Cast Iron Tub Refinishing

Cast iron tub refinishing can save you a lot of money. By refinishing your cast iron tub you save yourself the cost and effort of replacing it. But is it always a good idea, and if it is how do you go about doing a cast iron tub refinishing job?

The fact is that there are a lot of amazing cast iron tubs out there that have seen better days. People take one look at areas of rust and neglect (from dripping water or damage from a bathtub transfer bench) on an iron tub and decide that it is time for a new tub. But this can be a mistake, an expensive one.

Large cast iron tubs, of the sort found in bygone eras when baths were regal affairs (and showers were all but unheard of and the corner shower caddy didn't exist) rather than an afterthought in the corner, are amazing things. They can make having a bath a truly magnificent, relaxing experience. They can also be very, very expensive.

Which means that if you are lucky enough to be in possession of one you should look at renovating it, refinishing it, before you actually throw the bath tub out, or have it used as scrap metal for a few extra bucks.

So can cast iron tub refinishing really help your bath? More often than not, yes! In many cases people are concerned about areas that are starting to rust – usually where the iron has been exposed where it would usually have had a protective covering of enamel.

Whilst it is not as simple as just slapping on a covering of paint over the rusted area it is possible to treat and seal the rusted or damaged area to make it resistant to any further water damage. Once that is done refinishing the cast iron tub can make a massive difference to the look and feel of the bath.

Obviously it won't work with every bath tub – cast iron tub refinishing doesn't work miracles. But it does work in cases many people think are beyond saving.

Which begs the important question – how does one go about cast iron tub refinishing? A DiY job or do you bring in a professional?

Professional vs DiY Cast Iron Tub Refinishing

• Duration: With a pro you can expect a refinishing job to last 10 to 15 years. By contrast most DiY jobs last a few months to a year at most. This is because of a poor quality in kits and a lack of skill in getting the job done.
  
  

• Look: Whilst you can picture what you want better than a professional can the professional is able to get a level of workmanship and detail you are unlikely to attain. Not as big a win as the duration but the professional edges out a DiY refinishing job on looks as well.
  
  

• Time and Effort: Clear winner for the professional over the DiY job this. By getting a pro to do your cast iron tub refinishing project you save yourself a lot of time, sweat, effort and possibly tears (at least if your DiY skills are anything like mine!).
  
  

• Money: A clear win for the DiY job this one. A decent professional will set you back roughly $400 - $500. you can buy cast iron tub refinishing kits for as little as $25. Rather a large saving (though you will also have to buy the bath tub pain separately).

There is something of a myth going around that there is an issue with regards finding fittings that fit good cast iron baths.

This is not true - whilst it is more of an issue for cast iron baths than regular baths there are still a huge number of baths fittings that can fit even uniquely shaped baths, and many more that can be easily re-purposed.

It is not hard to find stylish taps or a shower screen seal for a refinished cast iron bath