
Be sure to toss on a pair of worker’s gloves before performing this task. Start by grabbing your utility knife or caulk removal tool and scraping it around the outer edge of the tub.
You can also soften the caulk by using a bit of rubbing alcohol. To do this, take a cotton swab and apply rubbing alcohol to the caulked perimeter of the tub. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before applying your utility knife to remove it.
Learn more about this utility knife on Amazon.
3. Remove the fixtures
Keep in mind that some tubs may not have removable fixtures. If this is the case with your tub, you can just apply painter’s tape around these areas. Be sure to apply tape only after cleaning and drying the tub.
If the fixtures are removable, unscrew the fixtures to the jacuzzi tub. Take them off and set them to the side and out of the way. Keep in mind that if some fixtures prove hard to unscrew, you can add a bit of WD-40 to help loosen them up.
4. Clean the jacuzzi
Take your cleaning sponge and apply the tub cleaner to the jacuzzi. Start by cleaning the bottom of the jacuzzi and work your way to the sides and then the top ledge of the tub. Pay special attention to the areas around the jets to make sure that you scrape away any calcified minerals, debris, or grime.
Afterward, rinse the tub thoroughly to remove all of the cleaning solutions. Then dry the tub thoroughly using the large towels.
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5. Apply epoxy putty to holes and cracks
Now examine the jacuzzi and look for any areas that may have cracks, chips, or holes. Take your painter’s tape and tear off small pieces right and place them right next to the area so that you can quickly locate them in the next few minutes or so.
Then, take your epoxy putty and apply it over the damaged areas. Be sure to flatten your putty knife so that the epoxy putty sets thinly and evenly. Try not to overfill the damaged areas, and make sure that you press the epoxy firmly into them.
Learn more about this painter’s tape on Amazon.
6. Smooth out epoxy putty
After your putty dries, which can typically take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, take your sandpaper and sand down the putty so that the surface is flush with the rest of the jacuzzi.
Next, use a dry towel to wipe up the area around the patchwork periodically. Don’t worry about the color of the putty not matching, as it will be covered up once you apply the epoxy paint.
Learn more about epoxy putty on Amazon.
7. Sand and clean the jacuzzi
Using 400-grit sandpaper or an electric sander, sand the entire surface of the jacuzzi. Be sure to use a one or two-inch attachment when sanding around the fixtures to avoid damaging them. You can also cover them completely with newspaper affixed with painter’s tape to be on the safe side.
After sanding the entire jacuzzi, rinse the tub out with clean water and be sure to wipe down the sides to remove any debris. Next, dry the tub to ensure that it’s completely free of moisture and any standing dust.
Check out this multi-function detail sander on Amazon.
8. Prepare the epoxy solution
Most tub paint kits contain a two-part solution that’ll need to be mixed before you can apply it to the tub. Be sure to follow the directions on your tub painting kit before proceeding further. After mixing the epoxy paint, let it sit for the recommended time and then apply it to the tub using your painter’s brush. Start at the bottom of the tub, working your way from the left side to the right.
Next, start on the left side of the jacuzzi and then work your way clockwise until you paint all of the sides of the jacuzzi. If you’re using a spray gun, maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from the jacuzzi so that the paint will not trip. Also, make sure that you have thinned out the paint sufficiently enough to flow easily through the spray gun.
Check out this epoxy painting kit on Amazon.
9. Apply additional coats
Once the first coat of paint has dried, apply the second coat, painting in the same direction as you did with the first application.
10. Remove tape and re-attach fixtures
Take a step back and look at your work to see if you spot any unpainted areas or paint drip lines that need a quick touch-up. After the second coat of paint has dried, remove the painter’s tape for the fixtures and re-attach the spout and drain if you removed them.
What kind of paint do you use on a Jacuzzi?
The best type of paint to use on a jacuzzi is called epoxy paint. This paint works well because it will not peel away over time. Epoxy paint hardens to the consistency of enamel once it dries, making it ideal for jacuzzi and other acrylic or fiberglass surfaces.
The only downside to epoxy paint is that it is limited in the colors that are typically available. Usually, you’ll find it in white, eggshell, and beige only.
Can you paint the exterior of a hot tub?
Yes, you can paint the exterior of hot tubs. These areas are typically made of wood, acrylic, or fiberglass. You can paint these surfaces using a primer and oil, epoxy, or acrylic paint.
However, you’ll want to ensure that the paint is exterior paint, such as deck paint, to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling prematurely for an outdoor unit.
Can I spray paint a hot tub cover?
Yes. Most hot tub covers are made of vinyl. So, if you decide to paint it, be sure to use a paint specifically made for the fabric, or may find yourself sweeping up a lot of peeled paint in a matter of days.
Wrapping Things Up
As you can see, painting a jacuzzi tub is a fairly straightforward process, and it can be a great way to brighten the bathroom. However, it’s recommended that you apply the paint carefully, or you may find yourself with a bad finish that has drip lines or that peels prematurely.