How to Paint a Claw Foot Bathtub

A claw foot bathtub is a beautiful feature in any bathroom. However, often in older homes, the claw foot tub is not in great repair. The paint is often peeling and outdated. Don't fret because you can give your claw foot bathtub new life by repainting it. The process of painting your claw foot tub may be labor intensive, but the results are well worth it.

Things You'll Need

• Tub
• Sandblaster
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Masking tape
• Painter's plastic

Instructions

1. Using the masking tape, mask off the drain hole, roll rim and faucet holes to protect against the sandblasting. If your tub can be moved outside, do so, otherwise place painter's plastic over the other surfaces in your bathroom.

2. Put on your gloves and safety goggles, and begin sandblasting the outside of the bathtub. Your tub is most likely porcelain on the inside, so focus the sandblaster only on the outside and the old paint.

3. When the paint has been stripped, turn the sandblaster off. Examine the bathtub closely and rub any missed spots with your sandpaper.

4. Wash off with a damp cloth, then proceed to painting. Have your primer ready, because a claw foot tub can rust quickly when the cast iron is exposed to air.

5. Paint a coat of primer over the cast iron. Choose a primer specifically designed for metal.

6. When the primer is dry, you are now ready to apply your paint of choice. Make sure that you choose a paint the holds up to moisture very well. You can inquire at your local hardware store which paint brands are the best for bathrooms.

7. Remove the masking tape and painter's plastic, and reinstall the water to the bathtub.