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How to Refinish Bathtubs?

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If you’re hoping to give your bathroom a new look, refinishing your bathtub can be a less expensive alternative to replacing it if you don’t like the color or it’s simply looking dingy and old. Applying a new finish to your tub really only requires a thorough cleaning, a bit of scraping, and some patience. Once you’re armed with the right tools, your tub can be good as new in a weekend.


Use commercial tub cleaner on the entire tub. With all of the caulk removed, spray a commercial strength bathtub cleaner over the entire tub surface. Then use a clean rag or sponge to thoroughly clean the tub. You may have to repeat this step more than once to get all of the soap scum and grime out of an old tub.


It must be completely clean before moving on. Inspect the tub for any leftover silicone, caulk, or grime. Once you’re finished, take a step back and make sure you haven’t missed anything. Any grime, caulk, or debris left in the tub will prevent the new finish from sealing properly. If you spot anything still in the tub, repeat the appropriate step to clean or scrape it away.


If yours needs to be mixed, follow the directions on the package closely to ensure the mixture comes out right. Different finishes require different approaches, so it’s best to follow the instructions on your label. You will need to purchase “reglazer” or a bathtub “finish” that’s made specifically for bathtubs. You can usually find it at your local hardware store.


Recaulk the seams you removed the caulk from before. It’s best to use a non-silicone caulk that has anti-mildew properties. Silicone does not adhere well to bathtub finishes. Apply the caulk by squeezing the tube in an even bead along all of the seams that you removed the caulk from earlier.

How Cleaning Bathroom Grout With Stronger Products?

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Try oxygen bleach products. This is another name for sodium percarbonate, which is a compound made of hydrogen peroxide and soda crystals. Brand-name products include Clorox, OxiClean, Oxi Magic, and Bio Kleen. Mix the product with water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply to the affected area and let it sit for up to an hour before scrubbing and rinsing.

Be sure to use these products in a well-ventilated area, and avoid contact with your skin. Always wear gloves to use these products. Always spot test commercial products in a small area on your grout to make sure the product won’t discolor, erode, or damage your grout. Don’t use any sort of bleach product on colored grout.

Use a commercial grout cleaner and whitener. There are many cleaners out there that are designed specifically for grout, and most of them can be purchased at hardware stores. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and follow all the safety precautions.

Beware of chemical combinations. In case you find one chemical hasn’t worked and you want to try another, be sure to wash the area and wait a couple days before trying something new. Just like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can combine to form peracetic acid, so too can commercial cleansers mix to form poisonous gasses, caustic liquids, and noxious fumes.

Stain the grout as a last resort. For dirt and stains that just won’t come clean from your grout, there are colorants you can apply to cover the stains and make your grout look like new. The area should be nice and clean, but if not give it a once over with your favorite cleaner and let the area dry overnight.

Pour a small amount of grout colorant into a container. Dip a clean toothbrush or grout brush into the color and apply it to the grout using even, back and forth strokes. Remove the excess with a paper towel, and allow to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.