refurbishing a bath

[reg7]

Hi all, has anyone had dealings with re-enameling a bath,DIY or having it done by the professionals,I have a very small bathroom and I am replacing the whole suite, but the bath is fitted between three walls and some of it is into the walls,I done want to get involved with retileing and such so I am looking at this option,its only the bath thats the problem, ANY IDEAS Thanks Reg

 

[crockett]

Reg, about half a dozen cast iron baths have been re-enamelled in properties at my place of work, and whether it was just because the company used wasn't very good, the preparation was poor, or the tenants used the bath too soon, on most baths the new enamel lifted / chipped off, and the baths ended up being removed. We got the company to return on a couple of baths that were slightly damaged, and repair them once more, but in the end the baths were removed, either wholly or in tiny cast iron pieces (sledgehammer). The cost was around the £300 mark, so it isn't necessarily cheap, but I'm sure there are companies out there that can do a good job. I guess you may have to seek a recommended firm if this is the direction you go in

 

[mrgas]

I have never seen a reenamel job that lasts more than 2 years then starts peeling off. Usually around the plughole and taps.

 

[crockett]

Exactly, Mrgas. But there may be some smokin' hot re-enamelling firm out there that can do the job in-situ brilliantly. But the only way I could see that a decent job would be done, would be a complete removal of the bath, and for it to be sent off to a specialist to be refurbished. Defeats the object a bit as it would cost more than the bath I'd expect

 

[Goldspoon]

I used a Tubby kit two years ago. Worked wonderfully and still going strong.

 

[reg7]

Hi crockkett thanks for your response, I feel very sceptical about spending £250 to £400 on a gamble that the re-enamleing would work for any length of time the best gaurantee I seen so far is 5 years then you could be back where you started,not a good idea.Goldspoons response re a diy job may be of interest but it would be nice to see the finished item and to hear from someone who has had the finish for longer.

 

[reg7]

Hi mrgas, thank for your response, as to my reply to crockett the painting idea does not look to good considering the cost, but maybe the diy route may be worth a try,still a waste of £60 maybe but not so bad as having someone in to do it, I wont rush into it

 

[reg7]

Hi Goldspoon, thanks for your reponse also,things dont look to good so far but I am interested in your suggestion, but I wonder how good it looks and to how long it will last,can you please give me some idea on the preperation and finish, does it look like the real thing or does it look painted? cheers.

 

[Goldspoon]

Sorry for delay - was away on hols.

It looks very, very good. Almost like new (has the finish off the skin of a very perfect orange rather than that of a modern bath). Unless one is trying to emulate a new bath to the nth degree of perfection I do not think one would be dissapointed. Has lasted two years now and no sigh of anything untoward. In my opinion it's not coming off no way - it's epoxy based (I believe) and as long as the initial bath finish is sanded all over then it will stick. I believe that people have problems because they do not prepare the surface properly.

Google Tubby bath resurface and read a bit more...