How to refurbish your bath yourself

Part #1: Refinish the bath

You will need

TOOLS

• sander
• small mohair roller and tray
• brush
• cloth

SHOPPING LIST

• Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile (available at Builders)
• 60-, 80- and 100-grit sandpaper
• thinners to clean brushes and roller
• blue painter’s tape
  

Get started...

1. Use the 60- and 80-grit sandpaper to get rid of any flaky and uneven surfaces in the bath. Then use the finer 100-grit sandpaper to sand it smooth. Use a cloth to remove any dust; the surface of the bath must be dust-free and dry before you apply the paint.

2. Mix the two components of the refinishing product together, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Mask around the taps and outlets – we used blue painter’s tape – then apply the paint to the surface with the mohair roller and brush.

4. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat. Let the paint cure for three days before you use the bath.

Part #2 Apply copper leaf to the legs

You will need

TOOLS

• 2 brushes (one to apply the adhesive and one soft-bristle brush)

SHOPPING LIST

• copper leaf
• gilding size (adhesive)

Get started...

1. Apply the gilding size to the legs; let it stand for about 10–15 minutes to get tacky.

2. Carefully place a sheet of copper leaf over the tacky areas and use the soft-bristle brush to help it adhere all over.

3. Use the clean soft-bristle brush to wipe away any excess copper leaf.