Alexei Volkov
Plastic tubs can be dressed up in a variety of ways. One way to do this is by refinishing the tub. This involves cleaning the tub, sanding it down, and then painting it with an acrylic enamel paint. Another way to dress up a plastic tub is by using decoupage and napkins. This involves gluing and sealing napkins to the tub with Mod Podge. This method can add colour and pattern to a plain tub.
Characteristics of dressing up a plastic tub
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety Precautions | Wear gloves and a face mask |
| Cleaning | Use a sponge and bath cleaning product to remove grease and grime |
| Sanding | Use fine sandpaper to sand down the tub to even out cracks and scuffs |
| Wiping | Wipe down the tub to remove traces of the sanded surface |
| Drying | Dry thoroughly and allow extra time for moisture to evaporate |
| Bonding Agent | Apply a specific bonding agent to prime the tub |
| Paint | Apply an even layer of acrylic enamel paint and leave it to dry |
| Topcoat | Finish with a polyurethane topcoat |
| Decoupage | Use Mod Podge and napkins to decorate the tub |
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What You'll Learn
Use decoupage and napkins to decorate
Decoupage is a fun and easy way to decorate a plastic tub. You can use napkins to add designs and transform a plain tub into something beautiful. To start, you'll need to separate the napkin layers, discarding the plain white layers. Most napkins are either 2-ply or 3-ply. Once you have your chosen layer, cut or tear the napkin into your desired design.
Before applying the napkin to the tub, you'll want to prepare the surface. If you want to keep the original colour of the tub, you can use a clear gesso, which will add texture and help the napkin stick to the surface. If you'd like to change the colour, you can use a white or coloured gesso—simply add acrylic paint to white gesso to create your desired shade.
Once the gesso is dry, you can start applying your napkin design to the tub. Use Mod Podge as a glue and sealer to attach the napkin pieces to the tub. A matte finish will give a more subtle look, while a gloss finish will make the colours pop.
With this technique, you can add flowers, butterflies, or any design that catches your eye. You can find napkins with beautiful patterns at homeware stores or online. Decoupage is a great way to upcycle a plain plastic tub and give it a unique, personalised touch.
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Sand down the tub
Sanding down a plastic tub is an important step in refinishing it and giving it a more professional finish. It helps to even out any larger cracks or scuffs and also roughens the surface, giving the new finish something to grip on to, which will help it adhere better and last longer.
Before you start sanding, it is important to ensure that your tub is as clean as possible. Use a sponge and a bath cleaning product to remove any traces of grease or grime. Once your tub is clean, use fine sandpaper to sand it down. Take your time and be thorough, ensuring that you sand the entire surface of the tub.
After sanding, wipe down the tub to remove any remaining dust or particles from the sanded surface. It is important to ensure that the tub is completely clean before moving on to the next step. Once you have wiped down the tub, allow it to dry thoroughly. It is important to allow extra time for the moisture to evaporate, as you want the tub to be completely dry before moving on to the next step of the refinishing process.
It is also crucial to take the necessary safety precautions when sanding and refinishing your tub. Victorian Plumbing recommends wearing gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from any dust or particles that may be stirred up during the process. You should also ensure that the surrounding area is protected by laying down a floor covering and using construction tape to cover any areas of your bath that you do not want to paint.
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Apply a bonding agent
To dress up a plastic tub, one of the steps is to apply a bonding agent. This is done to prime the tub for a new finish, such as paint. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply a bonding agent to a plastic tub:
First, it is important to identify the type of plastic your tub is made of. Different types of plastics require different types of adhesives. Look for a recycling symbol on the tub, which usually consists of three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. This number indicates the category of plastic. For example, plastics in categories 1, 2, 4, and 5 are very difficult to glue. Knowing the category will help you choose the right adhesive for your tub.
Once you have identified the type of plastic, you can choose the appropriate adhesive. Some common options include cyanoacrylate glue (CA glue), epoxy-based adhesives, and plastic glues specifically designed for bonding plastic. If you are working with polystyrene (category 6), you can use poly cement, epoxy, or cyanoacrylate. For polycarbonate (category 7), epoxy is the best option. If you are dealing with acrylic (category 7), an acrylic solvent adhesive is recommended.
Before applying the bonding agent, ensure that the surface of the tub is clean and dry. Any traces of dirt, grease, or moisture can interfere with the adhesion process. It is also recommended to sand down the tub to create a rough surface for the bonding agent to grip onto. This can be done using fine sandpaper. After sanding, wipe down the tub again to remove any residue and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Now you are ready to apply the bonding agent. Carefully follow the instructions on the product you have chosen. Apply an even layer of the bonding agent to the entire surface of the tub. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear the appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and a mask.
Allow the bonding agent to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may vary depending on the type of adhesive you are using. Some adhesives cure quickly at room temperature, while others may take longer. Once the bonding agent is fully cured, you can move on to the next step of dressing up your plastic tub, such as painting or adding a decorative finish.
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Paint the tub
Painting a plastic tub can be a great way to disguise discolouration and give it a new lease of life. However, it is not a straightforward process. Because plastic is smooth and non-porous, most paints won't adhere to the surface. Therefore, it is recommended to either buy a new tub or seek professional help.
If you do wish to paint your tub, you will need to prepare the surface. Sanding the plastic or treating it in another way will help the paint to stick. You may also need to seal the tub after painting. One paint product that may be suitable is Rust-Oleum, which has been used successfully by at least one person to paint a plastic tub.
Before painting, ensure the tub is clean. One suggestion is to use a thick toilet bowl cleaner to remove any built-up soap wax and hard water deposits. You could also try vinegar and baking soda, followed by a good polish.
When choosing a paint colour, white is a popular option for giving a fresh look to a tub.
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Finish with a polyurethane topcoat
To finish with a polyurethane topcoat, it is important to ensure that the paint is fully cured before applying the topcoat. Testing the interaction between the paint and the topcoat is crucial to avoid issues such as poor adhesion, paint delamination, extreme ambering, or the inability of the topcoat to cure. It is recommended to test the finish on a small scrap of material first.
When applying the polyurethane topcoat, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and a face mask. Ensure that the surface is clean and free of any dust or contaminants. If necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface before applying the topcoat.
The polyurethane topcoat can be applied by brushing or spraying, depending on the product. It is important to follow the directions for the specific product being used. Some products may require multiple coats for the best results. Allow adequate time for drying and curing between coats, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
After applying the final coat, a handy bubble/dust nib hack is to lightly rub the surface with a brown paper bag. This will smooth out any defects, making them less noticeable under direct light. It is important to note that the choice of sheen can impact the final appearance, with gloss coats providing a clearer finish and matte options potentially causing cloudiness or hazing.
By following these steps and allowing the appropriate curing time, you can achieve a durable and attractive polyurethane topcoat finish on your plastic tub.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step in dressing up a plastic tub is to ensure that the tub is as clean as possible. Use a sponge and a cleaning product to remove any traces of grease or grime.
After cleaning, use fine sandpaper to sand down the tub. This will help even out any larger cracks or scuffs and roughen up the surface so that the new finish has something to grip on to.
The final stage of prep work is to apply a specific bonding agent to prime your tub. Once the tub is fully prepped, you can begin refinishing it with paint.
