How to Refinish a Claw-Foot Tub This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to save an old, but elegant, cast-iron bathtub In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to save an old, but elegant, cast-iron bathtub. 1. If the outside of the tub has been painted, use a paintbrush to apply a thick coat of paint stripper to the surface. 2. Once the stripper has softened the paint, scrape off the paint and stripper using a 3-inch-wide putty knife. 3. While wearing a dual-cartridge respirator, brush a thin coat of hydrofluoric acid over the entire interior of the tub. The acid will etch the surface, ensuring a good bond with the new epoxy finish. 4. While waiting for the acid to etch the tub, use small files, dental picks and sandpaper to clean all paint and grime from the tub's claw feet. 5. About 30 minutes after applying the hydrofluoric acid, scrub clean the interior of the tub with lots of water and paper towels.

6. Repair chipped enamel by first using a rotary tool fitted with a grinding stone to grind away any black carbon stains and to rough up the enamel around the perimeter of the damaged area. 7. Wipe the repair clean of all dust, and then fill the chipped area with auto-body filler. 8. Allow the filler to harden, then sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper, followed by 320-grit sandpaper. 9. Use a high-velocity, low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer to apply three coats of epoxy primer to the interior and exterior surfaces of the tub. Wait for the primer to dry completely before proceeding. 10. Use the HVLP sprayer to apply an epoxy topcoat to the interior and exterior of the tub. Allow the epoxy to fully cure before moving the tub or installing the faucet, spout and other hardware. See Products and Services from This VideoSee More AboutSoaker tubsSmall bathroom remodelingRemodeling costs Soaker tubs are part of the dream home and owning a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the aroma, sensation and relaxation of a good soaker tub.

While small bathrooms certainly make it difficult, there are special soaker tubs on the market designed for smaller bathrooms. What they lose in depth or width, they make up in both comfort and price.Asian Leopard Cat Taxonomy To accommodate your small bathroom, the following eight small tubs are five feet long (or less) and cost less than $1,000. Used Furniture Stores Calhoun GaWhile the average price to install a bathtub is $2,300, these specialty-designed soaker tubs will surely cost less, even if you hire a professional.Budget Blinds Salem Va Undoubtedly, one of the best brands on the market is Kohler, so it’s no surprise that a few of their models would fall on our list of soaker tubs designed for small bathrooms. Kohler’s Archer Soaker comes with lumbar arches within the tub to fit your body’s natural figure.

In addition to its beveled edges and curved base, the Archer comes with a lower wall to step over, great for kids and the elderly. To make up for the height, you can purchase an extra overflow attachment to ensure no water makes its way out of the tub. The tub measures 19” high, 32” wide and 60” long. While taller adults may not be able to fit most of their body below, many will enjoy resting away in this deep soaker. According to Kohler, you can buy the Archer soaker for $845, but as low as $634 on Amazon. If you’re thinking of taking your small bathroom remodel to the next level, please see 8 Small Bathroom Designs You Should Copy. Kohler’s Expanse is another hot Kohler tub designed for small baths across the globe. The curved basin and integral apron add a sense of elegance to your bathroom. With its 60”x30”x17” dimensions, much like the Archer above, the Expanse tub lets you stretch out and forget your daily struggles as you wash away in your gentle, yet compact tub.

While it’s modern design lends itself to contemporary or modern homes, many designers have found ways to integrate these great soakers in more traditional remodels. Kohler lists the Expanse at $913, but eFaucets lists a price of $685. The final Kohler soaker great for tiny bathrooms is its Soissons line. This cast iron tub comes in at 59”x27.5”x16.75”. The narrow footprint and clean lines make it ideal for skinny bathrooms, but it stills gives you the relaxing aroma of a soaker tub. The polished finish, along with its cast iron material, drive the cost up to $1,240 (comes with adjustable pop-up drain), but eFaucets lists the small soaker at $931. The Villager is one of Kohler’s most popular soaker tubs with all the bells and whistles that come with their larger tubs. The cast iron design, along with its 60”x30.25”x14” dimensions, allow for extra room to stretch out and soak for hours. Given its dimensions, some homeowners may not be able to install the Villager, but it’s $379 price tag on Home Depot is certainly a welcomed benefit.

Unlike the Kohler brands above, American Standard’s Colony Whirlpool is built from acrylic, reinforced with fiberglass. The tub sits at five feet long, but comes with six jets and even a 1.25 HP motor to deliver a relaxing massage right in your own home. While the drain is not included, the price listed on Home Depot is $759. Traditional fans rejoice, as the Standard Collection tub is the perfect 1920’s inspired bathtub ideal for small bathrooms across the country. Much like the Whirlpool line mentioned above, the Standard comes with a generous backrest, is made from acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement and an integral apron. The Standard measures 60”x32”x20” which is well aligned with many of the tubs mentioned in this article. American Standard’s Standard Collection tub is listed as low as $866. The final American Standard, the Evolution, comes in at 60"x32”x 21.5”, a little deeper than the previous two tubs. The evolution comes with all the same features, including dual armrests for added comfort and is listed at $859.