I've done blips here and there about my bathtub, but never all of it in one post.  I've had many questions about it so today, I'm going to tell you how I refinished my horrible clawfoot bathtub with just $25! Click HERE for bathtub FAQs. Then, I got the super exciting news that Cutting Edge Stencils had chosen me to do a product review and I got to choose any stencil I wanted!  And the next big question:  What to use it on?!!!  Why, the bathtub of course! This is the All Over Oasis stencil from Cutting Edge.I just uses a regular old glossy black paint that I already had in my stash. Thank goodness it's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~~Kammy from the Korner~~ There have been SO MANY QUESTIONS about this tub, I did a follow up post with Frequently Asked Questions and a review on how it has held up ONE YEAR LATER.... Click HERE to see the update!!!If you think it’s a cinch to replace your dull or dingy bathtub, here’s a reality check: Although you can purchase a basic model for as little as $150, you’ll need a team of home-improvement pros to swap out tubs.

This includes hiring a contractor, a plumber, and maybe a tile setter. Don’t forget there’s demolition removal, too.But that doesn’t mean you have to live with a yucky tub. There are a few low-cost ways you can give what you’ve got a much-needed pick-me-up.You can make a builder’s bathtub appear more spa-like by refacing the exposed side with bead board and decorative moulding.Image: In My Own Style  You can check out this tutorial for all the details.Here’s an estimated breakdown of the project materials and cost:Lumber for wood frame: $10PVC board: $15Bed moulding: $10Bead board: $15MDF baseboard: $15Construction adhesive: $6Waterproof caulk: $5Total cost: $76The entire project can be completed in an afternoon, but you shouldn’t use the tub for at least 24 hours to give the glue time to set.A brand-new claw-foot tub made of cast iron will set you back at least $2,300. So if you have an old one, updating the exterior with paint will save you a bunch.  You’ll want to use a paint with either a semi-gloss or glossy paint sheen so it repels moisture and is easy to clean.

You can either paint it a solid color or opt to use a stencil to create an eye-catching pattern./ Make sure you lightly sand the outside of the tub, and follow up with a thorough cleaning before painting. If you end up exposing some of the metal after you sanded, you should touch up those spots with a spray primer so your topcoat sticks.Project materials:150-grit sandpaper: $3Foam paint brush set: $8Semi-gloss or gloss paint: $30Total cost: $41If you need to refinish the inside of the tub, see below.If your tub is chipped and stained because the original finish has worn away, there are a few ways you can restore the tub to its original luster. Call a Pro:While different companies have their own proprietary methods for tub restoration, they all basically do the same thing: After prepping the tub’s surface, they coat it with a bonding agent, then apply a tough acrylic finish. New finishes come in a variety of colors and textures.Tub finishes that can be professionally restored include porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and cultured marble. 

The cost for a pro to do the job usually starts at around $300 for a standard-sized bathtub. Doberman Pinscher Puppies For Sale In PakistanThe entire process — including time to set — takes two to three days.Homes For Sale South San Francisco RedfinFYI, the process is pretty toxic and until your tub completely cures, there will be a strong residual chemical odor.Hot Tub For Sale Waco TxDIY:You can also refinish your tub yourself at a considerable savings. The DIYer who reglazed this tub was quoted $350 for a professional finish. Because that wasn’t in her budget, she knocked out the project herself with a DIY tub refinishing kit; you’ll find them at hardware stores and home improvement centers for about $30.Image: Beautiful Matters FYI, this stuff is pretty toxic, so you’ll need to wear a mask and open up the windows. 

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial.Here’s a breakdown of project costs:Wet/dry sandpaper: $4 Tub refinishing kit: $30 Small paint tray & foam rollers: $7New drain & trip lever: $17Cleaning products and scrub pads: $12 Total cost: $70Keep in mind it’s tricky for a DIYer to achieve a smooth finish on the first try. Image: Anne Davis, blogger at DesignDreams by Anne Liners are a great way to cover up a blah bathtub. They’re usually made from PVC or acrylic, and are installed right over fixtures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when exploring this solution:The outsides of old tubs are almost always painted with house paint of some kind.  The tubs, when originally sold, came with raw cast iron on the outside. When the person took the tub home, they usually painted it the same color as the wall of the bathroom. If the tub was set close to a wall it was not usually painted all the way around. So, if your tub’s paint is still in fairly good condition you can just repaint it before you set it into place.

You will need to do a good prep job before you repaint. If the paint has cracks, pits or is powdering or peeling you can scrub it thoroughly using a stiff plastic brush and a fairly strong concentration of T.S.P.  Make sure to rinse thoroughly as residue will affect the adhesion of the new paint. If the tub paint is in bad shape or is showing rust or there are simply too many coats of paint, then the best thing is to have the tub sandblasted or media-blasted down to the raw cast iron. You may be tempted to do this yourself with wire brushes, sand paper, etc. but it is not recommended.  The tubs are old enough that the bottom layers of paint are likely to be lead-based. It is better to let professionals deal with the cleanup of the old paint residue. This is especially true if you have kids around. To paint the tub yourself, be sure to use a good quality primer.  Ask the paint store which one they recommend. Latex paint is better than oil in this case because it is more flexible. 

The tubs will expand and contract slightly when they heat up and cool down.  To repaint, you can use a good quality latex paint.  Be sure to use either semi-gloss or gloss paint so that you have a surface that is cleanable.  Flat paints do not work well for tub exteriors. Another option is to send it to an auto body shop to be painted with a car paint. Auto paints are designed to withstand the elements and are more flexible than regular oil paints. They do not stick well to old house paint, which is why they will not work unless you have had the tub sandblasted. Another choice is an epoxy paint. This paint is also best when applied directly on the raw cast iron. You can do this one yourself if you would like. The down side to this paint is that it doesn’t cleanup easily and has a lot of fumes. There are not a lot of color choices either. The up side is that it is a very durable and flexible finish. You could also have the tub powder-coated by a professional. This is a powdered plastic that is blown on the tub and then baked on.