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Clawfoot Bathtub Refinishing Painting And Restoration

 

Antique Claw foot bathtubs are a historic addition to any period bathroom. Restoring or refinishing one of these beauties is not as hard as you may think.  We will explain the process for preparing the surface and painting a clawfoot bathtub in this article.

 

It is important to keep in mind, a clawfoot bathtub porcelain surface contains lead. Always wear gloves when handling a clawfoot bathtub and dispose of them when finished. Once the bathtub is painted (refinished) the lead will be encapsulated and harmless.

 

A properly restored or painted clawfoot bathtub will last 10-20 years so take your time and do the job right and you will enjoy it for years. If you are purchasing a used clawfoot bathtub for this project, make sure the bathtub has all of the feet and mountings for the feet. Trying to match a missing foot at a later date is very difficult.

 

Plating the feet in chrome or brass requires the feet to be removed and sent to a metal plater. This can take 2 weeks to complete so do this first.

 

Prep

 

- Remove any old paint from the interior of the bathtub using 80 Grit Sand Paper,  and remove the plumbing fixtures.

 

- Typically the exterior is rough, this is normal. If painted all that is needed is sanding to remove loose paint and rust. If you want a completely smooth exterior, plan on a lot of hard work and belt sanding of the exterior until smooth.

 

- Patch any chips, holes or completely rusted out areas. A list of products available from the Bathtub Refinishing Referral Network will be included at the end of this article.

 

- Follow by a complete finish sanding of the interior and exterior with 320 Grit Sand Paper, make sure all patched areas are smooth. Feather the edges of repaired areas blending the repair into the surrounding porcelain surface.

 

- Rinse the fixtures of any dust or sanding debris. Using a Tack Cloth, remove any remaining dust from the surface.

 

Painting The Clawfoot Bathtub Exterior

 

Start with the exterior. Flip the tub with the exterior facing up. Apply masking tape and paper as needed. (Use a marine paint for the exterior only).

 

- Coat the exterior with a marine primer using a brush, foam roller or spray. Allow to dry.

 

- Then coat with a Marine Top Coat in color of choice. Remove the paper and tape. Allow to dry.

 

- Once the feet are completed, reinstall them securely and flip the clawfoot bathtub right-side up on the feet.

 

Painting The Clawfoot Bathtub Interior

 

Now you can start on the interior. It is a good idea to use the tack cloth again to remove any dust accumulated on the porcelain surface. A Quality waterpoof epoxy coating , along with a professional bonding agent specific for porcelain surfaces will be used for painting the interior.

 

- Start by taping and papering the exterior to avoid any paint from getting on the newly painted exterior and feet.

 

- Following the manufacturer instructions, apply the bonding agent supplied in your refinishing kit and allow to dry.

 

- Apply the epoxy top coat as directed. Add addition coats as needed.

 

- Remove tape and paper. Allow to dry

 

Once completely dry your new clawfoot bathtub is ready for new plumbing fixtures and installation. Products for completing this project:

 

- Porcelain Repair Kit For Patching

 

- Spray On Bathtub Refinishing Kit Or

 

- Brush Roll On Bathtub Refinishing Kit

 

Available From The:

 

Bathtub Refinishing Referral Network

1750 Delta Waters Rd. Suite 102, PMB 323

Medford, Oregon 97504 Ph. (866) 503-0570

Web Site: www.refinishingonline.com Nationwide Free Shipping!