Changing Bathtub Color

[cabinetman]

We're going to remodel one of the bathrooms, and before I buy a new tub, I'm wondering what options are worthwhile. I heard of glazing/painting old tubs to a new color. Anyone have experience with doing this and how it turns out and holds up?

[TDHofstetter]

If your existing tub is fiberglass... I'd sure think you could spray it with Imron or something of that nature. If it's iron/steel... boy, that's tough 'cause the original is baked enamel. Dunno what bonds to baked enamel but more baked enamel.

...and expanding foam, which bonds to EVERYTHING. :)

-- Tim --

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[rrich]

" remodel one of the bathrooms "

So paint or re-color the tub? How much?

Buy a new tub? How much?

I doubt that you're talking much more than $300 difference. AND a new tub of the desired color is going to last almost forever while a paint job is going to ???

Then of course you could upgrade the tub to one with jets, etc.

[cabinetman]

Here's the problem. The walls that the bath tub fit (head to toe) are over 6'. The tub is a five footer. The tile in the bathroom is early 50's pinkish, with a pattern. By itself, the tile isn't objectionable. In fact, with changing the tub color (horrid pink), and using colors to compliment the tile, the room might look pretty good.

It's what we call our "guest bath". The 12" or so of extra space at the foot of the tub is tiled to the wall. The edges of the tile along tub's foot edge is all bullnosed. The walls are tiled up to a horizontal height of about 46" and bordered with the bullnose. I can't find this tile anywhere, and the color/pattern is not likely made anymore. So finding replacement tiles is unlikely.

As for the tub, I personally would rather get rid of it and make a larger shower. We both prefer showers. With a larger shower, I would have more footroom to strike up a dance step while singin'.

So, what this all boils down to is that removing the tub would be an expensive hassle as the wall tiles would likely get damaged. If, and just if I could get all the tiles around the tub out and be able to re-use them for the footer, that would be ideal. Then I might go for a new tub. Or, to get the tub out without damaging the wall tiles, and then put in a new footer, maybe something that would look good with the tiles like marble, granite, or Corian®.

The tub is cast iron and in good shape.

[TDHofstetter]

You MIGHT... in a situation like that... I guarantee that if you pull the tub you'll pull tiles at the same time, 'cause the tub will have a tile rim around the top... you MIGHT get by fine with a scuff sanding (silicon carbide wetordry) and a carefully masked spray job with two-part epoxy paint. Be a nasty job no matter what you do.

The brush-on stuff only halfway works for little patches, and it's less than perfect; a spray would be the only thing I'd consider for the whole tub.

Dang. Risking breaking just ONE tile would get sweaty if ya can't find replacements. Ain't nobody I know custom-glazes tiles for color.

-- Tim --

Member of the
Robert "Limey" Bolton Memorial
International
Volunteer Mentorship and Assistance
Programme

[sibi1972]

Lots of people custom glaze tiles for color but they call themselves tile artists. They use a process called over glazing. They paint color onto tiles not with paint but with glaze and fire 'em again.

With a sample of what you got, they can match things pretty close. It's as expensive way to go but doable.

"Red"

[Sawduster]

You're missing a design opportunity here. Lose the bullnose around the tub, replace the tub, and use a contrasting color of bullnose tile to replace the ones you removed. Shouldn't have to destroy any more than the tiles in the way of removal of the tub and a row of tile of another color would add some pizzazz to the bathroom.

[sibi1972]

Actually there's a few things of note to be done in the bathroom. One of them that leaves no apology or foul smell is to gut it and replace everything.

That's my advise. In for a penny, in for a pound.

"Red"

[FrankC]

We had a tub repainted in a house we owned several years ago in order to save the tiles as you are trying to do. Hopefully the technique has been improved and you get a painter that knows what he is doing, we were not happy with the results.

After a couple months the paint started to blister in spots and when we tried to contact the company they were no longer in business, so much for their warranty.

To make a long story short we ended up ripping everything out and installing a new tub and surround.

Sawdust Making 101
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[Postman]

My mom had this done several years ago. I think it was a glaze but don't remember for sure. It worked very well for her but she was the only person living in the house so that probably helped it last.