Cast iron bath tubs are once again becoming much more popular but they are expensive. One way to get around some of the expense is to restore and antique bath tub to its former glory. Using these step by step instructions will make restoring your bath tub easy and you won’t even need the help of a professional. With a little time and TLC your new tub will be up and running quicker than you think.
The first step towards restoring your cast iron bath tub is to move everything out of your bathroom. This includes pictures, ornaments, towels etc. basically you should move anything that is in the way of the bath tub – even the toilet if you have to. You should also remove any of the sealant from around the edges of the tub so that it is free from the walls.
Anything that cannot be removed from the room such as cabinets and mirrors should be covered with plastic sheets or bags and then taped securely so that no dust can make its way in there. You should also cover the walls that are near to the bath tub, the floor and the window with plastic and secure this too. Remember to open the window for ventilation before covering it.
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You need to purchase a cast iron refinishing kit; this should include a cleaner but if it doesn’t then use something that is non-abrasive to clean your bath tub such as vinegar. Once the bath tub has been thoroughly cleaned, rinse it and then dry it until it’s completely dry.
The next step is to sand the bath tub. Your refinishing kit should have the sand paper that you require; this will help you to remove any calcium that has built up in the tub over the years which will be hard to remove without the sanding process. When you’ve finished clean out any dust particles that remain in the tub; any that cannot be removed with a cloth should be vacuumed away.
Using a primer reducer is the next process and the refinishing kit should have all of the instructions that you will need to use it. A primer reducer is used to remove any bits that have been left behind by cleaning and sanding.
When you have finished using the primer reducer you should use the plastic to cover the taps, shower head and any other open holes – such as the plug – or pipes with the plastic from before.
For the next bit you will need a ventilation system –as well as your window – and some breathing apparatus and goggles. Using the instructions in the refinishing kit you should mix the primer. Use a roller measuring a quarter of an inch to apply it to the inside and outside of the bath tub. After applying the primer you should dry the tub following the instructions in the kit and clean the roller thoroughly.
The final step is applying the top coat. Instructions for its application will once again be in the refinishing kit. You should also wear safety gear for this process and apply it using the same roller as the primer. Once you’ve applied the top coat, dry it and leave for around 48 hours, after this your bath tub will be as good as new.
Joan Wickham
Anything that cannot be removed from the room such as cabinets and mirrors should be covered with plastic sheets or bags and then taped securely so that no dust can make its way in there. You should also cover the walls that are near to the bath tub, the floor and the window with plastic and secure this too. Remember to open the window for ventilation before covering it.
You need to purchase a cast iron refinishing kit; this should include a cleaner but if it doesn’t then use something that is non-abrasive to clean your bath tub such as vinegar. Once the bath tub has been thoroughly cleaned, rinse it and then dry it until it’s completely dry.
The next step is to sand the bath tub. Your refinishing kit should have the sand paper that you require; this will help you to remove any calcium that has built up in the tub over the years which will be hard to remove without the sanding process. When you’ve finished clean out any dust particles that remain in the tub; any that cannot be removed with a cloth should be vacuumed away.
Using a primer reducer is the next process and the refinishing kit should have all of the instructions that you will need to use it. A primer reducer is used to remove any bits that have been left behind by cleaning and sanding.
When you have finished using the primer reducer you should use the plastic to cover the taps, shower head and any other open holes – such as the plug – or pipes with the plastic from before.
For the next bit you will need a ventilation system –as well as your window – and some breathing apparatus and goggles. Using the instructions in the refinishing kit you should mix the primer. Use a roller measuring a quarter of an inch to apply it to the inside and outside of the bath tub. After applying the primer you should dry the tub following the instructions in the kit and clean the roller thoroughly.
The final step is applying the top coat. Instructions for its application will once again be in the refinishing kit. You should also wear safety gear for this process and apply it using the same roller as the primer. Once you’ve applied the top coat, dry it and leave for around 48 hours, after this your bath tub will be as good as new.
Joan Wickham
About the Author:
This article was written by interior designer Joan Wickham who recommends The Bath Business for restoration if you don’t feel like doing it yourself.
This article was written by interior designer Joan Wickham who recommends The Bath Business for restoration if you don’t feel like doing it yourself.
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