Anyone know what is involved with enameling a bath tub?

Question

I have a lovely old fashioned claw foot tub in my flat, but the enamel is starting to look a little sketchy. Can anyone tell me what is involved in enameling it myself? Or is this something better left to a pro?

Answer 1

Well you can do it but a pro can do it to about 250.00.. if yu want to do it you have to clean, clean, and clean....wash it down first then use a abrasive cleaner like comet clean it a couple times with that then rinse then get some steel wool med grade and light grade and begin to rub down the tub with the wool. Rinse and clean that then use the light grade clean again. Tape your tube from the rest of the wall use painter paper 2 foot wide and mask the rest of the bath room well at least what may be effected by the spray get a fan and stick it in the window turn it back wards and point it out the window oh take the screen off, get a good resperator and follow directions before yu spray. vacum the tub just to be sure before you begin... Just like painting it is all prep so dont scimp do it right and it will come out nice go slow nice spray strokes not too much at a time you can always come. You will probobley shoot it 2 to 3 times you will get the hang of it YOU CAN DO IT

Answer 2

You can do it yourself with a kit, depending on the kit it may involve anything from cleaning the tub really well and basically painting the stuff on to kits which have you acid etch the tub for good adherence before painting the enamel on results will vary and the stuff that is sold to you won't last terribly long even the stuff you get a pro to come out and do is usually only good for a few years. Personally if it was my tub I would see if there is a tub manufacturer in your area or a place that can do a baked on true enamel finish it will cost more and you would have to have the tub removed and put back but it would give you a tub thats basically like it came from the factory originally with a much more durable coating than the home stuff.

Answer 3

You can not enamel it your self, but you can paint it. They have kits for doing this a most home stores, or there a company's that will come out and do you tub at your home. These finishes are very durable and look good but will not last as long a enamel.
To re-enamel the tub, first it needs to be sand blasted to remove the old finish, and the enamel is applied and the tub is placed in a kiln to bake the finish on. It is very much like a ceramic glaze. Not really a DIY job.

Answer 4

You can do it yourself. Go to SHerwin WIlliams, they ahve a kit you can buy for around $40-$50 with everything you need and explicit instructions.
It does take some time and it isn't extremely easy, but a good result! Just don't try to dye the enamel or anything, it doesn't work like the manufacturer says it will. The white turns out beautiful.

Answer 5

there is a 2 part epoxy paint made for that, but it only lasts for a few years. the tub has to be cleaned first with muriatic acid, which is not a safe thing to do. there are companies that re-glaze them,using an epoxy that is cured with an ultraviolet light, and it holds up well, but is expensive. I did a clawfoot tub once with the 2 part epoxy, and it lasted about 5 years. doesnt really look very good though.

Answer 6

I'd go to a home shows & check what the pros charge....
I 've seen some miracle work t some of these!