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October 28, 2009
Epoxy Painting Bathtub
Recent construction damaged the finish of an already well used many decades old cast iron bathtub. I’m a long term renter and the owner has expressed she might pay to have the tub refinished.
I’ve seen this done elsewhere in the building and they merely used what looks like a can of ordinary gloss enamel appliance spray paint…not such a great solution and doesn’t look so great.
I’ve read of epoxy refinishing, and also the plumber on the construction project whispered to me, “Don’t tell her I said this, but you should ask her to have the tub refinished with epoxy paint, I’ve seen this done and it’s fantastic…durable and looks as good as new!”
I know for certain that the owner isn’t going to pay a premium for this service. Maybe a couple hundred at the very most. Does anyone know of a handyman or refinisher that will epoxy paint a bathtub, in situ, at the lower end of the spectrum?
Conversely, I’ve heard of do it yourself epoxy kits…you tpae off and cover the surrounding area, chemical etch or sand the tub to clean and give tooth for the paint to adhere, then a coat or two of a special epoxy spray paint it. I’m very handy and have the skills and can very likely do this very successfully…has anyone done this that can give some feedback or info?
Comments
I thought the high end guys charge $300 or $400 for this. Where is Mrs. Limestone? She had this done.
Posted by: mopar at October 28, 2009 4:17 PM
I know it can get expensive even more so if the tub has to be removed/replaced.
I need the budget option...but it needs to be EPOXY PAINT.
I do not own the tub and if it's expensive, the owner will NOT go for it..
Posted by: Oxygen at October 28, 2009 5:05 PM
Look up Bathtub Reglazing and have a pro do it. They cost $300-$500. Maybe you could chip in too, so you get what you want. For the acid etch epoxy finish don't try to do it yourself. The chemicals are really toxic.
Posted by: Rick at October 28, 2009 5:22 PM
I have access to a supplied air respirator...pump, hose, hood. Chemical proof gloves. I have a lot of painting experience and was thinking I could do this...safely.
$300-$500 will be too much as I was offered a new cheap non-cast iron bathtub as a replacement which I declined.
Posted by: Oxygen at October 28, 2009 5:27 PM
It's not just the paint that's toxic but the acid etch is really nasty. It's best sprayed with a paint sprayer and vented with a fan through a window. Companies do this in about 2-3 hours on the spot. They tape off the room and use special equipment and materials. If you want to do it yourself do some research. Do a search on the web for more info.
Posted by: Rick at October 28, 2009 6:19 PM
I bough this epoxy re glazing kit http://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-7860519-Refinishing-2-Part-White/dp/B000PTSBKW/ref=pd_cp_hi_1 and did it myself. So far I did not see any issues with the finish. Preparation took quite long time.
Besides having respirator, I would suggest to put big fan in the window and run it on high during the process and few hours after the process.
Posted by: bobjohn at October 28, 2009 11:10 PM
Saw this process on This Old House. Found the clip here:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1631531,00.html
Posted by: allans at October 29, 2009 11:47 AM
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