Cast Iron Tub Paint
Apologies if this has been discussed before. I’m wondering if anyone has tips on what kind of paint to use in the exterior of a cast iron tub? Does it have to be special paint, or can you just use normal paint? Thanks!
Apologies if this has been discussed before. I’m wondering if anyone has tips on what kind of paint to use in the exterior of a cast iron tub? Does it have to be special paint, or can you just use normal paint?
Thanks!
You need a primer then paint the tub if not the paint will chip away do not use a flat because the heat and moisture will also make the paint to chip. the best result is to prime and use an enamal spray
My tub has at least 3 or 4 layers of paint on it already. I’m going to clean and rough it up, but am not planning to strip the existing paint (which seems to be oil based). Thanks to everyone’s feedback, I’m thinking that latex paint will be fine, since it will be painted over existing paint and won’t come into direct contact with the iron itself. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I also used to think that you couldn’t use latex paint on tin ceilings but my painter insisted that he could use latex on a newly installed tin ceiling in my master bedroom, as long as it was done over oil-based primer; he was right–no rust spots after about 15b months.
Not sure about cast iron tubs, but newly installed rolled steel (‘tin’) ceilings and radiators must be painted with oil-based primer, or rust spots will appear. After priming you can use regular water-based paint for top coats.
Great post. I was wondering the same thing. I always assumed though that you couldn’t use latex because it contains water and will rust the tub. I have been told in the past that you cannot use latex on radiators or tin ceilings for the same reason.
Thoughts?
Wall paint is fine. You might want to pick a color that will be less white than the interior, making the interior look whiter in comparison.
I used regular house paint too- painted it a metallic deep copper with faded copper green stencilling. Couple of coats of poly varnish. Looks great and no peeling or anything after 4 years.
thanks! glad to know i don’t have to go buy an entire thing of special (i.e. more expensive paint) and can probably get away with a sample quart of regular ol’ wall paint.
I used regular wall paint, too, but then put a couple of coats of poly over that, just to seal it all. Probably didn’t need to, but it looks good.