Sink/Tub "True" Reglaze archived

cmr252

Jun 21, 2009 at 5:02am

I know the topic of reglazing tubs and sinks has been covered here, but I read all those posts and still have questions. We've got 2 cast iron tubs and 2 BEAUTIFUL bathroom sinks that are original to our house. I'm really intent on keeping them, but they need some attention. They've all got rust around the drains, and the sink has rust around some of the faucets - also have a few pretty bad chips in the sinks. Since they're already 100 years old, and we plan on keeping them in the house as long as we're here, I'd like to repair them the right way first, if possible.

1. I understand the "Mr. Ugly" paint-on, reglaze scenario - it creates a fragile surface and it's only a 5-year fix at best - basically akin to spray-painting your car. Anyone have a rough estimate of what it costs?

2. Anyone have any experience with "true" reglazing (sandblasting, baking in the kiln, etc)? Any idea how much this process costs? Anyone in the area do the job (I hear it's a lost art form) - maybe the same place that would blast and dip my old radiators?

Thanks!

mergele

Jun 21, 2009 at 5:44am

cmr - if you get any leads on your option 2, I'd love to hear about them as I'm in much the same boat with 1920's sinks and tubs.

kthnry

Jun 21, 2009 at 9:14am

I paid Mr. Ugly $450 to refinish a modern tub in a rental property. This included an extra $100 to scrape off the wall paint that the previous owners applied to the tub to make it look less disgusting while the place was for sale.

They matched the color of the tub to the toilet. It looks great. The finish is very bright and shiny. It looks fine in a modern bathroom, but I'm not sure it would look right on vintage sinks and tubs, which I think were probably not that bright and shiny even when brand new. I don't know if it's possible for them to apply a more matte finish. Whisper me if you'd like to see the tub. The unit will be vacant for a few more weeks.

I can't address durability because I just had the work done a few months ago.

Eniuges

Jun 21, 2009 at 10:35am

I can address durability: it's lousy.

Mr. Ugly did a tub in my 70 yo house. The outcome looked like white spray paint and had grit on the bottom of the tub surface that made it impossible to sit on for about a year. The finish lasted no more than 2 years and is now peeling around the sides, despite cautious care.

I would not use them again, and don't know what alternatives are available.

Scarlet

Jun 21, 2009 at 10:57am

Also since you have rust on the tub and sink, it is not guaranteed to stay glazed. The rusted spots wear off in a few weeks.

lars

Jun 21, 2009 at 11:15am

We had a fellow at our last garage sale notice our vintage sink sitting in our garage waiting to be installed in remodeled bathroom. he wanted to buy it for about 4x what we paid.
he refinishes them. not sure which method listed above that he does, but I'd love to find out, also, as our tub needs reglazing.

here is his info: Kelly 973-941-4996 - this number is is for the Central Avenue Thrift Shop in W Orange. not sure if he is the owner or works there.

let me know if anyone finds out anything about # 2. painting is not an option.

plungy

Jun 21, 2009 at 5:42pm

I've heard of one company in Ill. that is starting to do this. Re-porcelaining as opposed to re-glazing. Custom Ceramics something or other.

peteglider

Jun 21, 2009 at 6:04pm

I doubt there is any cost effective way to truly put a new porcelain finish on an old cast iron tub or sink.

Not only would you need to uninstall then reinstall, you'd need to ship it there and back. And the possibility of damage on the return shipment and then to bring back in the house -- is high.

Also -- I would think that many cast iron tubs wouldn't fit through doorways.

Nope -- its time to demo them, and get new ones. Just painting with epoxy paint is ok if you're about to sell -- but not for long term.

cwalker

Sep 11, 2009 at 4:21pm

I used Nu Bath (in cedar grove i think?). The lady who piks up the phone may sound harsh but they do good work reglazing. Yes it may only last for 5 years (mine lasted almost 6) but they GUARANTEE IT FOR THE 5 YEARS, so anytime it starts peeling or whatever, they come right out and fix it. reglazing my cast iron tub was $350. compared to the cost of trying to remove the tub which wd destroy the floor and the surrounding wall tile and wd require many men to try to lift and bring downstairs and then dispose of it, purchase a new one and pay for installation....reglazing sounds like a TERRIFIC IDEA!

daylaborer

Sep 12, 2009 at 4:43pm

Posted By: petegliderAlso -- I would think that many cast iron tubs wouldn't fit through doorways.

As long as this thread seems to have been resuscitated, why wouldn't the tubs fit through the doorways?
They fit going in.

ps Not busting balls here.

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