Refinishing Clawfoot Tubs

It isn’t everyday that a person decides to take on the task of refinishing their clawfoot tub. Let’s face it, free time for an average person is almost unheard of anymore. But for those of you that are ready to take on the chore of refinishing your clawfoot tub and are being held up by the ever so cumbersome questions of “Where do I start?”, “How exactly do I refinish a clawfoot tub?”, and “What’s the best way to accomplish this?”, your problems may soon come to an end. In this newsletter we will answer these questions for you, so you can be well on your way to achieving the elegance and sophistication you are looking for.

Basically, refinishing your clawfoot tub is composed of many components that are typically divided up into three different groups:

1.) The Feet (least difficult)
2.) The Outside (difficult)
3.) The Inside (most difficult)

Let’s first begin by discussing the step-by-step process of refinishing the feet. The first thing you want to do is remove all the paint, rust, and other coatings that might be on the feet by using a wire brush, or you can soak them in paint stripper and then brush them. After you have removed all the paint and rust, you need to make sure that you also remove any residue. For this task solvents work best, but make sure you keep your safety in mind and wear safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, and respirator). Once the feet are completely cleaned and rid of any residue, apply metal primer and coat them with any paint you have chosen. If you have decided not to paint them, now would be the time to have the feet plated in your choice of brass, chrome, nickel, or other finish.

Moving on, we come to the outside of the tub, which is a step up in the difficulty level. The first thing to do is clean the outside of the tub. Typically, it is taken down to the metal by sandblasting or heavy grinding, and then a finish sanding. After cleaning the outside, applying several coats of polyester material is the next step. This helps create a nice flat, smooth surface. Finally, a porcelain substitute or oil-based enamel is applied to finish up the outside of the tub.

The last and final step is the inside of the tub. This step cannot be completed on your own; a professional service is required. They will need to come and do what is called “resurfacing”. Certain professional services use a molecular bonding product and apply it in a series of layers and applications. This bonding product creates a covalent bond by sharing the same space as the electrons of the surface of the tub (strongest bond). Other professionals use a mechanical bond. The problem with a mechanical bond, however, is that if the shiny layer is broken, nicked, or chipped, water can penetrate and rapid adhesion failure usually occurs (coating can lift).

While using this three-step process may give you a great, refinished clawfoot tub, some still suggest that to get the best outcome your clawfoot tub should be done completely by a professional.

It’s not an easy task, and to save you a headache and possibly some money, many would recommend that you leave this up to the professionals. We pretty much say, “don’t try this yourself,” (Click on underlined words for link to product.)

Van Dykes Restorers
PO BOX 278
39771 S.D. HWY. 34.
WOONSOCKET, SD 57385
Order Line: 1-800-558-1234
E-mail: restoration@cabelas.com

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