How to re-epoxy bathtub?

[Sammie2703]

It’s quite hard to tell on the photos  but I have a bathtub that has been epoxy before and it was not done correctly so there’s holes all through. It is yellow and stained and looks terrible and it cannot be scrubbed. is it possible to remove the epoxy and do it again if so what products? Obviously I would love to install a new bath but I’m only doing work on this house for a week and then I have to head back home and I don’t know anyone with the skill so I’m going to try and fix this one up again if I can. Any ideas.

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sammie2703,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is great to have you with us.

I'm not aware of a product specifically designed to remove epoxy coatings, but a strong solvent such as DIGGERS™ 4L Acetone Cleaning Solvent might help to lift the coating.

To remove it, you would need to apply a combination of scraping and an abrasive, taking caution not to damage the surface beneath. You will likely have some success using a Trojan 6 In1 Multi Paint Scraper and wet and dry sandpaper.

Unfortunately, the only advice I can give is to recoat it with a Rust-Oleum Tub And Tile Refinishing Kit which is likely similar to the epoxy that has been applied already.

If you follow all of the manufacturer's instructions, particularly those on surface preparation, you should have much better results.

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members to see if they have any advice, @Dave-1, @Noyade, @PlumbMaster-Zee.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Sammie2703 

Now this is one I fully admit I havnt dealt with before. From looking into doing the same thing a few years back there was caution in using the expoxy as once down it would be problematic to remove. That was a few years ago (12 ish lol) and as the tile paint has taken huge leaps forward in its bonding ability I am sure there are new products that can bring it back/bring a consistancy to the colour now. 

I am totally interested in following this project (I have a cream half bathtub that I would love to resurface to a white) so will tag along and see what you manage to do

I would like to offer a warm welcome to the Bunnings community page I am sure there is knowledge in here that can help you out.

Dave

[PlumbMaster-Zee]

Hey Sammie2703,

I’m late for the party but if the goal is to remove the old epoxy and reapply a new, smooth coating, here goes.

1. Preparation

- Safety Gear: Ensure you have gloves, goggles, and a mask.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

2. Removing the Old Epoxy Coating

Materials Needed: Chemical stripper (choose one from the list below), plastic scraper, fine-grit sandpaper, cleaner (to remove residue)

Recommended Chemical Strippers (available in Australia):

- Polystrippa Paint Stripper: Heavy-duty stripper available at Bunnings.
- Citristrip Gel: Non-toxic, biodegradable gel available at Bunnings and online.
- Digger’s Paint Stripper: Fast-acting stripper available at Bunnings.
- Zinsser StripFast Power Stripper: Industrial-strength stripper available at Bunnings.
- Napisan Heavy Duty Paint Stripper: Professional-grade stripper available at hardware stores and online.

Steps:

1. Apply Chemical Stripper: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the stripper to the epoxy-coated areas.
2. Wait: Allow the stripper to sit for the recommended time to soften the epoxy.
3. Scrape: Use a plastic scraper to gently remove the softened epoxy. Avoid using metal scrapers to prevent damaging the bathtub surface.
4. Clean: Clean the bathtub thoroughly with a suitable cleaner to remove any stripper residue.
5. Sand: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining epoxy and smooth the surface for the new coating.

3. Reapplying Epoxy Coating

Materials Needed: High-quality epoxy refinishing kit (e.g., Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit, available at Bunnings), high-quality brush or roller

Steps:

1. Clean the Bathtub: Ensure the surface is clean and completely dry.
2. Apply Primer (if required): Follow the refinishing kit instructions for applying a primer coat, if included.
3. Mix Epoxy: Mix the epoxy according to the product instructions.
4. Apply Epoxy: Use a high-quality brush or roller to apply the epoxy evenly, avoiding drips and bubbles.
5. Cure: Allow the epoxy to cure fully as per the product instructions. This may take several days, so plan accordingly.

4. Final Steps

- Inspect: After curing, inspect the bathtub for any missed spots or imperfections.
- Touch-Up: If needed, perform touch-ups following the same steps above.

Tips and Considerations

- Time Management: Ensure you have all materials ready and plan the steps to fit within your limited time.
- Professional Help: If unsure about the DIY process or if pressed for time, consider hiring a professional to ensure a high-quality finish.
- Maintenance: Avoid abrasive cleaners and tools on the newly refinished surface to maintain its appearance.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the old epoxy and apply a new, smooth coating, restoring the bathtub's appearance. If you need further assistance or product recommendations, feel free to ask!

Zee