Materials

• When refinishing an acrylic tub, it is essential to have the right materials. A face respirator is a must, as the finish that is sprayed on can easily be inhaled. In addition, a paint sprayer, sandpaper, masking tape, chemical cleaner, epoxy paint, paper and acrylic topcoat paint are necessary. Make sure to have all materials on hand before starting the project. Wear old clothes and make sure the bathroom is well ventilated. It will also be impossible to use the tub for 24 hours after applying the finish, so it is important to have another tub to shower or bathe in.
  
  

Prepping

• Thoroughly cleaning the tub beforehand is imperative. Any soap or oil residue will completely ruin the finish. This is where the chemical cleaners will come in most handy. Sand all the parts of the tub that you want to refinish. Use a rough grade of sandpaper. The idea is not to smooth the surface but to rough it up. Cover all areas that you do not want to paint (such as the drain) with masking tape. Make sure to close up the tub spout to prevent drips from getting onto the finish. This can cause it to run and creates an ugly appearance.
  
  

Priming

• Spray a chemical adhesive onto the tub with a spray bottle and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. You can also use an acrylic primer for this step. Apply two or three coats of primer or adhesive before moving on to the acrylic coat. Allow each coat to dry for about an hour.
  
  

Finishing

• Put the acrylic paint into the paint sprayer and spray onto the tub. Apply the acrylic coating in a back and forth motion. Use an even spray to prevent the finish from dripping. The acrylic finish is best applied in multiple light coats. Apply two coats of acrylic finish. Allow the finish to dry for 24 hours before using the tub.