My old cast iron bath needs to be re-enamelled. DIY or pay someone else? Who?

Question

Bath isn't chipped just old and badly stained. I don't want to pay a fortune. thanks

Answer 1

Remodel the bathroom, buy a modern tub.

Answer 2

You could try this one, but when a bath is enamelled to start with, the melted enamel is poured on to the cast iron at very high temperatures, and hardens when it cools.

http://www.tubbycanada.com/

Answer 3

. There seem to be a Lot of Internet solutions.

Google 'cast iron bath tub resurface' .  

"...Done correctly, either off-site in a shop or in place, refinishing is an effective and inexpensive solution for porcelain that is chipped, worn rough, or whose color has simply gone out of style. For an average cost of $350 to $500-a fraction of the $1,200 to $5,000 expense of a new cast-iron or steel tub installed — refinishers can make an antique fixture look brand new." .......

I think it's a VERY labor-intensive job.

Answer 4

I have to agree that having it done would be the more effective way to proceed, though certainly not the least expensive.

   Consider that initially that "Enamel" was fired on at approx. 3600 degrees. It seems ludicrous to think that a brush on/ spray on DIY product and process would re-create the same situation.

   Certainly you should be pricing all methods, even new tub. I'd be surprised, if a tub cost and install was as much as suggested, but it is involved, and also involves flooring, walls, plumbing set up, etc.

Just my two "sense"

Answer 5

I'm afraid, these days, it is still cheaper to scrap it and buy a new one. Re-enamelling would be expensive and I don't care for these plasti-cote marketed coatings!

Answer 6

When I added a full bath in my basement I found an old claw foot tub. The tub's finish was in bad shape. I bought a kit for redoing the enamel. It was a good amount of work( I enjoy doing this kind of stuff) but it was a whole lot cheaper.

The only thing I wasn't 100% happy with was a few imperfections in the finnish. You can't see them but you can feel them. I do not know if it was a prep problem or some mistake in the finnishing process.

So if money is an issue or you just like working on your on projects DO IT!

Answer 7

have a look at some of the kits available,worth a go I would think. Given an example but there's plenty to choose from.

http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewpr...

Answer 8

it costs about  ÃƒÂ‚£200 to have it done properly and is well worth it it will look brand new .look in yellow pages for companies who do this

Answer 9

I learnt at a very early age that its far easier to get some overtime in, and do a job you know to pay someone for a job you dont.

I'd have it done properly, mate.