Today I’m bringing back an oldie but a goodie. Even though this project happened well over 2 years ago, it’s still one of my most popular posts. So if you’re into home renovations, DIY projects, and vintage tubs, or if you just want to see a fun transformation, check this out.
Restoring an old tub was actually way easier than I thought! When we decided to install a “baby” clawfoot tub in the upstairs guest bathroom, we found an old, very dirty, rusty tub that fit the bill. We discussed several colors, but ultimately decided to keep it simple and go with black. We figured it’s easier to change out shower curtains and bath linens than to repaint a tub!
Step 1: Clean out the inside, then flip the tub over to paint. We used the shop vac to vacuum out all the dirt and dust, then Comet to clean.
Step 2: Scrape all the paint, rust, etc. that you can off the outside of the tub. We used a wall scraper and sanding blocks, but you could also use a pumice stone.
Fun fact- the tub was made in August 1924.
Step 3: After the tub feels as smooth and even as possible, paint on a coat of Rustoleum primer. We went with brown since we were painting a dark color.
Step 4: Once the primer has dried completely, paint with Rustoleum in your color choice. We went with interior/exterior gloss black. Add more coats as necessary.
See, I told you it was easy!
To see more details about the tub and shower, click here.
To see the complete bathroom renovation from start to finish, click here.
To find out why we put a tub in our new shower, click here.
A big thanks to my mom and mom-in-law for all your help with this project! :)
Wow…that bathroom was scary…the transformation is stunning…wow…and again, wow(!) Of yes, love the tub….the best baths are in those claw foot tubs. :)
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So I had this old tub at my garage which I didn’t know about. But ever since I found it I have been thinking about bringing it back to life. This guide was a really great one and I think I can use it to paint my tub. You have explained each step so simple and easy, thank you so much for doing that! Keep up the good content on your blog.
This is fantastic. I guess the hard part is scraping all that rusts and making the clawfoot tub smooth enough to apply the paint. This is really cool information. I have to go and look for my old and rusty clawfoot tub and bring it back to life. Thanks for the project.
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Refinishing a clawfoot tub can transform it into a stunning centerpiece for your bathroom. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tub and removing any old paint or rust. Use a high-quality primer designed for metal surfaces to ensure the new paint adheres properly. Choose a durable, moisture-resistant paint in the color of your choice, and apply it evenly with a brush or sprayer. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. For a professional-looking finish, consider using a clear protective topcoat. With the right tools and techniques, your clawfoot tub can look brand new and add a touch of vintage charm to your space.
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