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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.