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October 23, 2009
Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Hi all,
I just moved into an apt. with a beautiful claw foot tub that needs to be refinished. Is there any possible way to do this yourself? I really don't want to have to get it professionally serviced (as that will be really expensive). Any hints or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
Comments
can you be more specific about what the problems are? Outside? Inside? Stains, chips, mineral deposits near faucet?
Posted by: BHS at October 23, 2009 1:09 PM
Yes-- there is staining, and weird peeling of the paint/enamel. It sort of looks like someone tried to refinish the tub and did a bad job-- likely they may have just painted over the enamel? It looks like there is a layer of white peeling, and in some spots it looks like the enamel is wearing off entirely (it is a dark spot--- the iron?)
Also the paint on the outside is rather bumpy and chipping. On the feet there are spots of rust.
It sounds like a mess, and it sort of is, but I do not need the tub to be finished perfectly, just a little more bath worthy.
Any help is much appreciated!
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 2:56 PM
The peeling paint is the last refinishing job. It doesnt last too long and looks bad when it starts to go. And also they rough up the interior of the tub so that the refinishing paint will adhere which means you can't somehow remove the paint and go back to the prior version. From what I've heard, it costs ~$300 to have it refinished, so if you can spend the money that's probably going to be your best-looking option from this point though it will only last 3-5 years and you have to be careful to not use abrasive cleaners or otherwise damage the surface. It may be possible to DIY, but I dont have experience with this or know what products would be best. The outside is much easier to fix since you can scrape of any peeling paint, prime and repaint with regular paint. I've seen clawfoot exteriors done in a dark charcoal grey, which looks great and might hide more flaws.
Posted by: BHS at October 23, 2009 3:44 PM
Thanks for the comment. Charcoal grey is a great color suggestion, thanks.
So it seems that I should see how long I can live with the peeling paint and then maybe invest for the professional to refinish the tub.
If anyone else has done it themselves before, let me know!
Posted by: sheslip at October 23, 2009 3:58 PM
From what I saw, it's more like $600 and up for refinishing. Why not just get a new one? They are cheaper than you think, and many have free delivery (no small feat for something that heavy). Or keep your eyes open here for someone selling one...
Posted by: sogo at October 24, 2009 4:28 PM
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