Cast Iron Tubs

• 1). Sand off any previous paint layers until you get a smooth surface. Sand it by hand or use an electric sander if you are comfortable with the tool.
  
  
• 2). Clean the entire outside of the tub thoroughly to remove any leftover dirt, grime, residue or sanding dust. Rinse it clean and let dry.
  
  
• 3). Apply a high quality exterior primer with a foam roller. Choose a primer that is tinted close to the color of your paint.
  
  
• 4). Paint on exterior grade paint in the color of your choice. Let dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, until it is not sticky to the touch.
  
  
• 5). Create designs over the top of your base coat, using stencils if you are not comfortable doing it freehand. Tape the stencils onto the outside of the tub using painter's tape and use a small brush to apply your other exterior paint colors to fill in the design.
  
  
• 6). Let it dry for up to 90 days, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Read the back of the can on how long it takes to cure, as the time varies between products.
  
  

Plastic Surrounds

• 1). Tape stencils of your choice on the outside of the tub, towards the center. Paint the designs using exterior paint that is meant for plastic and allow the paint to dry according to the instructions on the can.
  
  
• 2). Use bathtub decals to decorate your bathtub with if you want to avoid paint touch-ups in the future. Choose ones that match the theme of your bathroom, such as fish or flowers.
  
  
• 3). Cover up the outside of a bathtub that is unsightly until you can replace it. Choose a shower curtain with a liner where the decorative shower curtain is hiding the outside of your tub at all times.