Tub Refinishing Tips for Beginners

This video shares how to refinish a tub and is great for beginners. For more home improvement tips visit www.homerepair...
#tubrefinishing #bathroomremodel #homerepairtutor
Tub Refinishing for Beginners
0:25 Tools need for tub refinishing
2:44 How to remove bathtub overflow kit
3:30 How to remove caulk in bathtub
4:45 How to remove tub grout joint at floor tile
5:44 Set temperature in bathroom to 75 F
6:45 Sand bathtub with random orbital sander and etch with Lysol
7:28 How to remove tub drain without damaging tub
9:38 How to tape off floor and tub tile
12:49 How to mix epoxy tub refinisher
15:49 How to plan a tub refinishing project
17:46 How to apply epoxy tub refinishing product tub
35:36 How to remove tape from tub
38:27 How to caulk a bathtub
These supplies were used in our video:
Ekopel 2K Tub Refinishing Kit - amzn.to/2UImTLn
Frog Tape - amzn.to/3kHOjvr
Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner - amzn.to/3nwEW3r
DeWALT Random Orbital Sander - amzn.to/32QfYEi
White Scrub Doodles - amzn.to/3f6zH7p
Milwaukee Sawzall - amzn.to/38MZ7Wr
Milwaukee Torch Blade - amzn.to/3npIVyE
Heat Gun - amzn.to/3pyzizC
Newborn GTD Drip-Free Caulking Gun - amzn.to/3pxkj92
Some product links may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Want our newest DIY videos? Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to see every upload. We upload new videos every Saturday.
Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[@MandieVideos]

Anytime I see a handyworker or contractor take the time to unscrew fixtures, they instantly earn my trust and respect for their work.

[@PJErvin]

Exactly. Why wouldn’t you want to finish the whole thing, so that you can change fixtures when you want, etc.?

[@6xRedDevilx9]

I've had so called " professionals" tape around them and then tell me that's how all the bathtub guys do it 🤣😅

[@swiffcashthor]

Yes I agree cause I'm a handyman

[@wheelie642]

@@6xRedDevilx9 This is when you have to be man enough tell a contractor that you don’t like how they are doing it and they must do it right or they will not get fully paid.

[@r.d.9399]

The small details and cleanliness are everything.

[@xxxxok]

this video is better than EVERY other youtube tutorial combined.. you're the ONLY one who does it step by step and gives useful tips and tricks. thank you home repair tutor (legend)

[@DJLIBERATORE7]

So glad you have included the unexpected difficulties with the tub drain. So often with other videos, the surprise problems are edited out. On the old properties, those problems are almost present. Very, very well done. A Big Thank You for your time and effort!

[@colsenball2949]

I have been examining the various videos and methods to resurface our tub for a few weeks. Your helpful hints and demonstration answered every question I have had, although I will have to adapt the drain removal and plugging to our concrete slab construction. I was leaning toward this particular product simply because of (a) only one coat, and (b) no need for ventilation. Using your tips that covered what others didn't, and using some of those other suggestions, I finally feel confident enough to start planning the job. fyi: 64 year old original steel and porcelain tub. It definitely needs the refinishing done. Thanks for being so thorough and informative with this demonstration video.

[@warrensmith1005]

This guy is AWESOME!!!! He works as if he's working on his own home. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@jelica9475]

They do but I can't afford a real skillsman with integrity. Thankfully he is willing to share his knowledge with all his experience to us for free !

[@-themercyseat]

Bathroom remodeling teacher

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

I don't know how anyone could do any service for a living without treating it like your own

[@juliemartin7124]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your instruction helped me get my tub refinished and I am over the moon at the results!

[@RichardDavies-g1v]

Great video. I’m a tile installer and we find so many horrible installs. It’s great to see someone do something professionally! I’m going to do this in one of my bathrooms.

[@AnyaProhaszka]

I followed this video step-by-step and my tub turned out amazing! Definately watch this video if you are reglazing a tub. It has all the advice you will need!

[@erinhummel5334]

Thank you so much for this informative tutorial!! My husband and I work full time and flip houses on the side and I was so nervous to do this but knew a new tub was too expensive. I have to say I'm pretty damn proud of myself with the job I did and I couldn't have done it without this video. I followed everything to a T 👍I wish I knew how or if I even could post a before and after picture because the difference is truly amazing !!!!! Ladies it's possible to transform your tub!!!! Thanks again :)

[@roygumpel8415]

how bout Less Flipping of houses and More Affordable housing for lower income folks!! The big problem with America... money is GOD.

[@odhi2280]

How is it holding up and did it start pilling off?

[@ibealion1]

​@@roygumpel8415 There is no shame in working hard. And in my experience, hard workers are generally also among the most generous.

[@pcm7315]

Have the same kind of tub. Getting under my house requires contortions I no longer care to try, so I will tape off drain. If I have to touch up later - I'm OK with that, but agree removing drain is best practice. The tub came out beautiful. Kudos for not taking easy way out with the drain.

[@thegem3588]

This is the most thorough demonstration of refinishing a tub.

[@johnm2617]

This is the right way to refinish a tub ! Drain gotta come out ! Cleaning and sanding makes a big difference ! I'm a plumber ! 35 years ! Next best thing would be replace the whole shoot n match ! Great job buddy !!!!!

[@anthonyohare2268]

I've refinished many tubs and I tape the drain off every time if not painting over it

[@AquarianNomadic]

I'm a full time refinish guy. We tape over. Zero issues. Not sure why you think it needs to come out? I've seen a few jobs where plumbers cannot get it out either. You do your job and we'll do ours.

[@scooby0068]

5 Star Video! Thank you for showing the day after final clean up and issues! That's a cut above everyone else right there. Your attention to detail will make my adventure much more successful I'm sure. Best tutorial video I've seen spanning dozens of topics from automotive to electronics and everything in between. I'm a commercial building supervisor for decades.

[@tlgrantham]

Thanks!

[@phillipallsopp4376]

This is great! Thank you very much. I have one of these cast iron tubs. It is pink and I am refurbishing the bathroom but did not want to remove the tub and ruin the tiles so I opted for refinishing with Ekopel 2K. A BIG thumbs up to you. You have covered all of the important steps that are missing from other videos and made it so very simple. Now I can refurbish my tub with confidence. Thanks a million!!

[@xxtacowarriorxx6440]

Recommend getting a piece of the painters tape sticky side up and running the roller over it. Pulls the loose fibers out so you don't have to worry as much about fibers in the paint or epoxy. Don't recommend using other tape though

[@amirsayyad3685]

There are no fibers if you’re using a foam roller as recommended.

[@xxtacowarriorxx6440]

@@amirsayyad3685 there are if you're painting and not using epoxy.

[@SayLessBmore]

Ayee Ayee Ayee No.. can’t give secrets of real painters to everyone. Man 🤦🏽 😂

[@xxtacowarriorxx6440]

@@SayLessBmore just wait till you see this one trick! It has homeowners everywhere painting their own cabinets!

[@SayLessBmore]

@@xxtacowarriorxx6440 😂😂 good one.. I’ll be waiting. Just make sure you use oil base paint.

[@Lourdes-Ambrosio]

Amazing prep instructions - the most important part of any project! Thank you for such a thorough video

[@DJOctober]

I finally decided to try this after watching your video and following step by step, thanks for the detailed instructions! Ekopel has been poured and is currently drying - impatiently waiting for the results tomorrow! Only thing im worried about it is I hope I removed as much excess ekopel as I needed too! I don’t have access to underneath the tub so I scooped as much as I thought I would need! Thanks a million.

[@farisasmith7109]

This was a good tutorial. Very detailed. My tubs have been taken out to fix a plumbing issue so I plan to reglaze them while they are out. One of the rubs is burgundy. I hope this will cover that. Thanks again.

[@turboflush]

Reglazing using something like this or more original baked in coating?

[@chriswilkinson3440]

Great vid, nicely talked through and gave me the confidence to do my own.

[@ginabryant6330]

I’ve watched 50 of these videos yours was on point it was real and gave good points... I feel confident I can do this now thank you!!

[@catherinestewart8724]

Did you do it, and how did it turn out? Also, did you end up doing the part about removing the drain area and having a cup underneath the tub? I'm not sure I have access so that would be a concern.

[@ginabryant6330]

@@catherinestewart8724 yes Catherine I did… I was so nervous 😬 but it turned out great!! I did the cup and I removed the drained covered the knobs with plastic bags and tape!!

[@catherinestewart8724]

Good for you!

[@curtelverd4008]

Best video I've seen on using the Epokel 2k coating! Thank you!

[@ashleydavis1937]

Wonderful!! Best video I've seen on this subject!! Good to see someone taking their time and putting pride into the work and doing it right.

[@raheemonibudo5419]

Wow! This is a very informative, tutorial video. He never stopped talking and telling his viewers every little details. Great job! 👍👍👍👍👍. Thank you. I watched another before his, it was video with no audio. The guy didn't even let his know what he was doing.

[@canadiantechprep]

Man this saved me an entire $5000.oo reno by using the Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. I left it on the tub to go get more hardware and when I came back the tub was nearly back to it's original condition...I was costing out a new tub and this saved my ass. Many thanks dude!

[@handmadeDenver]

You shot my beginner confidence at the part where you're under the tub with a blow torch trying to break loose the drain. Maybe that $1450 estimate I got to refinish the tub and tile includes the blowtorch drain removal!

[@catherinestewart8724]

Lol, I can relate.

[@freddielong2275]

Thank you so much for this video. I have the very same tub that I was going to replace but now I'm confident that I can save it. You did a great and detailed job. I'm also going to use the same product for the job. Thanks again.

[@richardcoulter9146]

The most thorough DYI video I have ever seen. I have a huge deep cast iron double sink in the kitchen. House also built in the 50's with the same bathtub. I will attempt the sink, and then the tub, if the sink goes well. Thank You. I'm subscribing to your youtube page.

[@erinf6810]

This is possible the best tutorial for anything on KZbin. Thank you!

[@sarahfries4774]

This video was amazingly perfect!! I was able to completely redo my tub (the exact same model) and it turned out perfect ❤ Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@Thom_Yorky]

Sarah.. Please come refinish mine!!!

[@fancy8365]

Has it lasted though? Already did mine once almost have the previous spray type paint kit removed... really don't want to do this a second time for it not to work.

[@sarahfries4774]

@@fancy8365 mine has held up perfectly :)

[@fancy8365]

@@sarahfries4774 thanks for reply. Did you use his exact kit I have a different one

[@sarahfries4774]

@@fancy8365 I used the exact kit he showed in the video :)

[@TrojanStarryNight]

Finally a professional who know what to do and provided all the information needed to make this a manageable project. I have the same exact tub and will be doing this and following your direction. Awesome Job! Now I just need to replace my trap and tip lever with original type replacements.

[@twincherry4958]

Looks too messy

[@lesliesmith660]

This video was informative and a confidence builder for a novice

[@MAGAMAN]

A professional would spray the tub. This is big time amateur hour.

[@jacobashley2842]

@@MAGAMANI own a refinishing company and this is very true. Professionals spray the glaze on

[@annatovchigrechko739]

I have the same tub, wanted to refinish it to honor the bones of my mid century home

[@stymie2002-n1p]

I made the mistake of using the boat paint as recommended on another channel, turned yellow and bubbled under my no slip mat. Question: can I just use a paint stripper to get all that off so I can redo with a proper paint?

[@keithpovec6462]

Awesome video. I won't be able to take my drain out and put any kind of bucket underneath. Slab house and the tub is almost touching the concrete. And I am also afraid to remove the drain cover due to the high risk of the drain itself breaking. Cast iron pipes....

[@MM-vy3fm]

Googled refinishing a bathtub and the first video was identical tub. Even the floor tile matched. Thanks for the video. I fortunately have full height access from below.

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

Two for sure good tips. Clean and prep the day before and make sure the bathroom / tub is warm will make huge difference in finishing quality

[@jmkelly7710]

I just used your video to do my tub, thanks for all your help! So much better than the product website video 👍👍👍

[@weeverob]

in the directions they say to tape the outside of the tub along the floor 1/8 of an inch up from the floor. I just slapped the tape on the floor and on the tub then used a paint mixing stick that was 1/8th of an inch thick as a straight edge to guide my utility knife as i cut off the excess tape that was on the tub. also, for the drain I removed the chrome drain cover, took a 3 inch x 5 inch strip of manila folder, rolled it into tube and when inserted into the drain opening it expanded like a spring closing off the drain. when the epoxy has set but not hardened at that time peel off the tape.

[@fredbosco6104]

I agree with the other commenters, very thorough, very easy wording, and exact way to do it is awesome! Thanks for making the video!

[@jamescoulton5138]

You are making the world a better place . Thank you

[@naomihernandez279]

Thank you for sharing I appreciate your step by step to restore the beauty of this vintage bathtub great job 💯

[@matthewblue7839]

Just had mine professionally done and am satisfied with the work. He carefully taped off the drain, although I asked about it being removed. I have a new drain, would you recommend I replace it and reglaze just the little circle of original tub finish now or leave it?

[@agnes3847]

Wow, great instructional video. I feel confident moving forward with this project now for my 1950 porcelain tub refinish. Thank you. I am subscribing to your channel today!

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

Excellent! I have the exact same tub in my home. good info; I want to redo mine and I don't feel like coughing up for a new one.

[@danielford4216]

Thank you, followed your instructions and the tub looks like brand new

[@beckjuly100]

Hi there. Thank you so much for your great instructional video. My bathtub and drain are 64 years old. The drain is fused to the pipe and will not come off. Any recommendations on how to proceed? I will go through the other comments also..Thank you so much for the generosity of your time and expertise.

[@odemoura]

You have the best tutorial on this project!!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you 🙏🏼

[@mindypham6640]

Thank you very much. Your instructions help me to refinish my bath tube

[@mestep511]

Best video as others have said. Curious if shipping these kits in freezing weather damages them. In LTL freight we would have all kinds of products not specifically marked freezable setting all weekend in unheated trailers and docks. Anyway going to begin process of getting to installation point. Thank you.

[@garrlarry7734]

Thank you so much for being so thorough, this really makes it not feel like such a nightmare

[@katie9616]

I'm about to attempt to refinish my bathtub for the first time, I don't have an underneath my tub so I just tape it off or something, correct? I love you so much for this very informative thorough video 💜 I feel like this video gave me the confidence I needed to do this on my own, thankyou ❤️

[@corinnemertes6393]

Can I use a blow torch to get bubbles out? I dont have much luck with heat gun when I'm doing epoxy countertops

[@bennelly4308]

good video. hope you can help me with a question? had tub resurfaced a couple years ago. i used an ardex silicone caulk and within a couple month turned yellow. have been putting the project off because i am scared to remove the caulk, not knowing how careful i have to be to not mess up the resurfaced tub? they gave instructions on cleaning it and a list of approved cleaners. i know i can't use a caulk remover on it because that stuff is harsh, any ideas? thanks.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Carefully use a sharp utility knife to score the caulk, then use a razor scraper to remove it off the surface of the tub and tile. You can tape both surfaces to protect them

[@gangstarrlizz1988]

Ive watched 4 other tub and tile refinishing videos and this one is EXPERT KNOWLEDGE! The best tip I learned was to not treat the glaze as a paint and make paint motion but rather let gravity pull the glaze and of course help it along the way! I do want to remove and replace the drains rings as well !

[@bigbacon3984]

So I'm about to do this. And I started sanding and have found 2 layers of paint and a fiberglass repair in the bottom. I think the glass will be ok, I'm wondering about the old paint. Do I need to remove all the old paint?

[@brandonjensen5292]

I initially watched this 3 years ago. I’ve now done it about 7x. Each time is easier. I feel you definitely need to take the drain out. And the most challenging part is not leaving drip lines on the front of the tub. Especially if it has rivet designs like this tub

[@DPTubs]

This process is interesting. What are your thoughts on spraying with an HVLP spray system?

[@stevenmorris2293]

Only way to go 👍

[@ws8061]

Of all the products I've seen this seems like the biggest pain to use

[@DPTubs]

@@ws8061 I use Resurface Solutions.

[@DPTubs]

@@stevenmorris2293 I think so too

[@Vagynoid]

I am redoing my bathroom, however, I have a vintage tub that cannot be removed and needs refinishing, do you think I should do the tub then do my kerdi and tiling, or tape off after I've done all my tiling? Thanks for any feedback and all of your videos!

[@eaj2900]

Maybe it was lighting and the camera but after he throughly cleaned the tub it looked perfect before painting

[@drewkaree]

Underrated tip that you did in this video, after removing the drain, screwing that piece of wood to hold an empty container underneath the drain opening. If you have access, I agree with you, doing that will contribute to a much better job, and dramatically lessen the potential failure point. I grabbed an old funnel and taped it to the underside of the tub with some gaffers tape, and stuck a piece of PVC up to the base of the funnel, and put the other end in a crappy 5 gallon bucket, but if I had watched your video beforehand, I would have used your method instead. I also used a styrofoam cup and just stuck the narrow end (the bottom) into the drain hole. It fit and flexed to fit the hole very well, and sealed better than the two videos I saw that used it upside down. Great resource, and very nice job explaining everything.

[@sunfloweralpacas]

Great idea about using a foam cup as a stopper! I couldn’t imagine that I would not have knocked the little plastic one out of the way.

[@mikerugh3854]

Any recommendations for a 1st floor tub in regard to the drain?

[@NIO777]

WOW double WOW! Fantastic look. I was looking into this non toxic fumes brand repair resurface kit wondering if i could do the job successfully? Your video has given me confidence and tips that will definetly make this old yellowed apartment bath tub look like brand new once again. Your Hired ;) lol

[@Wire-Free]

thanks, I'm about to do two tubs in my fixer-upper project! The soapy water was a good last minute tip...

[@ApolloniusOfTyana0]

Great video! I'm not the most careful as I have hands that were meant to be swinging a large club, but I did it okay following your video. Had to do a second coat as my first coat wasn't great. I've breathed new life into my tub! Local company quoted me at $1100 to do it lol. Like...I'd just get a new tub if that were the cost!

[@pamchappell8258]

Thank you so much!! You've been so helpful and gave really great advice. I'm going to try and tackle my tube because of your video. I'm so glad I found your channel. 👍

[@jg7017193]

wow my mom's same tub hard water eteched the tub do fiberglass body filler will this work ? before applying this coating want to restore this tub it means alot to me

[@stevesloat4670]

Thanks for sharing! Gives us DIY people little more confidence. Looks nice

[@glennchophel342]

Amazing work with details and clear communication. Thanks 👍

[@docdoctme]

Excellent video! You are a good teacher. Thanks for the detailed instructions.

[@BeverlyWickenheiser]

I have some peeling in the bottom of my tub as well as a dime sized chip on the edge. Should this be repaired first before applying the epoxy or just apply the epoxy after cleaning the tub thoroughly?

[@AngelaDeVuyst]

Thank you for this real video showing everything that can and will happen doing a huge transformation like this!! Going to try doing my tub now after your excellent instruction! 👍👍👏unfortunately I got another paint kit but had excellent reviews so hopefully it’ll work

[@infidel900rr]

Thank you - about to use the same product. This tutorial was great. 👍

[@SRFDriver]

If my tub looked as good as the one you're refinishing I wouldn't even be watching this video...

[@FireEater]

Whenever I see your videos I know they're legit👍🏻🇺🇸

[@michaelm9621]

This man loves what he does. ❤

[@genoadavidson2784]

Thank you for the realistic step-by-step!! Great job!!

[@JBIRD575]

Is that a foam or regular nap roller??

[@Fuzziefeelings]

You are so thorough...i so wish you could come to South Africa and redo my botched tub.....two thumbs up👍👍

[@marquitabortiz4718]

Wow!! Hard work! But if it doesn’t smell horrible & require a respirator... not bad!! I have that same tub!! It needs refinishing too!! The floor of the tub cracked when the plumber tried to rotoroot it due to a clogged drain! All the drain cleaners splashed up and messed up the finish!! Yuck!! It’s a beautiful tub!! Like it!!!but it smells of rust when it gets wet! Gonna have to hire out or try this myself!! Thx!! M

[@HomeRepairTutor]

sorry to hear about that, you could certainly do this project - just takes a lot of prep

[@A00191095]

thank for the video and take your time to explaining all the techniques

[@lamondlambe5922]

Very good video,it helped me to be completely confident on how to do a good job!

[@shaniquewalino2524]

Do you have to sand it ? If so what do you buff it with ?

[@davidrasmussen5537]

This is by far the very best video 🏁🏁

[@nithim63]

Hi SIr can you buy the Epoxy-based product to paint the tub ?

[@derrickhog25]

Hi receive the kit and used it it looks great but I have a problem I have a dip in the tub it’s like in the middle what do I do about that which everything is all dried up now

[@ricko2766]

wow, great video on this topic. I really feel I understand the task that lies ahead. It looks like work! Maybe we can score that bottom edge of the tub the night before? might make cutting away the excess epoxy a little easier?

[@TheErms12345]

can you tell me how it held up over time

[@jerryburton2482]

I do have a relishing kit. But it seems I will need to pepaint the tup. What paint do you prefer for the tub?

[@mountdoomee]

Do you only do 1 coat of this? And is there a clear coat or anything you use after? Most other ones I see say multiple coats?

[@777bhana]

I got the same exact cast iron tub I’m definitely refurbishing it…… they don’t make tubs like they did back in 1948. The sucker’s like a tank.

[@derpherpp]

what to do for those who doesn't have space under the tub to put a cup under it to collect the paint. can the paint drain in the tub

[@GuppyEgg]

Love it when you go thru the tools and items

[@fishingpinky3165]

You are an ARTIST!

[@Mac3Ent]

Would this method work on a tub that has already been poorly refinished with spray on tub and rile refinishing kit?

[@sensi42000]

Strip off the old coating with Jasco paint remover.

Use baby wipes to feather silicone. Saved me from a big mess when caulked my toilet on ceramic.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

good tip, thank you

[@tesswagner895]

Question: I need to cover up rust/stains in tub and would like to change the color of the tub. What would be good to use to do that? My tub is over 60 years old. I have Rust oleum painter's Touch Ultracover for multi surfaces. Can I use that or could it be mixed into the enamel paint?

[@holleyhagerty2560]

This has to be my favorite step by step video. Very well explained. Looks beautiful and thank you for all the helpful tips. But im alittle scared to start mine 🙈 lol

[@sharonlee8552]

Me too!😮😮😮

[@holleyhagerty2560]

@@sharonlee8552 I know right lol 😳

[@MsAmo626]

How long does it take to dry completely?

[@bhboy457]

Very informative video. Detailed work.

[@Ourpoweriswithin]

What are your thoughts on if we can’t get under tub cuz it’s on a slab? Can we still do this?? And how long does it last?