Bathtubs can be the crown jewel of a bathroom but they can also be an eyesore, especially older tubs that have had to withstand the test of time and heavy use. For rusty, worn cast iron tubs that are showing their age, your primary options are replacing the tub or refinishing it.
A Cast Iron Tub Can Be Hard to Work With.
Depending on the type of tub and how it was constructed, cast iron tubs can weigh 200-300 pounds. Factor in that they’re attached to studs and framing and you’re looking at a substantial job just to get it dislodged, much less to get it outside and into a dumpster. Although finding leak detection in Logan can be lengthy but a specialist has to find it. While you can break most cast iron tubs with a sledge hammer and carry out smaller pieces, it’s no easy feat.
You’ll also want to consider any existing tile that is either on the floor or the tub surround, and whether or not you plan on keeping it. If everything is going and you hate the existing cast iron tub, then your best bet may be to remove everything. If you’d like to try to keep that cool original subway tile, it’s usually next to impossible to remove the existing tub without damaging the tile in places, which may be very difficult to find replacement pieces for.
One last factor that might sway you to keeping the old tub is that it can be very difficult to match the style of an older tub, if you’re trying to stay true to the original style of your home. Replica antique cast iron replacement tubs can be very expensive, so if you’re dead set on a new tub, make sure you price out what you’re replacing it with first to avoid a nasty shock later.
Refinishing Your Cast Iron Tub
Instead of removing the tub, consider refinishing it instead. Most bathtubs can be given a fresh new when refinished with an acrylic urethane resin coating. This can be done in place in your home by professionals, and typically costs $350-$500 for a standard tub. If the job is done correctly (including all the prep work to clean, putty, sand down, and etch the bathtub), your sparkling new finish on your bathtub can last for 10-15 years – although most professional bathtub refinishing companies only offer a 5 year warranty.
DIYers may be tempted to try tub refinishing kits that can be bought at home improvement stores for a fraction of the cost that professionals will charge, but expect to get what you pay for as far as results. While cast iron tubs may initially look great when using a home refinishing kit, the finish applied simply isn’t durable enough to stand up to regular use and will quickly start peeling and flaking away, sometimes just a few months after it’s applied.
Refinishing your tub can also be a matter of safety and not just an aesthetic decision, as some old tubs (primarily porcelain tubs) contain lead in the enamel used in the finish, which can be dangerous if its chipping and peeling and eaten by children. If you do have lead in your tub’s enamel, both replacement and refinishing will remedy the problem.