4 Tips for Reglazing a Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot bathtub is typically made out of cast iron, and many of these tubs also had lead infused in the casting. Cast iron is not very nice to look at and, as a result, they are glazed inside and out. The glazing is what creates that white finish we're so used to seeing. Over time, the glaze on a clawfoot bathtub can peel, crack or wear off. This will expose you to the metal, causing not only and unsightly bathtub and lowering the value of the clawfoot bathtub, but potentially exposing you to harmful and toxic metals. You can purchase glaze on your own from a store and use it to redo the shell of the clawfoot bathtub. This takes time and some know-how, and the article below will share some tips with you on how to properly apply glaze to a clawfoot bathtub.

1. Proper Ventilation

The glaze used to cover and protect a clawfoot bathtub is toxic in its liquid form. Just like you would not want to stick your head over a tub of bleach and take a deep breath, you do not want to breathe in these fumes. When you are using the glaze, always make sure a window is open and the exhaust fan is on. If there are no windows in the bathroom, then have the exhaust fan on, the door open and wear protection. The best protection to wear are gloves, protective glasses and a respirator or other protective mask. The fumes can burn your mouth and your lungs, so be careful.

2. Let the Glaze Cure

One mistake that is often made is that the glaze applied to the clawfoot bathtub is not allowed to set or cure long enough before the tub is put to use. When you add water to a bathtub without the glaze being fully cured, it can wash the glaze away. It can also damage the finish and contaminate pipes. Always read the back of the container of the glaze and allow the clawfoot bathtub to cure for a longer period of time than suggested.

3. Several Layers

When applying a glaze, it is important to know that only one layer is not sufficient enough to fully protect the clawfoot bathtub. Moisture and all of the chemicals you use in a tub can easily eat away at the glaze in a short period of time. One layer is not enough, and two may even be too weak. A good glazing on a tub, especially a clawfoot, is at least three layers. You want to make sure you have that extra protection due to the metal underneath. You do not want the metal to become exposed, let alone rust or decay.

4. Sanding

Prior to applying glaze to the clawfoot bathtub, you should always sand down the areas where the glaze has started to peel. Try to blend the areas of the existing glaze with the exposed area. This will help the new glaze cover and adhere to the metal without being streaky or lumpy.