Anyone had any experience with having a cast iron tub repainted?
I have a potential client who had his tub repainted about 4 years ago by one of those outfits you see in the yellow pages. It has peeled horribly and he has asked me to replace the tub. While I hate to turn down work, this tub fits this small bathroom and is actually a good looking tub. Can anyone tell me why this paint failed? Is it actually paint? Are some processes or applicators better than others?
thanks for any input.
Replies
Someone could correct me if I am wrong, but an old neighbors dad ran a business doing recoating I talked to him about the process a few times he said the finish is an epoxy coating.
He also said the tricky part is the multistage prep work and doing that right, if that is not done right the coating will not stick.
Wallyo
Edited 4/9/2009 1:17 am by wallyo
Not seen a good one yet!
To finish a tub you need control and its not there in a bathroom!
There are company's making liners to fit from acrylic sheet, works ok.
If the expose area where it peeled is smooth slick or dirty, then the tub just was not prep properly. If there is rust under the paint, it will be a worst situation.
Don't really know what process he uses (West.Co.NY), but Mr. ReFinish (Tom) 1845-278-7178 does a wonderful job. Last time I used him, $400.00 for a standard 5' tub. Lifetime
warranty.
I have a half dozen reglazed tubs on jobs including two in my own home. Prep-prep-prep is the key, get a good installer with references. It can be done, one tub in my own home is used daily and looks as good as day one and has been in service for almost 10 years. Most trouble starts at the drain, take out the drain assy so the entire hole can be sprayed -insist on this
Are you talking about the porcelain inside of the tub or painting the exterior?
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where ...
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It's like everyone else says, prep is key. Of course like anything, so is the quality of materials used. Another aspect is that the epoxy coating MUST CURE for about 2 weeks before anybody uses the tub. It's common for homeowners to dismiss this, thinking a few days is enough.
My tub refinisher thoroughly cleans the tub first thing, then uses muriatic acid to etch the surface. All pock holes and such are filled with bondo (same stuff used for auto body repair) and sanded smooth. Then another thorough cleaning and drying before finally applying the epoxy finish.
In my situation, it is done in apartments when they are vacant, so nobody ever uses the tub during that critical 2 weeks of cure time. If your client used the tub before it was fully cured, he probably won't tell you. And he will probably do it again. You have no way of knowing what the cause of the finish failing. For that reason, I'd say just replace it and avoid the complications.
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
See my work - TedsCarpentry.com
I have heard good things about the work of a guy up in Central Maine here.He says the only way he does it is to bring him the tub and leave it for 3-4 weeks at his shop.That makes sense with all you explained - he controls the environment
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
On one episode of TOH the toured a factory that reglazes tubs with real glazing. That was pretty cool... and expensive.~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
well, maybe this guy actually re-glazes then.I first heard about him from acustomer of mine, then from some other folks.But it was funny to me originally. I had a used salvage tub available for $300 that I'd have let her have at that price. Good shape. The bath had been designed for a corner whirlpool setup, but she was vacilating and not sure if that was what she really wanted....Never mentioned that she was considering a cast iron tub.So she went and bought on from the paper for $400 and had it resurfaced for $600. It was being delivered before she let me know that was her decision for that bath.And get this - it was only a four foot tub. The one I had was a full five footer!She was one of those impulse buyers.
Spent three grand on a sink too.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
She was one of those impulse buyers.
You should charge extra for that. ;)~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
I had an old clawfoot tub done in my house while I was remodeling it. I paid about $400 for the entire tub and a clawfoot has a lot of sides to cover. took them a good part of the day working with grinders and all kinda tools before they laid the coats on. that was about five or more years ago and still looks AWESOME!!
View Image
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I've seen alot of good refinishes.
Company I used to sub for had a refinish division.
It is all in the prep. And it can be done with great, long lasting results.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa