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How to Refinish Bathtubs?


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 to Make Your Apartment Bathroom Look and Feel Larger?

Unless you’re living in your own home, you may find yourself wishing for a larger bathroom. While it’s not a problem for homeowners to completely remodel and redecorate, apartment renters are rather limited. It can be a challenge, because you have to work with what is provided. There’s still a lot you can do without replacing tiles or knocking down walls.

With a little bit of planning, some creative organizational skills and clever use of color, you can easily make your apartment bathroom seem more spacious than it really is. These simple decorating tips are quick, easy, and best of all, cheap.

If your landlord approves, you may be able to paint. Colors of the same tone create an illusion of greater space. Choose soft, pale, neutral pastels for both the walls and the flooring. Use a large rug to cover dark or unflattering floor tiles. Bright, strong and exciting colors (such as red) should be saved for accessories and towels.

Mirrors provide an illusion of expansion without adding a single square foot. Consider a few small mirrors arranged artistically throughout the room. Replace a bulky medicine chest with a wall mirror. Store a first-aid kit in a kitchen cupboard. Try one full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door.

A clean, neat bathroom will always look bigger. Yes, this means you’ll have to spend some serious time organizing your stuff. Cut down on the number of towels, rugs, pieces of art and decorative accessories. Use one large rug or runner instead of several small rugs.