Restoration Project: Clawfoot Tub Feet

As I mentioned in yesterdays post we now have a clawfoot tub to replace the one stolen when this house was in foreclosure before we bought it. Of course that means more 'projects' and one of those projects is to restore the feet for our clawfoot tub.

These has been painted multiple times but were also a little pitted from moisture so after a good stripping with a orange based  non toxic stripper we then use a dremel tool to grind any paint off that was left and to remove any burrs or scratches in the Nickel. Yes that are nickle plate and while that would have been nice they just were not good enough finish wise to use and having them replated would be cost prohibitive. So we determined to keep with the classic motiff and paint/gild them.

Now we have the exterior of the tub to paint and stencil but that project is a ways off. I will keep you posted. Overall, when you compare the before and after, it is like night and day

Restoration Resources: Period Victorian Bath Fixtures

Finding a period clawfoot tub is realatively easy. You can find them online all the time as people 'modernize' their bathrooms and get rid of that old tub. Salvage shops always have them in stock but often without hardware or if it has any it need replating The problem has often been finding period fixtures to go with them.

Fortunately there are several manufacturers now reproducing historic fixtures. Sunrise specialty , http://www.sunrisespecialty.com/ , has been around for many years and offers a wide selection of old style hardware to finish your clawfoot project. Their  catalog is availale on line and seems to have most everything you need to to complete your project.

Coming soon we will  be showing you how to restore a clawfoot tub, AND, how to paint and stencil the exterior to make it a one of a kind  showstopper.