Silver Clawfoot Tub and Shower
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Dear Sharon,
I love the silver clawfoot tub represented in a bathroom photo on your website GO-Cottage.com
I am looking to paint my pedestal tub silver, too. Can you please tell me how you did that, what color/type of paint you used, and any additional prep work that you found necessary? Thank you in advance for your assistance! Sincerely,
Lesly Adams
San Diego, CA
Hi Lesly,
Thanks for the call and questions. I’m very happy that you like our claw foot tubs. you’re probably the 5th person that has called or written me about them. in a nutshell, when refurbishing your claw foot tub
1. make sure to clean the tub inside out. if the tub is very dirty or has rust on it try using bleach as well as rust removal. here’s some advice below.
On the tub, sink, ceramic tile, or toilet, wet Pumice Scouring Stick, a pumice bar, and rub the iron stain. Caution: Do not use this pumice stick on the ceramic glass found on cookware or ceramic cooktops, as it will scratch the surface. A paste of borax and lemon juice also is effective on iron stains. Rub the paste into the stain and allow it to dry. Rinse with clear water, then repeat if necessary. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth
2. Paint – you can either silver leaf the tub or spray paint the tub with silver paint. silver leafing is much harder and takes longer to do but looks great. you can get the silver leaf at any art store. spray paint is easier and quicker and also works great. go to any paint store for the spray and ask for “silver or metallic.” doesn’t really matter what brand you buy. if they have different ones buy a couple and do a test on a small space underneath or in the back first to make sure it works. make sure to read the instructions and go for it.
3. After it is thoroughly dry spray on a finishing spray or lacquer of some sort. ask for it at your store.
4. make sure and buy excellent fixtures/faucets, etc. for your tub. spending a little more will enhance the tub and make it sparkle like brand new. here’s a great link to check out for everything you need. www.vintagetub.com
hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let me know. good luck with your tub! best,
sharon