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can you tile a cast iron bathtub

by Alek Hamill MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If cast iron, then you'd have to use epoxy to set the tiles and then an epoxy grout. Cast iron expands and contracts in response to heat at a different rate than tile, so you need a strong, resilient adhesive.Jan 11, 2001

Full Answer

Can you put ceramic tile over a cast iron tub?

The top of the frame is called the tub deck, and many people choose to finish it with ceramic tile. In this scenario, the tile on the floor can meet the edge of the wood frame or extend beneath it, but not under the base of the tub. Contractors don’t typically install cast iron or acrylic tubs over tile.

Can You refinish a cast iron tub yourself?

Refinishing a cast iron tub yourself with a kit will keep your bathroom looking gorgeous without going over budget. Our 1970s bathroom had never been updated, including the cast iron tub. We were remodeling the bathroom ourselves and on a budget.

Should you tile under a freestanding tub?

It’s also generally easier to clean around a freestanding tub if you lave some space between the tub and the walls. If you have a soaker or pedestal tub, you can choose whether or not to tile under the whole tub. You could treat a soaker as an alcove tub and tile up to the edge of the base.

Are cast iron bathtubs worth the investment?

It’s also quite heavy and expensive. Cast iron tubs are a true investment. Made by pouring molten iron into a mold and covering that with thick, enameled porcelain, a cast iron tub is going to last a long, long time. 5.

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Can you tile over an old bathtub?

While you might think that regular thinset mortar or adhesive can be used, only epoxy will bond tile to plastic and metal surfaces, but, generally, a tub surround isn't an acceptable surface.

How do you update an old cast iron tub?

0:033:15How to Refurbish a Cast Iron Tub | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell the inside what we do is we wash it down with an acid solution and that gives the existingMoreWell the inside what we do is we wash it down with an acid solution and that gives the existing porcelain a facelift. It's going to clean the porcelain as well as provide a tooth a profile.

Is Reglazing a cast iron tub worth it?

The cast iron tub refinishing procedure also known as cast iron tub reglazing, not only is a viable alternative to replacement when the tub is old, stained, damaged, or simply doesn't look good anymore but has become the number one choice for contractors nowadays when they are hired by a homeowner to remodel a bathroom ...

How much does it cost to refinish a cast iron tub?

$350 to $500How much does it cost to refinish a cast iron tub? For an average cost of $350 to $500—a fraction of the $1,200 to $5,000 expense of a new cast-iron or steel tub installed—refinishers can make an antique fixture look brand new.

Can you refurbish a cast iron tub?

Painting over a cast iron tub can give new life and style to any bathroom. Whether the bathtub is rusted and peeling or simply in need of a refresh, it's important to plan each step in the process. Here's everything you need to know about repainting a cast iron tub so that it stays beautiful for years to come.

What can I do with an old cast iron tub?

The tub can be used as a planter, outdoor furniture, indoor furniture and many other transformations.Turn it into a planter in your garden. ... Transform it into an outdoor sofa. ... Transform it into a chaise lounge. ... Turn it into a couch. ... Upcycle it into a chair. ... Transform it into a coffee table and planter.More items...•

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace a tub?

Advantages: The cost of tub reglazing is lower than the cost of a full tub replacement or the cost of a new liner. The average cost is about $452, according to Angie's List. A refinished bathtub can last for about 20 years if you care for it properly, which can be longer than the lifespan of a brand-new bathtub.

What is the difference between reglazing and refinishing bathtub?

So the main difference between the "bathtub refinishing” and “bathtub reglazing” is that the former refers to the entire restoration project and the latter refers to the commercial coating applied at the end of the process.

Is it cheaper to refinish a bathtub or replace it?

Refinishing a tub can cost less than a third of replacement.

How long does Reglazing a tub last?

10-15 yearsThe short answer is that a professional reglaze will last 10-15 years. The long answer is that there are other factors in prolonging the glaze and finish of your bathtub. Refinishing helps protect the integrity of your bathtub.

How do you make an old bathtub look new?

0:031:03How can I make my old tub look new? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know if your tub is damaged all the needs repair it can be made to look new again by having aMoreYou know if your tub is damaged all the needs repair it can be made to look new again by having a tub liner installed or having it refinished. But if you need a brand new tub.

Can I resurface my bathtub myself?

There are professional services that specialize in this kind of refinishing, but there are also DIY kits that produce fairly good results. ​You can buy DIY kits that include epoxy resin with hardener, etching powder, latex gloves, steel wool, brush, cleaning solution, cleaner/thinner, and safety goggles.

What kind of paint do you use on a cast iron tub?

For a cast-iron or fiberglass tub, you can use acrylic urethane enamel, which may already come mixed for you, or you may have to mix it it, just depending on what kind of kit you purchased. For fiberglass tubs, you can also use a two-part epoxy paint instead of the acrylic.

What kind of paint do you use on cast iron?

Oil-based paint designed for use on metal is best for cast-iron items. Avoid using water-based paint made for wood on cast iron.

What kind of paint do you use on a clawfoot tub?

Apply: Paint at least two coats of exterior-grade latex paint in a satin or semigloss finish onto the exterior using a foam roller.

Can you're enamel a bath yourself?

Enameling the Tub Yourself You can re-enamel the tub yourself for approximately half the cost of what the pros may charge. Purchase a bathtub refinishing kit featuring a two-part enamel paint at your local hardware or home improvement store. Surface preparation is essential, as is close attention to safety issues.

Old Cast Iron Tub, Small Tile Flange, and Tiling Question

I am hoping to get some opinions on a fundamental tiling question, my situation, as well as my plan. I did post this to the bathroom forum months ago, but didn't get a response there so I thought maybe I put it in the wrong place. If I am out of line in trying the same question here, I apologize.

Comments (6)

Please post this on the bathroom forum on this site - there is a tile expert, Bill Vincent - just put calling Bill V in your subject line he always answers

What is the last step in a drop in tub?

The last step is to finish the row of tiles around the edges of the tub, on the sides and bottom. A drop-in tub rests on a wood frame around the tub along with a mortar base beneath it. The top of the frame is called the tub deck, and many people choose to finish it with ceramic tile. In this scenario, the tile on the floor can meet the edge ...

Can you put cast iron over tile?

Contractors don’t typically install cast iron or acrylic tubs over tile. All you need to do is tile the edge since you wouldn’t see tile underneath the tub anyway. Tile does not add any more water resistance to the tub area, either.

Can you put porcelain tile under a clawfoot tub?

You can also create a separate flooring area just for the tub to bring some contrast to the room. Porcelain is a popular tile to use under clawfoot tubs. Just be careful not to drag the tub as you install it because you could scratch the tiles. These tubs are heavy.

Can you tile a soaker tub?

You could treat a soaker as an alcove tub and tile up to the edge of the base. In that case, the tub would sit on a thin layer of mortar to raise it to the level of the tile. On the other hand, you could tile the entire floor and then install the tub on top of that. A clawfoot tub usually sits on tile since you can see the flooring under the tub.

Can you redo a bathroom tile?

It can also make the job of replacing your tiles easier later on. The next time you renovate your bathroom, you might not want to redo your tub as well. But if your tiles extended far beneath your tub, that’s what you’d have to do. In your installation process, you should put the backer board down and tile the floor and the backsplash around ...

Can an alcove tub sit on tile?

Alcove tubs aren’t meant to sit on top of tiles. They are meant to sit on the bathroom subfloor directly via support feet or mortar. The tub rests on metal shims to make it the same height as the tile, and the tile can help secure the front of the tub’s enclosure from coming up in the future as well. If the front of your tub is exposed, you can ...

Can you tile under a freestanding tub?

Here’s the bottom line: Don’t tile under a drop-in or alcove tub. That will make things unnecessarily complicated. But you can tile under a freestanding tub, and tile always looks great under a clawfoot tub.

How long does a cast iron tub last?

But says Diane Robbins, co-owner of the franchise that resurfaced Jackie's tub, with proper care and maintenance (nonabrasive and bleach-free cleaners only), a refinished cast-iron tub surface should last 15 to 20 years.

What kind of paint does Scott Ayers use on a bathtub?

Enveloped in a mist of paint, Scott Ayers sprays an acrylic urethane enamel over the bathtub’s damaged porcelain.

Who resurfaced the bathtub in Jackie Metropoulos' house?

That's what Jackie Metropoulos chose to do, and hired Scott Ayers, a technician for the Miracle Method franchise in Ludlow, Massachusetts, to resurface the old cast-iron bathtub in the 1919 house she and her husband, Matt, own in Longmeadow, Mass. Their second-floor bathroom has a mix of old charm and new shine, ...

Can you refinish a built in bathtub?

Refinishing may be the most practical way of restoring a built-in bathtub, but for those lucky enough to have a removable claw-foot tub or cast-iron sink, the dream has long been to give it a new finish that matches the hardness and durability of the old one.

How to refinish a cast iron bathtub yourself

With supplies in hand, we were ready to start refinishing our cast iron tub! In four simple steps we were able to make our tub beautiful again!

1. Prepping the surface

Before starting, your bathtub needs to be REALLY clean. It’s easy to want to skip over some of this prep work, but if you do the finish won’t turn out right. Ours was pretty grungy from over 40 years of use so we had a lot of bathtub cleaning to do!

2. Tape off the area

You’ll want to tape around the base of the tub and up around the sides so you don’t get the product on the floor or shower surround. Be sure to tape off the drain and fixtures, as well.

3. Applying the product

Open the can of refinisher and give it a gentle stir. Brush or roll on (using a lint-free roller) a thin first coat. Trust me on this one – you may be tempted to go thicker for fewer coats but that will cause the refinisher to run and you’ll have a lot of drip marks to deal with.

4. Curing and using the tub again

Once you’ve completed applying the refinisher, your bathtub needs to cure for 48 hours or more (depending on the level of humidity). Once it is fully cured and hard like a porcelain surface you can carefully remove all of the tape.

What wood is used for a bathtub?

Some of the woods you may select for a bathtub include African or Honduran teak, walnut, ash, cherry and maple. A bathtub is something you use frequently, and investing in durability is wise.

What materials are used in bathtubs?

Here are the nine common materials used in bathtubs: Fiberglass. Porcelain over steel. Acrylic. Cast iron. Solid-surface. Cast polymer.

What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a bathtub?

Before making your decision, consider this other important factor: the materials the bathtub is made with. Material affects appearance, durability, heat retention and more, so it’s a significant factor in your long-term ...

Is acrylic tubing waterproof?

Acrylic is a durable material that comes in plenty of design options, but it is a little more expensive than fiberglass or enameled steel and can scratch with the use of certain cleaners. In a bathtub, acrylic sheeting is molded into shape and reinforced with fiberglass for a strong, waterproof surface.

Is a solid surface bathtub durable?

They are durable and efficient, but also heavy and relatively expensive. Due to the newness of solid surface materials, it may be harder to find information or even place an order. Comprising synthetic, polymeric materials, solid-surface bathtubs are available in a wide range of design types. Pros: Design variation.

Is ceramic tile good for bare skin?

Further, the unevenness of multiple, individual tiles and grout could be uncomfortable on bare skin.

Is cast polymer better than fiberglass?

Cast polymers, such as cultured marble, granite or onyx, area relatively affordable and easy to maintain, but they can be brittle (slightly better than fiberglass) and develop cracks that can’t be prepared.

Can water get behind tile?

The upside is obviously the convenience, but the risk is that unless the grout is sealed properly (and stays properly sealed!), there’s a chance water could get behind the tile and that would weaken its hold, as well as possibly lead to mold issues.

Is tile board waterproof?

Other types of tile board are made specifically to be waterproof, and those are also used by their specific brand names rather than the generic. Luckily, I caught my mistake before the waterproofing began, and wound up tearing out the brand-new drywall to replace it with even brandier-newer cement board.

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1.can you tile on a cast iron tub? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3170562/can-you-tile-on-a-cast-iron-tub

22 hours ago Seal it to the flange. Add your cement board. Now what you eventually want is for your tile to overhang the bottom edge of the cement board so the tile "covers" the face of your flange. To throw some silly numbers out as an example, if your flange was 3/4" thick and you used 1/2" cement board, the bottom edge of the bottom course of wall tile ...

2.Old Cast Iron Tub, Small Tile Flange, and Tiling Question

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2586281/old-cast-iron-tub-small-tile-flange-and-tiling-question

34 hours ago  · 2. Tape off the area. You’ll want to tape around the base of the tub and up around the sides so you don’t get the product on the floor or shower surround. Be sure to tape off the drain and fixtures, as well. 3. Applying the product. Open the …

3.Tile Under Tub: Should You Do It? - Kitchen Cabinet Kings …

Url:https://kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/tile-under-tub-should-you-do-it/

11 hours ago Cast iron and glass expand at greatly different rates, so every time you fill the tub for a long hot soak, you will be breaking the bond between the tub and tile. Even if it sticks, you have the problem with mounting the overflow and drain (or merging the tile with them and making it look like something other that a Cub Scout* craft project).

4.How to Refinish a Cast Iron Tub - This Old House

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015122/refinish-your-cast-iron-tub

2 hours ago  · Solid-surface. Cast polymer. Ceramic tile. Stone. Wood. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each one, and by the end, you’ll be armed with the information you need to choose the best bathtub for your home. 1. Fiberglass. Fiberglass is easy to install and maintain, but is among the least durable of bathtub materials.

5.How to refinish a cast iron tub yourself (for less than $50)

Url:https://www.realhomes.com/us/advice/how-to-refinish-a-cast-iron-tub-diy

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6.How to tile DIRECTLY to bathtub - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTNY1n8xj_o

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