How to Resurface a Cast-Iron Bathtub
Clawfoot tubs and other old-fashioned bathtubs consist of cast-iron bodies coated in baked-on porcelain. Unfortunately, the porcelain eventually wears down and becomes dull and discolored. It isn't feasible to re-bake a new coat of porcelain on the tub, but you can refinish it with specialized primer and a paint-polyurethane compound. First, though, you'll have to acid-etch the existing porcelain to remove its gloss. This task is often left to professionals, but an experienced do-it-yourselfer can tackle it with the right equipment and preparation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic tarps
- Masking tape
- Rubber gloves
- Protective clothing
- Respirator
- Hydrofluoric acid etching solution
- Brush
- Baking soda
- Paint sprayer
- Primer for porcelain
- Paint-polyurethane topcoat for porcelain
Instructions
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1
Tape plastic tarps over all surfaces surrounding the porcelain surface of the tub, including walls, floors, and exposed iron parts of the tub (such at its clawfeet). Remove or cover the tub's fixtures.
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2
Put on your protective clothing and respirator. Apply hydrofluoric acid etching solution to the porcelain surface with a brush, coating it completely. Don't let the solution touch anything else. Allow it to the etch the surface for 15 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda over it to stop the reaction. Rinse thoroughly and allow the tub to dry overnight.
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3
Set up your paint sprayer with primer for porcelain. Wearing your respirator, lightly coat the entire porcelain surface of the tub, using steady motion with the sprayer. Try to avoid drips and streaks. Let the first coat dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat and let it dry overnight.
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4
Re-load your paint sprayer with paint-polyurethane topcoat. Apply it in the same manner as the primer, in a light, thin, even coat over all the porcelain. Let it dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat.
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5
Repeat for four to six coats, to the desired level of gloss. Let the final coat cure for 48 to 72 hours before using the tub.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your work area well ventilated when applying the etching solution and spraying the paint.
