Steel tubs are super sturdy and can be used for tons of things. The basic steel look can be a bit harsh, though, so it's a great idea to give it a quick paint job.

This tub was painted for laundry, but you can make a custom paint job for any reason such as kids' toys, beverages, bathroom towels, or anything else.

This project is a courtesy of Lowe's Idea Exchange, be sure to visit Lowe's Idea Exchange on Facebook for more awesome projects.

Step 1: What You Need

This project is very straightforward, you're gonna paint a tub. Here's what I used:
- 15 gallon steel utility tub
- Blue Valspar spray paint
- Dove white Valspar paint
- Craft brushes
- masking tape
- tarp
- circular items (cups, plates)
- pencil
- Sharpie
- polyurethane

Step 2: Clean the Tub

For the spray paint to stick to the tub well and not chip so easily, make sure that the surface is nice and clean. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry.

Step 3: Masking It Off (optional)

If you want the rims and handles to get painted as well you can skip this step. If you don't, pull off some masking tape to cover up the handles and rims.

Step 4: Spray Painting

Apply 3 or 4 coats of spray paint to the tub. Make sure to let each coat of paint dry before applying the next coat otherwise you may get drips.

When the last coat is very dry, pull off the tape.

Step 5: Drawing Circles

Using the round items as guides, draw circles on to the surface with a pencil. The pencil may not even make a mark, but instead indent or even scrape away a bit of the paint. You can barely see this effect in the picture here. That's perfectly fine. What matters is that there is now a circle that you can see and use as a guide for painting. If that's there, you're good to go.

The arrangement of the circles is up to you. It is helpful to sketch it out beforehand on some paper, though.

Step 6: Paint the Circles

Using the craft brushes, carefully paint in the circles that you marked out. Apply two coats in all for better coverage.

Step 7: Adding Text

Time for the words! I highly recommend writing out the words on a piece of paper first so you're sure of the spelling. It's easy to get so caught up in drawing each letter correctly that you forget one. With that done, lightly write the letters on the surface with a pencil. When you're happy with that, fill in the lines with a Sharpie or a paint brush.

Let everything dry and then apply 2 coats of polyurethane aerosol to seal everything in, letting the polyurethane dry between coats.

Step 8: Set It Down and Use It

That's it! You're done! Enjoy your new decorated tub.

This project is a courtesy of Lowe's Idea Exchange, be sure to visit Lowe's Idea Exchange on Facebook for more awesome projects.