Things You Will Need
Instead of going the expensive route of buying and installing a new tub, you can buy some time by a thorough cleaning. When that no longer works, you can refinish your tub with relative ease.
Cleaning
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Spray an all-purpose bathtub cleaner on the surface of your tub. Let the cleanser soak into the dirt and grime for 10 minutes. Wipe down your tub with a sponge or cloth.
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Remove particularly tough stains with a sponge saturated in chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach.
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Scrub in the corners where the tub meets the walls, using a small brush.
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Remove any rings around the tub with a scrub brush and cleanser.
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Rinse your tub with water. Allow it to dry.
Refnishing
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Scrape off any chipped or flaking paint on the bathtub's surface with steel wool. Smooth over the areas where you removed paint, using fine-grit sandpaper.
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Apply epoxy to the areas you sanded, following the product label directions.
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Apply a polyester filler to any areas where paint is missing, following the label instructions. Allow the filler to dry. Sand over the filler until the surface is smooth to the touch.
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Remove any dirt or debris from your tub with a brush and vacuum. Scrub the surface of the bathtub with warm water and a sponge.
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Rinse out your bathtub with water. Allow time for the tub to dry.
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Spray or brush on a coat of porcelain paint primer, depending on the product you purchased. Follow the label directions for application and drying time.
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Spray a thin coat of porcelain paint onto the tub surface, using long, even passes. Allow the paint to dry for an hour. Apply another coat of paint.
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Seal your tub with a porcelain sealer, following the label directions.
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Allow the tub to remain untouched for at least 48 hours.