Refinishing a cast iron tub

[tabasco]

Got a nice tub for free with a little damage in the bottom.

Right now, I plan to use the POR-15 method to refinish it because my research has revealed the POR-15/Whitecoat method to be the best:

2 coats POR-15
One coat self-etching primer
1-2 coats Whitecoat enamel

AS A COMPLETE POR-15 PAINT SYSTEM
Apply two coats of POR15 Rust Preventive Paint over a
sandblasted surface or a surface prepared with Marine
Clean and Metal Ready. Then apply one light to medium
coat of POR15 Self-Etching Primer as soon as POR-15
Rust Preventive Paint has cured to ensure maximum
adhesion. Allow POR15 Self-Etching Primer to cure for 30
Minutes at 68OF (20OC), or longer in cooler temperatures.
Apply Hardnose / Whitecote as fi nal fi nish. If surface has
any irregularities that you wish to remove, apply a medium
coat of TieCoat Primer over the cured POR15 Self Etching
Primer. Allow this to cure for 2 to 3 days, then sand smooth
and fi nish with 300 grit. Wipe down with dry tack cloth and
apply Hardnose / Whitecote.

http://www.por15.com/Data%20Sheets/hn_wc%20directions.pdf

Any comments or suggestions on other refinishing products or techniques would be appreciated to help me decide.

POR-15 website: http://www.por15.com/WHITECOTE/productinfo/WCG/

[Stinky The Clown]

1. How much will that cost you?

We got an estimate from a company that does the same sort of thing. They wanted $280 to do our bathtub (no tile, just the tub). I asked the guy how his product compares to the do it yourself stuff - was it simply a matter of technique or was his stuff intrinsically better.

He said it was both. His prep, he says, is very thorough and creates a far better bond than any do it yourself kit offers. He also said his stuff was chemically different. It is more toxic in the application and requires a license to apply. As a result, it is stronger and more durable than any do it yourself option.

I'm not stating any of this as fact. I am simply reporting what I was told. I have seen his work and the result is really very nice. It looks and feels like porcelain, which of course it isn't. The prep work took a half day, the spraying about half that time. He ventilated the room, masked it very fastidiously, and generally did a very professional job.

Even if his stuff is the same as the DIY variety, letting him do the prep and spraying, and getting his 5 year warranty, is fine with me, particularly if the costs are in line.

[tabasco]

2. About $200 and it might be enough to do two tubs.

A friend of mine has a bathtub that needs done too and he has the spray equipment (he paints cars).

1 qt. POR-15
1 qt. Whitecoat
1 qt self-etching primer
Solvent

About $200.

We're thinking a quart might be enough to do two tubs but we're going to do mine and see. I'll post the results.

I'm sure the pros are using a similar two-part epoxy paint like POR-15.

$280 seems like a good deal, if the company has a good rep. The tub I have was refinished by a professional and lasted for several years before it started chipping, I believe.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. That's a reasonable comparison

For $80 more I'd get the job done with no more sweat than that involved in writing a check.