Hi y’all.
In the middle of a bathroom remodel. Existing bathtub is original, white porcelean enamel over a steel casting. Porcelean is intact and no deep scratches, but finish is very, very dull.
Tub is not scheduled for replacement in this job scope. Need to make this baby SHINE.
Can anyone suggest any particular cleaning and/ or waxing agents that would do this job. Last resort is to have tub repainted with new enamel…really do not want to go that route.
All suggestions is highly appreciated.
Thanks.
Davo
Replies
Tough to say without seeing it firsthand. Depends upon the cause of the dullness to a large degree.
If from mineral deposits (and there is not exposed metal anywhere), I might try a quick application of some muriatic to remove that, followed by copius amounts of water to rinse. Then buff out with some really fine grit automotive glazing compound or Novus polish on a buffer pad.....cautiously. You don't want to got thru the porcelain glaze.
Or consider using this.......Bathbrite
http://www.superjetco.com/index2.html
Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 1/10/2005 10:53 pm ET by GOLDHILLER
Goldhiller,
I think the bathtub is very dull due mainly to too many cleanings with an abrasive cleaner such as Comet. There are no mineral stains...just a very dull surface.
Thanks for mentioning Bath Brite. I would like to actually see the product. Where can I pick it up at?
Thanks.
Davo
"Thanks for mentioning Bath Brite. I would like to actually see the product. Where can I pick it up at?"I know not. Should be info on the site. A friend used it with great success and was pleased with the result. That's why I said "consider" it. If your tub has been scrubbed to obilivion with abrasive cleaners, I'd call the company and explain the situation to them before proceeding. You might just be better off in this instance to replace that tub............even though the budget is limited. A fiberglas tub might be affordable and they're warmer than a metal tub to boot.Can't say from here what may or may not work. I'd call the company and see what they say.If you try it, I'd advise the HO that it may or may not work in this instance. Then it's their call.....on their dime. On the other hand, you don't have much to lose by trying a buffing with a fine grit automotive glazing/polishing compound. Either it brings back the shine......or it doesn't. Just go slow. Proceed with caution and check often to see result. While it won't replace removed glazing, there's a slight chance that you're looking at scuffed glazing. Don't hold your breath though. That glazing is usually damn thin. Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 1/11/2005 12:03 am ET by GOLDHILLER
Goldhiller mentioned a product called Bath Brite ( check out his post to see link).
Has anyone else ever used this product with good results? What is cost, and where can this product be bought? How long did it take using this process to get tub to shine again...1 application...2...more..?
Thanks again.
Davo
Try something like CLR first.
DanH,
Sorry for not knowing, but what is CLR?
Davo
You need to listen to Paul Harvey once in a while at lunch! Calcium ,Lime,Rust! Great cleaner but as I said it will not bring back the finish.
Hey Craigmic,
Thanks for explaining what CLR stands for. Paul Harvey? I thought that guy was dead. I only listen to Rush Limbaugh! ha! ha!
Now about that maul suggestion...No I'm not gonna take a hammer to it yet.
Thanks.
Davo
CLR is a commonly available calcium-lime-rust remover.Based on your description it's hard to tell if the tub is simply all scummy and limed up, etched somehow, or worn rough from the use of abrasive cleaners.The thing to do is to experiment with a small "typical" section of the tub (maybe 6-8 inches across). First get a sponge and some non-abrasive scouring powder (I think Ajax now claims to be non-abrasive, but check the label). Work on the area for several minutes. Either it will start to come clean and smooth or it won't.If the test area can't be scrubbed smooth with scouring powder, then likely the tub is toast. It can be refinished, but otherwise can't be brought to a reasonable degree of "shine".If it comes clean with the scouring powder, you probably want to alternate using CLR and some sort of spray tub cleaner. The CLR acid dissolves the lime and the spray cleaner cuts through the soap scum. Some scouring will eventually be required, but you want to soften it up first to cut down on the elbow grease.
If finish is very dull as you describe, the glass is etched and you will NEVER get it back. Take a maul to it and get it out of there. You are just buying trouble trying to play with it.
warning this is not epa approved! i use a good lacquer thinner [it only takes maybe a pint] and a red scuff pad and just keep scrubing, then rinse and wash with murutic acid and rinse again. never had a tub that didn't clean up with a hours work.now a few safety items: open the window,shut off all the flame burning appliances, and wear a resperator or you will be walking 10' off the ground.larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
What is the purpose of the muriactic acid? There are no mineral stains in this tub...finish is just plain dull due to too many abrasive cleanings. Will muriatic acid restore shine?
Thanks.
Davo
I've seen several tubs that you would have sworn were worn through from abrasive cleaning, but were really just limed up.