by Brian Taylor Clark » Tue May 24, 2011 1:29 pm
You really only have two options, electrostatic painting and a d.i.y. kit they sell at Lowes/Home Depot.
Either one lets off a noxious, intoxicating odor (not in a good way:) ), but obviously doing it yourself you're forced to be hovering over it when applying. The DIY kit has a few steps, sanding, neutralizing, and etching if I remember correctly, prior to finishing. The kit is about $40-50 and comes with all you need including foam roller. It turned out really well, but is was part of a renovation for resale, so I never returned to see how it held up.
The other option is electrostatic. I've used Bowles many times to do it, both regular tubs and clawfoot. My cost hovered around $300, with regular tubs cheaper than clawfoot. Turns out nice, seems to be a better hardened enamel when finished. Again I've never seen them years down the road. You CANNOT put rubber mats down on either of these surfaces after this as it will leave permanent marks on tub.
If you're looking to make it look better and just get you down the road, those kits would be my suggestion. (i.e. you plan on remodeling/selling soon). Heck, you could do it 6 times for the price of Bowles once! I will say Bowles did a nice job though. Did I mention how bad the smell is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If DIY, set up serious positive ventilation, it's like oil based paint X10.
Brian Taylor Clark
Real Estate Agent-Semonin Realtors-502-558-1441
Specializing in Investment Property/Client Sales in the Highlands, Germantown, Crescent Hill, and St. Matthews