Replace or refinish 1950s pink cast iron tub

11 years ago

I am remodeling and updating my upstairs bathroom. This room will be gutted to the studs to update all plumbing and electric. I was first going to just replace the tub to complete the remodel and update everything in the bathroom. Now I'm thinking of just refinishing and putting up a new tile surround. The tub is in great shape just some rusting.

What would be best for a bathtub that will not be used much(2-3 times a month) but will look best in this room?

Featured Answer

Tim Purdie

11 years ago

I would recommend new. The house I have has two refinished tubs like this one and they were done well but they still feel old and the plumbing drain doesn't really keep up compared to a modern insert. I would recommend going with a luxury shower insert in glass instead if you have the room.

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Comments (11)

Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
unless you love the pink tub now is the time to replace it with white. not beige or ivory or blue or green. Just Do It. unless you like it, and then be wedded to it for another 30 years. but "some rust" would be the tipping point for me even if the pink wasnt.
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jacipund
11 years ago
Refinish! That tub is history and totally awesome. I'd remove the shower door and hang a curtain you can pull aside to show it off.
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
LEAVE in pink if possible. otherwise re-glaze it.
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
you can sell the pink sink very well. go to

thttp://savethepinkbathrooms.com
jbryan21
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone, I just wanted to state that I'm not staying with a pink tub. It will be a Koehler archer tub or refinishing this pink one a white color.
jbryan21
Original Author
11 years ago
This is the signs of rust
jbryan21
Original Author
11 years ago
Or it could just be the hard water from the well
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago

If it's in good shape I love the idea of keeping it and showing it off...retro is in! We just had another client ask for style tips on keeping her mustard toilet and sink. Our design team can make some suggestions. Ask a free question here, http://www.decorist.com/questions/ and we'll send you a design board +clickable shopping list. Good luck! Post when complete. Can't wait to see...
PRO
Porcelain Industries
11 years ago
We can refinish the tub, surround, and sink. It is more cost effective than replacing and is completed in one day. We can remove the shower door tracks and repairs holes in surround from removal. Contact office for pricing. Thank you, Rachel
PRO
Doiron Professional Remodeling
11 years ago
As much as the tub looks great on the face of it, that rust is not a small amount. After all this time, there could be a lot going on under the tub. And removing those rails from the old shower door is almost impossible without hurting the porcelain. The layout of the bathroom was probably quite the thing back when it was originally done, but it is very dated now. I say, tear it out, get the plumbing up to snuff, and have fun with the new products that are out there. Nothing is like it once was years ago, and unfortunately, houses are "breathing" things. Their joints and muscles wear out too. Also, we live differently today and the bathroom's use is different too. You will be much happier if you get down to "bare bones" and have fun designing your new bath with regard to how you use it today.