How to Refinish an Antique Tub | This Old House

Richard Trethewey learns the process of refinishing a claw-foot bathtub.

Richard Trethewey travels to New Bedford, MA, to see the claw-foot tub undergoing restoration.

About This Old House TV:This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Refinish an Antique Tub | This Old House

[IntegraDIY]

Would’ve been nice to see the finished product

[nikkolaus]

I'm never in my life going to refinish an antique tub, but these videos are so awesome that you can't just not watch it!

[Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

😂 he's like "yeah, you can help later....with the lifting..."

[borys]

Richard was so happy when he finally had a chance to help out. U can tell the other guy is a straight up introvert.

[dirtyhairy]

Love those antique tubs. Great restoration and video, gents!🇺🇸💯👊👍👍

[rogerbettencourt]

I love watching someone good at what they do. Excellent work sir!

[Mihogan]

"Maybe Later" occurs at 2:33

[rupe]

I have to laugh when Rich lifts up the air mask to see better! The guy really needs better ventilation to shoot epoxy paint.

[jasonshaw]

We refinished ours the exact same way.

[jacksplumbingvideos]

2:34 well that guy was right. now richard got to help.

[holliewoody]

How’d you fix the porcelain cracks around the drain?

[augustreil]

I had one in an apartment and every tenant hated getting in and out and cleaning all around it. It took 3 shower curtains and a ceiling mounted shower curtain rod to contain the water from the shower. I eventually gave it away and it was in perfect condition and over 90yrs old, Huge decorative claw feet and still no one wanted to pay even 10 bucks for it. That thing worked and sucked, all at the same time.

[csuzy]

How do I prep the outside / old paint- rust if I don't have a sandblaster? My inside is ok-

[sharkysmachine]

Rich: What you like me to do?
Tub Doctor: Have a seat in my waiting room.

[Robertodababy]

wow, shooter mcgavin is reglazing tubs now.

[helenplanchak]

Is there anyone in Pittsburgh PA that does this?

[jimmiedow]

How does an epoxy/urethane coating like this compare to the original porcelain enamel for durability?

[katmom]

How much does it cost to reglaze a tub? We have one, but it is to the floor and no feet.

[xoxooxox]

I want to know: having a g/f that dyes her hair, will that stain the new finish? And do they do mobile (my tub ain't coming out of that 50's bath)?

[ILikeFreedomYo]

I don't know anything more revealing about our degraded consumer expectations then standing in a modern tub.