How to update a cast-iron bath at home is of interest to many, as over time it becomes unusable, the enamel becomes thinner, rust spots, chips and stains appear on it. When the best abrasive cleaners fail to fix the problem, most owners decide to change equipment.
However, plumbing fixtures are quite expensive, so many are starting to look for alternative options related to updating an old bath. This allows you to give it an attractive look and extend its service life.
Features of cast iron bathtub
Cast iron bathtubs were designed to last about 10-15 years. However, it is worth noting that they were installed back in the days of the Soviet Union, many of them have a rather unattractive appearance. By itself, the cast-iron bathtub is quite heavy and, depending on the size, has a weight of 80-100 kg.
It was made of high quality cast iron, and the enamel was applied according to certainstandards. Modern sanitary containers are very inferior in quality to Soviet designs. Therefore, their dismantling is not always convenient and expedient.
In Soviet bathtubs, under damaged enamel, a solid structure that has not undergone deformation has been perfectly preserved, so it can be restored.
Is it worth restoration
After many years of use, even the best bathtub acquires a rather unattractive appearance. From contact with poor-quality water, yellowness and rusty streaks appear on it, and cracks, scuffs and chips form from the carelessness of users.
However, it is worth noting that all these problems are only superficial, which is why many are wondering how to update an old cast-iron bathtub, since it is more rational to restore it than to replace it with a new one.
Replacing an old bath is accompanied not only by significant financial costs, but also by rather tedious activities, namely:
- dismantling an old plumbing fixture;
- purchase and delivery of a new product;
- remodeling the bathroom.
Given all this, we can definitely say that the restoration of a cast-iron bath is a completely justified and economical move, especially since you can do the whole procedure yourself.
How profitable is restoration
A radical method is to replace the plumbing tank, which is why many are interested in how to update a cast-iron bath inat home, as it is less expensive. First of all, you need to carry out all the required calculations.
Initially, you need to sum up the cost of an ordinary bath, add the cost of delivery, including loading and transportation. Dismantling of old equipment and installation of new ones are carried out independently or you can contact a special company. Also, the cost should include the replacement of damaged wall and floor coverings. That is why it is worth saying for sure that installing a new bathtub is quite costly and troublesome.
Therefore, many people think about how to update a cast-iron bath at home, as this is a more budget option, because you just need to purchase finishing material. A competent approach to this issue guarantees a very good result, and also makes it possible to save additional money.
Methods of restoration
A new white bath begins to lose its appeal over time. Its surface becomes rough, gloss disappears, and smudges and yellowness form. This creates the need to replace plumbing. However, a complete renovation and the purchase of a new bathtub is a rather costly undertaking. The easiest way to update a cast-iron bath with your own hands. The most popular repair methods are:
- two-component enamel treatment;
- poly-acrylic coating;
- mounting the acrylic liner.
Each of these methods has its own specific features. Bathtub enameling is considered the most affordable option. It can be used to eliminateyellowness, roughness, small scratches and rust. Enameling is not suitable for major defects such as:
- presence of chips;
- flaking coating;
- deep scratches.
There are certain pros and cons to enameling an old bathtub. The main advantages include such as:
- affordable price;
- Enamel layer does not reduce bath size;
- no removal of the siphon and tiles on the sides is required for restoration.
However, there are certain disadvantages, which should be attributed to such as:
- if the application is of poor quality, brush marks may remain;
- drying time;
- does not mask very large damage;
- coverage up to 5 years.
Recently, bulk acrylic has become very popular, which is applied to the walls by uniform flow without a brush. This method has a number of advantages, which should be attributed to:
- bath will not turn yellow over time;
- corrosion resistant coating;
- material is suitable for restoration of various bathtubs;
- no smudges on the surface;
- restoration does not require dismantling of the bathtub;
- acrylic is breathable;
- service life is 15 years;
- coating resistant to chipping and other damage;
- acrylic retains heat well.
However, it is worth noting that such coverage also has certain disadvantages, which should be attributed to:
- drain dismantling required before processing;
- acrylic repeats all the irregularities of the bowl;
- coating does not tolerate high temperatures;
- long drying period.
It is worth noting that when using low-quality acrylic and non-compliance with the finishing technology, bubbles may form. This may cause the coating to warp.
The most expensive method of restoration is the installation of an acrylic liner. Basically, it is made to order, strictly according to the parameters of the product. Installation is not recommended to be carried out independently, since any mistake significantly reduces the life of the bath. This approach has certain pros and cons. Key benefits include:
- quick install;
- opportunity to hide existing defects;
- unpretentious care;
- smooth finish.
The disadvantage of this method is the high cost of the acrylic liner, reducing the volume of the bowl, the difficulty of doing the work yourself. In addition, before carrying out the restoration, it is necessary to remove the adjacent tiles.
Surface preparation
It is important to know exactly not only how to update a cast-iron bath at home, but also how to carry out the preparatory work. There is no difficulty, however, the entire subsequent result depends on the correctness of their implementation.
Initially, you need to degrease and wash the bath, as the presence of fat can create big problems. Its presence leads to poor adhesion.all materials used. The new coating will wear out very quickly.
The cleaning process is quite lengthy and should be carried out as carefully as possible. It involves the use of potent chemicals that contain acids. All subsequent steps are performed only when the surface is completely dry.
After removing dirt and grease, the surface is sanded to make it as rough as possible, which will increase adhesion. This whole process is carried out using a special nozzle on the drill. It is best to take a soft brush. In addition, ordinary sandpaper is suitable for cleaning.
Special attention should be paid to areas with rust. In this case, stripping is carried out up to the metal base. After all the work done, the bath must be washed again. Disconnect the container from the drain hole to avoid clogging.
Acrylic finish
Many people are interested in how to update a cast-iron bathtub with acrylic. Reviews of this method deserved very good. It is also called bulk. Acrylic is more durable than enamel and is also warmer for added comfort. To update a cast-iron bathtub with acrylic, it is not applied with a roller and brush, but is poured evenly on the surface.
In application, this material is much more convenient, so there will definitely not be streaks and streaks. Acrylic tends to spread evenly and absolutely anyone will cope with this task. To update the bath, you need to purchase liquid acrylic and a hardener that comes withincluded.
When performing the procedure, you must clearly follow the instructions, namely:
- wash the surface from existing contaminants;
- grind with a grinding wheel or sandpaper;
- wash debris off the surface;
- treat rust;
- repair chips with automotive putty;
- degrease the surface with solvent.
Then dismantle the drain hole and overflow, substitute a container under them. Dilute acrylic with hardener according to the instructions on the package. Gradually pour the resulting liquid onto the sides of the tub until a full circle is obtained.
You need to carefully distribute the liquid near the junction with the tile. Then continue to pour the product from the middle of the height of the walls. When the entire surface is filled with acrylic, let it dry according to the instructions. It usually takes 1-4 days.
It is worth remembering that after mixing acrylic with a hardener, it is suitable for use for 1 hour. It is worth noting that working with acrylic requires some skill, as it is important to get an even layer without streaks.
Applying enamel
Many are wondering how to update the enamel of a cast-iron bath with their own hands, as this is the most budget option. Unlike the procedure for pouring acrylic, this method does not require the dismantling of the overflow and drain hole.
The main components of this material are: epoxy resin, hardener, and some auxiliary components.
Enameling is the application of enamel paint with a natural brush. In addition, some types of paint are available in the form of aerosols, which are very convenient to spray on the surface of the bath and thus a very uniform layer is obtained. However, such tools are mainly used for local repair and elimination of minor defects.
If you treat the entire surface of the bath with an aerosol, it will become spotty. In addition, the aerosol contains a large amount of solvent, so the coating will be less durable.
To renew the enamel of a cast-iron bath, you need to perform preliminary preparation. After that, you can proceed to the procedure itself, which consists of several stages, namely:
- mix base and hardener;
- start applying paint with a hard flat brush;
- you need to move from the sides to the walls, and from the walls to the bottom;
- movements need to be alternated and done in different directions;
- after applying the first layer, immediately proceed to the second;
- after full dyeing, pour a little paint on the bottom and spread it evenly over the surface.
After the procedure, you need to make sure that there are no smudges left. If they appeared within 15 minutes, then you need to pull them out with a brush, moving to the bottom from the sides. It is necessary to leave the product to dry completely for at least 5 days or a week. Thus, you can quickly and easily update the enamel of a cast-iron bath. It is advisable to carry out the restoration in a dry, warm time.of the year. During the drying period, open all windows. Children and pets should not be at home.
Acrylic liner
Answering the question of how to update an old cast-iron bathtub, we can say for sure that it all depends on the characteristics and nature of the damage. If there are significant problems, the procedures for applying enamel or acrylic processing may not bring the desired result. In order not to change the old bath, the restoration must be carried out using an insert.
Acrylic liner gets very good feedback from users. How to renovate a cast iron bath using this method is a must to know in order to get a very good final result. To select a pallet or an order, it is necessary to take measurements correctly. Answering the question of how to update a cast-iron bathtub with an acrylic liner, we can definitely say that this process consists of several stages, namely:
- preparatory activities;
- liner markup;
- montage.
During the preparation, it is necessary to dismantle the side and tiles adjacent to the bathroom, remove the drain and overflow of water. Then you need to clean and degrease the surface.
When the entire preparatory process is completed, you need to mark up the insert. To do this, place the insert in the bath, mark the edges of the sides and the area for fixing the strapping. If necessary, cut it around the perimeter and prepare all the technical holes.
It is very important to understand exactly and know how to update a cast-iron bathtub with acrylicinsert. Reviews of this method of restoration have earned the most positive, as it is possible to achieve a better result. Installing an acrylic liner involves the following steps:
- re-degreasing the surface;
- applying foam around the drain and overflow hole;
- covering the side with foam around the perimeter;
- mounting the pallet.
Then you need to press down the liner, remove the excess foam that came out of the drain hole, and then mount the drains and fill the tub with water. It is worth noting that the installation of the strapping must be done very carefully. A bolt that is too tight can cause the bearing to crack. If the fasteners are not good enough, then water will accumulate between the coatings. This coating is the most demanding in terms of technology, which is why it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
Knowing how to update an old cast-iron bath, you can choose the best option for yourself, which is completely suitable for all requests.
Correction of minor defects
How to resurface a cast iron bathtub is of interest to many, as it is a more economical option than replacing it. If the defects are small and single, then they can be masked locally without resorting to a full restoration. By following all the recommendations of specialists, you can restore damaged areas as soon as possible.
If there are through holes, you can repair such a crack with epoxy resin, and apply a reinforcing mixture on top. Restoration will requirespecial repair kit.
If there are chips and scratches, you need to carry out the following procedure to eliminate defects:
- treatment of the area with a rust converter;
- powder surface cleaning;
- degreasing the surface with acetone;
- applying car putty and sanding;
- painting.
How best to update a cast-iron bath, everyone decides on their own, taking into account existing defects and damage.
Features of cleaning the bathtub
You can update a cast-iron bath in a variety of ways, they deserve both positive and negative reviews, since each of them has certain pros and cons. It is important not only to know how to carry out restoration, but also how to maintain an attractive and aesthetic appearance of plumbing.
Enamel and acrylic coatings are quite susceptible to abrasive substances, so you need to choose the softest possible cleaner. It is important to exclude products containing ammonia, chlorine, acetone, and other aggressive components.
After cleaning the surface, it must be washed with plenty of water. It is undesirable to bathe pets in the bathroom, as their claws leave scratches.
Do not allow rust to form on the metal elements of plumbing, as enamel and acrylic absorb yellowness, which is difficult to remove.
Full restoration of the bath is a rather complicated process that requires certain skills. In the absence of experience, the probability is very higherrors. That is why everything must be done very carefully.
