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  • Bathroom Tile: Refinishing the Tub
  • From "Weekend Handyman"
    episode WKH-110
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan does a bathroom makeover that includes laying new tiles. This is the before shot ...

    Click here to view a larger image.

    and this is the after shot!

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure A

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure B

    Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images.

    Time: 18 hours over two days.

    Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.


    Materials for Complete Project:

    Variety of tile cutters
    Variety of trowels
    Variety of floats
    Sponges
    Cotton toweling
    Spacers
    Scrapers and blades
    Plumbing tools (pipe cutter, torch solder)
    Tiles
    Tile adhesive
    Grout
    Silicone
    Epoxy acrylic

    Refinishing the Tub

    1. Remove any anti-slip strips with a cleaner and degreaser.

    2. Wash the tub with an abrasive cleanser.

    3. Scrub the tub with an abrasive pad and Lime-A-Way.

    4. Sand the tub with 400-600 grit wet sandpaper. There are a couple of reasons for this:

      • First, when you sand the surface you'll be removing any grime or gloss that's left over from the cleaning.
      • Second, when you rough-up the surface, it will give you good adhesion for the coating.

      Tip: When you're sanding, it's best to use wet sandpaper so the grit can be rinsed away while you're working.

    5. Mix the epoxy and paint it on with a brush and roller:

      Note: Small bubbles will appear on the surface as you paint, but as it dries its self-leveling properties will eliminate the bubbles.

      • Brush in one direction only (figure A).
      • Brush on a couple of smooth, thin coats.
      • Feather the edges as you paint to avoid a hard line between painted areas.
      • Apply two light coats one hour apart.

    6. Caulk around the tub, corners of the tile walls (figure B) and around the corner shelves.

      Tip: You can use denatured alcohol for cleanup when caulking.



    RESOURCES :

    Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit (Rust-Oleum Corp.)
    Model #: 7862
    Available at local home centers, hardware and discount stores.
    Product Information:

    • Use wet sandpaper to sand the tub.
    • Small bubbles will appear on the surface as you paint, but as it dries its self-leveling properties will eliminate the bubbles.
    • Brush in one direction only and don't over brush.

    Rust-Oleum Corp.
    Website: www.rustoleum.com

    Tile, Grout, Caulk and Trowels (The Tile Shop)
    Tiles:

    Model # 470725 (Tierrnia 6x6, Verde)
    Model # 470726 (Tierrnia 6x6 BN, Verde)
    Model # 470727 (Tierrnia Outcorner, Verde)
    Model # 470568 (Listello, Blue / White)
    Model # 470567 (Fish Deco 6x6 / 2 pieces)
    Model # 470567 (Sun Deco / 2 pieces)

    Supplies:

    Model # 041223 (Tec Doubleduty 3.5 gallon)
    Model # 052226 (Pro-Grout 2.5, Antique White)
    Model # 220195 (Caulk)
    Model # 223636 (Almond)
    Model # 347953 (Float Grout)
    Model # 348096 (1/4" x 1/4" Notched Trowel)
    Model # 348095 (1/4" x 3/16" Notched Trowel)
    Model # 347996 (Margin Trowel)
    Model # 349014 (1/8" Spacers)

    Grout Information:

    • The thickness of your joint will determine if you can use sanded or unsanded grout. Less than 1/8" use unsanded. Wider than 1/8" inch use sanded.
    • Always put water in your pail first, and then add the powder to prevent clumping.
    • You want a toothpaste or mayonnaise consistency for grout.

    The Tile Shop
    Website: www.tileshopsuperstore.com

    Tub and Shower Set (American Standard)
    Model # 7220.722.099 (Hampton 2-Handle Bath / Shower Faucet, Polished Brass)
    Model # P87227PB (Moen Uni-Lift Waste & Overflow, Polished Brass)
    Available at most plumbing stores and home centers.
    Click here for more information on this product.


    GUESTS :

    Ben Scherer
    536 Prairie Creek Dr.
    Delano, MN 55328
    Phone: 763-972-8137
    Owner
    Scherer Plumbing & Heating / AC

    Steve Harrison
    75 West Viking Dr.
    Suite 102
    St. Paul, MN 55117
    Phone: 651-765-1388
    Fax: 651-765-1389
    Email: Steve@harrisontile.com
    Website: www.harrisontile.com
    Tile Contractor and VP
    Harrison Tile Company

    Janel Healy
    11 Hawthorn Parkway
    Vernon Hills, IL 60061
    Phone: 847-816-2307
    Fax: 847-816-2300
    Email: Jhealy@rustoleum.com
    Website: www.rustoleum.com
    Brand Manager
    Rust-Oleum Corporation

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: