Any tips to repair this rusty bath tub?

[alice9]

Hi All,

I've just sold my apartment and need to repair this rust in the bath rub before settlement in 2 weeks.

It's a copper bath with enamel coating, as you can see in the pic, the coating is peeling off around the drain hole and there is some rust as well. Luckily no holes in the bath at this stage.

I'd like to know if any one has suggestions on what products to use?

I was planning to scrape back as much of the peeling enamel as possible and then treat the rust with "Bondall 250ml Ranex Rustbuster Rust Converter" that I already have at home.

What should I then cover the area with?

Many thanks!

Alice

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @alice9

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your query about tips to repair this rusty bathtub.

Because you have a copper tub repainting it is a viable idea. However, if you are planning on doing a cosmetic repair, I suggest getting a cotton bud and dipping it into the Bondall 250ml Ranex Rustbuster Rust Converter. Apply it to the rusted part of the tub and wait for it to activate. Wipe off the Rust Converter with a clean cloth before it dries. Before removing the flaky paint, consider that it will make the paint peel more obvious. 

I recommend using the PC-11 56g White Epoxy Paste to bridge the broken area of the paint to the edge of the bath waste. I suggest using a Pro Renovator 38mm Plastic Scraper to spread the paste. Break or bend off as little of the paint that has lifted and leave the rest. Please note that the PC-11 will dry white and will not be the same colour as your bath. 

If it becomes a point of contention, I suggest engaging the services of a bath resurfacing specialist. Unless you have the tools and experience, re-spraying your copper bath is an involved process. Please keep us updated, we look forward to seeing the bath repaired.

Let me tag our experienced members @TedBear and @Brad for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.  

Eric

[Brad]

Only extra I can think of is that you may be able to add some pigment to the epoxy to get a better colour match, not always an easy thing to do.

[alice9]

Hi @EricL & @Brad 

Thanks very much for the tips. My local Bunnings was sold out of the PC-11 56g White Epoxy Paste so I ended up going for the Selleys 50g Aqua Epoxy Putty Knead It as it was in stock.

I scraped back only as much paint as was already lifting off the bath, gave it a rough sand and then applied the rust converter. 

Then cleaned that up and sanded it a little again, wiped it down and applied the putty around the drain. Worked it so that the edge was flush with the waste drain and the rest was as smooth as possible.

Although the Selleys putty says it cures white, it was definitely grey! So back to Bunnings for some white enamel paint to cover it with. I sanded it back a touch (although not sure it did much as the putty sets so hard) and then ended up doing 3 coats to blend the putty into the bath.

I'm very happy with the result as I didn't want to have to send too much. Pics are attached and my buyer for the property is satisfied with the repair.

"dries white" apparently!after 3 coats of enamel paintpretty happy with the result

[MitchellMc]

Hi @alice9,

Thanks for your update on this project, and congrats on a job well done. I trust @Brad and @Eric will be especially pleased to know their advice assisted you in completing the work, allowing settlement to go ahead.

Where to now? A new property with many more exciting projects to complete?

Please feel free to reach out anytime you need assistance. We're here to help.

Mitchell