Renewing the Renewed Bathtub

I had to renew my tub again because when I did it the first time I did not follow their very specific instructions of NOT using any type of non slip gripping rug (they just want you to bust your butt I guess), then my cleaning lady used a magic eraser to clean it which wound up dulling the finish, I never recaulked it in 3 years, water seeped up under the paint and peeled it on the edges, then I purchased a  fabric shower curtain  which bled on the outside of the tub and I couldn’t get the dye off  so I had to do the process all over again. But don’t blame me…blame the kids, grandkids, dad, dog, and/or evil karma.  LOL

My bathtub looked like this

When I looked online for bathtub renewal kits I found they cost $54 and up then I went to Home Depot (never Lowe’s anymore since  I am boycotting them because of my big toe) and found Magic ReNew Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit, (a two-part epoxy finish that is sprayed on to give new life to your tub) in a kit for $29.99.  I love Home Depot!!  I originally used the Rustoleum kit if I remember correctly and as I previously stated, it did not hold up well over time BUT it was my someone’s fault for using the bath mat with suction on the bottom.

I already had a bucket, tape, sponge, paper towels, and kraft paper (in leu of the plastic drop cloth) so I only had to purchase the gloves ($2), 0000 steel wool ($3.50), TSP ($3.50).  The rest I am skipping.

Oh and did I mention I can’t  use my shower for 5 days?  Yes I said 5 days. I have to let this stuff cure before using it.  and 5 days is NOT counting the time between coats.  And keep in mind I only have one bathroom.   Here I go again having to use other peoples showers.  They are going to start to think I have a secret shower fetish and I am  making excuses to use their shower.  NOT…truth be told it actually creeps me out.

So I started this project at 5:00 (PM) and here it is 9:15.  I wrote this post twice…not happy about that… I also managed to combine all my body washes into one bottle, all my shampoos into one and conditioners into two.   I baked some wings following Auntie Fee’s Baked Chicken video that I watched on Youtube, burned a pile of trash and leaves and did some other things not related to the project at hand.  I know I know, I am supposed to be working on just one project.  Thats why nothing gets done.  Its an A.D.D. problem.

SO the steps to the tub were to

1. read the directions

2. put the can marked cold in the fridge

3- Wash the tub with 0000 steel wool and TSP.  Three times.

As I was washing the tub on the first and second passes with steel wool and TSP the paint was coming up.  Ugggggh this is distressing.  I wanted this project to come out right.

After the third washing I was wishing my grandkids were here.  I know if I asked them to and offered a nice incentive like a trip to toys r us they could have picked every bit of this paint off.  LOL.

We all know how UNforgiving glossy paint is.  It shows every flaw and I don’t think this paint is self leveling.  I think it is going to look better than it did but maybe not much better in a different way.  We will see.  On with the project.

Time check…10:25  I am so sleeply.  I just want to put on my headphones right now and listen to solfeggio tones to soothe me to sleep but nooooo I can’t stop till I get a coat of paint on this tub…

4-Mask off the walls and floor.  I used kraft paper roll and blue tape.

Time check 10:50.  As I was masking areas off I realized not all surfaces were completely dry so it is best I wait till tomorrow to finish.  YES!!

Day Two:

Time check 3:00 PM

Time to prepare the spray process.  The cold can should be in the fridge for at least an hour before mixing the two cans

The directions say to heat the can marked hot in hot tap water for 10 minutes.  I used a pitcher to do this.

Do not use boiling water as that can be dangerous.   After the can is heated for the required time shake it vigorously for 2 minutes.  DO NOT SHAKE THE COLD CAN AT ANY TIME UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.   (oops)

Put the bag over the hot can, remove the nozzle from the cold can and place hot can straight onto the cold can, bring the bag down and push down on the hot can.

  

If all of the paint does not come out of the hot can you have to reheat the hot and re-cool the cold.  As the hot can gets emptied it starts to float so you might have to anchor it in the water.  STILL DO NOT SHAKE THE COLD CAN YET…

I had to do this three times before I got all the paint out of the hot can.  IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU ARE SHAKING THE CAN MAKE SURE YOU CHECK TO MAKE SURE NO SPLATTERS GOT ON THE FLOOR.  IF THEY DID CLEAN IMMEDIATELY WITH A DAMP RAG.  IT COMES RIGHT UP.

Time Check 5:38 Now it has to sit for an hour to get to room temperature.

I finally got to the point where I can spray the tub.  YES!!  I shook the can up vigorously and sprayed on the first coat.  My plan is to spray a light coat on the good part of the tub and concentrate the rest of the spray process where there is no paint.  Thats the plan.  The damage to the tub seems to be disappearing!!  .  I will definitely need a coat or two more but it is definitely looking better!!

I walked out the bathroom and then went right back in and a sense of panic washed over me.  There was paint overspray all over my floor!

I immediately sprayed it with this Pine-Sol Squirt ‘N Mop floor cleaner that I love.  I probably could have used plain water but I like the smell of this and wanted to mask the paint smell so I might as well kill two birds with one stone!!

That’s why the floor looks wet cause I sprayed it and then remembered to take a photo.  All the paint came right up.  Thank God I caught it before it dried!!

to be continued…