Clawfoot tubs are some of the most sought after bathroom fixtures. Whether restoring a Victorian home or adding a beautiful touch of the past into a new home.  Many people love these old tubs; they are great for soaking in.  They are deeper than a standard tub and because they're made of cast iron coated with porcelain, they hold the heat of the hot water for a long time.  Many new homes are incorporating clawfoot tubs into the master bath with a separate walk in shower, thus having the best of both worlds. 

We can reglaze the tub you own, or if your looking for one try local antique stores, salvage yards, local barnyards, auctions, local newspapers ads.  When purchasing a clawfoot tub for restoration, don't worry if the outside is rusty etc. it gets sand blasted anyway. Also chips in the porcelain and erosion around the drain, don't worry about that, it can be repaired with fiberglass.  The main thing to look for in purchasing a tub for reglazing is that is has all four feet. 

RESTORATION PROCESS: Many tubs come to us with many layers of old peeling paint and rust from years of sitting outside in the environment.  Thus the first step is to have the feet and the outside of the tub sandblasted and immediately primed. (We use the professionals at "Quality Sandblasting" for this stage of the process.) 

The porcelain is then etched using hydroflouric acid.  This deep cleans and chemically sands the porcelain to accept the finish.  Chips, nicks, pinholes and worn away porcelain at the overflow and drain are repaired using fiberglass filler.  The tub interior is then primed using a clear epoxy adhesive primer, then primed again using a white epoxy primer.  After a final inspection for pinholes the tub is tacked out for dust and the finish coats of acrylic urethane are applied, producing a smooth, hard finish that will last for many years.

We also restore sinks for your vintage restoration project.

Here is an interesting project brought to us from Ohio. It it a tub from approxametly 1850's. The porcelain was extremely bad and falling off. The tub also had a 16" crack right down the middle. Here is the photo story:

Are you looking for a tub? 

 We often have a supply of clawfoot tubs and sinks available for sale.  Give us a call for current availability at (616) 534-0818.

 You can also call The Heritage Salvage Supply, located in Kalamazoo, MI.               (269) 385-1004