How do you restore an old cast iron tub?

Author: Prof. Percy Quigley V  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

The process involves sandblasting off the old finish, then baking on a new enamel coating at 1,475 degrees Farenheit for about four hours. “It's genuine porcelain enamel, the same glass coating used on bathtubs you buy in stores,” says owner Kara Kopplin.

How to restore an old cast iron bathtub?

The trick is to make sure you sand down all the rusted areas very well and use an epoxy filler to fix any dents, cracks and imperfections prior to application. You need to sand all the repairs smooth and use an abrasive toilet cleaner to etch the existing enamel. Ekopel has a great how to video on you tube.

Is it worth refinishing a cast iron tub?

If you are lucky to have a cast iron tub or sink, always refinish! Even if your tub/sink is average, if the removal and installation of a new one would be a non-standard issue/cost more/cause other problems, etc. then also refinish. I've done this and the results were miraculous!

How do you clean a 50 year old bathtub?

The Steps
  • Drain the tub after use.
  • Run some warm-to-hot water throughout the tub.
  • Use a soft-bristled, long-handled brush to loosen the soap scum ring around the tub.
  • Swish the water throughout the tub to clean it out.
  • As the tub is draining, use the brush to sweep the soap scum particles down the drain.

What is the best cleaner for cast iron tubs?

Because of the delicate nature of the finish, abrasive cleaners can damage it. You must choose a cleaner wisely to ensure you do not scratch the coating of the tub. The best cleaner for cast iron tub surfaces is a mild dishwashing detergent.

How to Refurbish a Cast Iron Tub | This Old House

How can I make my old bathtub look new again?

Four Tricks to Make Your Bathtub Look Like New
  1. Remove Tough Stains with Safe, Non-Abrasive Cleaners. First, let's start with how to clean an old bathtub, with a focus on stained surfaces. ...
  2. Repair Minor Chips and Cracks. ...
  3. Caulk and Reseal. ...
  4. Polish Metal Fixtures.

When should you throw away cast iron?

The more you use a rusted pan, the more iron you'll consume in your food. It's best to avoid cooking with a rusty cast iron pan. If it's reached the point of corrosion or deep rust, throw it away rather than risk your and your family's health.

What's the best oil to season cast iron?

Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.

Does vinegar remove rust from cast iron?

If that happens, your cast iron may end up *gasp* with some rust. For a small amount of rust, just scour it with a scrubber and water like normal and rub with oil. But if you've got a bigger problem, luckily, a little white vinegar and elbow grease are usually enough to whip that pan back into shape.

How much does it cost to have a cast iron tub refinished?

Cast Iron Tub Refinishing

Refinishing a cast iron tub typically costs between $350 and $600, but prices can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the tub and the extent of the damage, if any.

What is the life expectancy of a cast iron bathtub?

Cast Iron Tub: Which is better? While porcelain-enameled cast iron is more expensive and heavier than steel or acrylic, a good cast-iron tub may last 70 years or more!

Should I get rid of my cast iron bathtub?

Replace your cast iron tubs for the following reasons:

You have no need for a tub and prefer a shower instead. You want to replace it with a soaking, freestanding, or whirlpool bathtub. You have a personal vendetta against it and just want it out. You want a barrier free shower and want to remodel for aging in place.

Can I reglaze my bathtub myself?

Bathtub refinishing might sound like a task best left to professionals or something so messy and complicated that you might as well splurge on a new tub. But neither is necessarily true. If you're reasonably handy, bathtub refinishing can be an affordable DIY project.

How do you strip and restore cast iron?

  1. Fill your container with a 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water. ...
  2. Place the cast iron in the vinegar solution for no more than 30 minutes. ...
  3. Remove from the vinegar and scrub with steel wool and/or a steel brush while rinsing.
  4. Repeat as necessary, but not for longer than 30 minutes at a time.

How to clean a tub with a magic eraser?

How To Clean An Acrylic Or Fiberglass Bathtub Using A Magic Eraser
  1. Begin by wetting your Magic Eraser until you can squeeze it. Squeeze the Magic Eraser a few times. ...
  2. Use the Magic Eraser to scrub all over your bathtub and rid of soap scum.
  3. Rinse the remaining product down the drain. Laurey W.

What oil not to use on cast iron?

Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!

Can you use butter to season cast iron?

We get lots of questions about this, so we thought we'd share our guide on how to properly season a cast iron pan: Wash the pan well and rinse, then dry completely. Coat the interior of the pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil, lard or shortening. Avoid using butter or a low smoke point oil such as olive oil.

Is crisco or vegetable oil better for seasoning cast iron?

Jeff uses Crisco vegetable shortening to season cast iron, which produces a durable finish. He recommends heating the cast iron to no more than 400° (40° to 50° higher than the smoke point for Crisco). If you use a different fat, with a higher smoke point, you should adjust the oven temperature accordingly.

How to restore rusted cast iron?

If it's rust on the pan we can go straight to reseasoning the pan. If it's food particles then it needs to be washed with HOT water, no soap ever on cast iron. You can use a stainless steel scrubber to get baked on particles. When the pan is clean heat it on high, coat with cooking oil and sprinkle salt in the pan.

How many years does cast iron last?

Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years. Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years.

Can you ruin cast iron?

If cast iron is left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, or allowed to air dry, it will rust. It can also happen when you store your cookware in moisture-prone environments, such as a cabinet near a dishwasher, an open cabinet in a humid location, or stored outside.

How to get a cast iron tub white again?

Removing Soap Scum and Grime

Ammonia will remove soap scum while the baking soda will wash away grime without scratching or damaging your cast iron tub.

How do you spruce up an old bathtub?

Below, we review some popular options for revamping your bathtub and giving it some much-needed pizzazz.
  1. (1) Reface the side of the bathtub with decorative elements. ...
  2. (2) Paint the exterior of your claw-foot tub. ...
  3. (3) Replace old caulk and reseal your tub. ...
  4. (4) Put new tiling around your tub.

How to clean a tub that hasn't been cleaned in years?

In a bowl, make a paste with baking soda, water, and a squirt of mild dish soap. Apply the paste to all sides of the tub and the fixtures. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the paste in a circular motion. Rinse the paste away with warm water.

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