How to Strip Old Bathtub Refinishing
Previous refinishing peeling? You must strip it completely before refinishing again. Here's how — and why you might want to hire a pro.
When Do You Need to Strip?
Must Strip First
- ✗ Any peeling visible
- ✗ Bubbling coating
- ✗ Cracking or flaking
- ✗ Failed DIY job
- ✗ Multiple coating layers
Can Refinish Over
- ✓ Perfect condition coating
- ✓ No peeling anywhere
- ✓ Just color change needed
- ✓ Only minor scratches
- ✓ Single previous coat
If there's ANY peeling — even a small spot — you must strip the entire tub. You can't just patch peeling areas. The adhesion has failed and it will spread.
DIY Stripping Steps
Safety First
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and respirator. Open windows, run exhaust fan. Keep stripper away from skin. Have water ready for rinsing.
Choose Your Stripper
Citristrip (orange gel): Safer, works slowly (4-24 hours). Aircraft remover: Faster (30-60 min) but more caustic. Avoid methylene chloride products.
Apply Thick Layer
Apply stripper generously — don't skimp. Cover entire surface. Thick layer works better than thin.
Cover with Plastic
Cover with plastic wrap or garbage bags. Prevents stripper from drying out and keeps it active longer.
Wait
Citristrip: 4-24 hours. Aircraft remover: 30-60 minutes. Test a corner — coating should scrape off easily when ready.
Scrape Off Coating
Use plastic scrapers (won't scratch). Work in sections. Collect goop in container for disposal. Don't let it go down drain.
Repeat if Needed
Stubborn areas or multiple layers may need 2-3 applications. All coating must be removed — any remaining will cause new coating to fail.
Clean & Neutralize
Wash thoroughly with TSP to neutralize stripper residue. Rinse multiple times. Any stripper left will prevent new coating adhesion.
Why Let Us Handle Stripping
Industrial-Grade Strippers
We use professional strippers that work faster and more thoroughly than consumer products. Complete removal guaranteed.
Proper Safety Equipment
We have proper respirators, ventilation equipment, and chemical disposal methods. No risk to you or your family.
Immediate Refinishing
We strip and refinish in the same visit. You get a finished tub — not a stripped tub waiting for you to refinish it.
5-Year Warranty
Our strip-and-refinish jobs are covered by the same 5-year warranty. If it peels, we fix it free.
Stripping FAQs
Can I sand off old refinishing instead of stripping?
Not recommended. Sanding creates toxic dust from old coatings. It's also difficult to sand completely even — any remaining coating causes adhesion problems. Chemical stripping is more thorough and safer.
How do I dispose of stripped coating?
Don't put it down the drain. Collect in a container and let stripper evaporate (outdoors). Dried coating can go in regular trash. Check local regulations for stripper disposal.
How long does stripping take?
DIY: 4-24 hours of chemical working time, plus 2-4 hours of scraping and cleanup. Often requires multiple applications. Professional: 1-2 hours with industrial products.
Can stripping damage my tub?
Chemical strippers are safe for porcelain and cast iron. Avoid leaving stripper on too long (follow directions). Don't use metal scrapers — plastic only. Professional strippers know how to avoid damage.