Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
#1
Refinishing Claw Foot Tub
Hello all:
I came across a great claw foot tub in an old basement which would work great in my sisters house we are remodeling. The only thing is, its old and evidently has some type of lead contamination. Oh yeah, babies are involved.
My sister performed some type of lead test and come up with positive results. Yet, this could be from the lead paint removal we are doing in the immediate are, just not sure.
My question, I see there is high power acrylic spray to refininsh the tub. Would this encapsulate the lead? Is there there lead in old bathtubs that could leach thru?
Is it worth it? The alternative is a Home Depot bathtub kit.
Concerned. Thanks
I came across a great claw foot tub in an old basement which would work great in my sisters house we are remodeling. The only thing is, its old and evidently has some type of lead contamination. Oh yeah, babies are involved.
My sister performed some type of lead test and come up with positive results. Yet, this could be from the lead paint removal we are doing in the immediate are, just not sure.
My question, I see there is high power acrylic spray to refininsh the tub. Would this encapsulate the lead? Is there there lead in old bathtubs that could leach thru?
Is it worth it? The alternative is a Home Depot bathtub kit.
Concerned. Thanks
#2
I don't like to see posts go unanswered so here is my PERSONAL opinion.The old clawfoot tubs were cast iron and had enamel type coatings on them.I have to agree with you that the test was picking up lead from a surrounding area.However, since there are children involved I would scrub the tub down and then do another test on it.Better safe than sorry but the old clawfoots were works of art. Good luck and post back.
#3
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northeastern NC On The Albemarle Sound
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There shouldn't be any lead in an old cast iron clawfoot tub, unless someone years ago painted it with lead-based paint. But as noted, lead-based paint can be safely encapsulated by simply painting over it.
It is hazardous only when eaten by children (paint chips) or breathed in from sanding dust.
I saw one of the "This Old House" tv shows where someone had a clawfoot tub completely refinished inside and out professionally. I think that it ran about $600-$700 for the stripping, re-enameling, exterior painting, etc.
I suppose that someone could repaint one inside and out with an acrylic paint, but I'm not sure how it would look or last. Most tub and sink refinishing is best left to experienced pros.
Mike
It is hazardous only when eaten by children (paint chips) or breathed in from sanding dust.
I saw one of the "This Old House" tv shows where someone had a clawfoot tub completely refinished inside and out professionally. I think that it ran about $600-$700 for the stripping, re-enameling, exterior painting, etc.
I suppose that someone could repaint one inside and out with an acrylic paint, but I'm not sure how it would look or last. Most tub and sink refinishing is best left to experienced pros.
Mike
#4
Refinishing clawfoots
I work for an archetectural salvage company. When we're doing clawfoots we use a commercial grinder on the exteriors and find that automotive paint gives the best overall finish. It's a bit stinky to work with but it holds up and is most forgiving to the texture of the cast iorn. Gives a nice, smooth finish. Inside, try that commercial cleaner that comes in either a powder or a spray - yellow bottle with three letters - get it at any grocery. I have found that letting that stuff sit on the discolored surface for about 20 minutes often gets rid of much (50% or better) of the yellowing/discoloring. If that doesn't make you happy enough, you're better off having a pro refinish. The do it yourself kits tend to bubble and peel after a very short period of time, particularly if the tub gets daily use. Out of the phone book pros cost between $600-$800 but talk to your local salvage folks. We have a guy who does ours for $300 and is outstanding. We love to pass his name on to customers and he loves us to do so!