I live in an old apartment building (not sure when exactly it was
built). The bathtub is oriented in a corner and both the shower head
and tub faucet are the center of the tub, horizontally. That is, not
normally, where the spout is at the end. Anyway, the tub is porcelain
and after a bleaching to remove everyday dirt from showering I re-noticed
(I knew it was there) a stain in the tub. It is a black/blueish stain
that runs from directly under the tub faucet into the drain.
I have tried a serious number of products and attempts to get this
off(BKF, Comet, Zupo or Zepo?, SOS PADs, Iron Out, Lime Away and
clorox.) My Expectations of the answer are merely that the stains
lighten or react. E.G. I have a method that actually could eventually
get them up. As of now, they are totally unstirred. If anything, the
tub looks worse for my
attempting to clean it.
They do not need to be entirely removed. However, If you help me
get my bathtub white (or close) I will happily tip well. I cannot rest
until the stain is gone! |
Request for Question Clarification by
sublime1-ga
on
25 Feb 2006 14:00 PST
purpzey...
I'm suspecting that what you are identifying as a stain may
not be one. Many tubs consist of a porcelain surface on top
of a metal foundation. What you are seeing may be the result
of the faucet having had an unrepaired leak for a long time,
previous to your moving in, which may have thinned the porcelain
surface to such an extent that you're now seeing the color of
the metal underneath beginning to show through.
This would fit with your description that it seems to be
getting worse with attempts to remove it. You may be further
wearing down the remaining thin layer of porcelain which is
covering the metal.
A better approach might be to use some kind of product which
will resurface that area of the tub, adding a layer and
covering the color that is showing through.
Let me know where this takes you...
sublime1-ga
|
Clarification of Question by
purpzey-ga
on
25 Feb 2006 14:37 PST
Obviously it wouldn't just be paint. . .I live right near a home depot
that is open until 12 EST so, if you give a name or an idea as to what
I'm looking for perhaps I can pick it up and give it shot...Obviously
I've got not too much better to do in the first place...=)
|
Clarification of Question by
purpzey-ga
on
25 Feb 2006 14:40 PST
I just felt the darkest part of the stain and it definately appears to
be sort of a "valley"...I think you may have diagnosed it properly.
The porcelain may just be worn down to the metal (as if I knew that
before you told me). Anyway, let me know about a product or something
of that nature. I know this isn't a "chat" type thing , but if you see
this, I am headed out for about an hour so anytime after that most
likely I could pick up this item.
|
purpzey...
Since you've confirmed my diagnosis, I'll go ahead and repost
my input as a formal answer here, for the sake of future readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------
I'm suspecting that what you are identifying as a stain may
not be one. Many tubs consist of a porcelain surface on top
of a metal foundation. What you are seeing may be the result
of the faucet having had an unrepaired leak for a long time,
previous to your moving in, which may have thinned the porcelain
surface to such an extent that you're now seeing the color of
the metal underneath beginning to show through.
This would fit with your description that it seems to be
getting worse with attempts to remove it. You may be further
wearing down the remaining thin layer of porcelain which is
covering the metal.
A better approach might be to use some kind of product which
will resurface that area of the tub, adding a layer and
covering the color that is showing through.
---
One such product is available from RefinishingOnline:
http://www.refinishingonline.com/porcelain.htm
I'm not certain whether Home Depot carries such a product.
Ah! A search on Home Depot for 'bathtub porcelain repair'
turns up the following results:
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0384058065.1140918720@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfiaddhdljgdjecgelceffdfgidgim.0&MID=9876
So, something along those lines seems your best bet.
I've had no experience working with such products,
so I can't give you any pointers about achieving the
best results.
sublime1-ga
Additional information may be found from an exploration of
the links resulting from the Google searches outlined below.
Searches done, via Google:
bathtub porcelain repair
://www.google.com/search?q=bathtub+porcelain+repair |
Request for Answer Clarification by
purpzey-ga
on
25 Feb 2006 19:33 PST
Whether I use a kit or do it myself e.g. (sandpaper, enamel etc.) In
your opinion do you think that it will look better...e.g. Will I end
up with one small portion of the tub that is discolored from the rest?
or will it actually fill in and it will be fairly unnoticeable?
I realize this is not neccessarily an answer that you can say "It will
do this for sure...etc." I do not hold you responsible for the results
at all. . .
In short, I guess my question is, is it worth doing or will it just
look like I tried to cover something up? Just, it seems to me it will
be a clear color difference the tub is (or was at one time, white) at
this time it is a little darker "off-white"
|
Clarification of Answer by
sublime1-ga
on
25 Feb 2006 21:44 PST
purpzey...
As I noted, I've had no direct experience with these products,
so I've never seen a finished result. If the new color doesn't
precisely match the old, it may still be less obvious than the
current discoloration at a distance, and, of course, the other
option would be to apply a finishing coat to the entire tub if
the patchwork approach is too obvious. You'd certainly have a
feel, after using the patchwork approach, as to whether that
seems feasible to you.
Then again, you said you live in an old apartment building. If
you are renting, perhaps the landlord should be consulted about
his willingness to provide repairs, or authorize yours.
More research indicates that the do-it-yourself approach with
the kits may give results that don't last very long, especially
if it's in an area, as yours is, which is constantly being
struck by water. Professional refinishing may cost as much as
a new tub, and even a professional can leave runs and such.
The consensus for both the professional and DIY approaches is
that the results will depend entirely on the skill of the
worker doing the job. If you're a rookie, like me, you should
either do a lot of reading beforehand, and maybe practice on
a junkyard tub, or consider finding a pro who can show you
work he's done with previous customers.
These two pages from the DoItYourself forum will give you a
better idea:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=252033
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=251897
You might decide you're better off learning to live with
your current situation.
sublime1-ga
Additional searches done, via Google:
porcelain bathtub ~refinishing OR ~repair opinion OR review
://www.google.com/search?q=porcelain+bathtub+%7Erefinishing+OR+%7Erepair+opinion+OR+review
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
purpzey-ga
on
26 Feb 2006 12:02 PST
Ok, fair enough.
I think you've basically cleared it up.
Most likely it isn't worthwhile, IMO.
However, it is finally satisfying to know what is wrong.
I scrubbed to no avail. I feel much better knowing, basically
a new tub, or a professional job is needed. Although I might
do a decent job, I gaurantee it wouldn't look 100% right.
The tub is too old. the color wouldn't be just right. I am no
fool. I know better than to mess with something that works and
does a fine job.
Next thing my roommate and I won't be able to shower for 3 days
b/c I had to put a whole coating of enamel on the tub which probably
won't last too long anyway. Maybe I'll look into it a little further.
Most likely not. Your research and advice is still well appreciated.
I am going to go ahead and rate the question. I doubt I'll need more
clarification. If I do, obviously I can still get it (I am pretty sure)
but basically, I understand the situation and I'm not sure that you
(not as a personal affront) are in any position to advise me further.
That's somebody elses job.
If we don't speak, thanks again!
That "stain" has been plaguing me for months.
|
Clarification of Answer by
sublime1-ga
on
26 Feb 2006 12:43 PST
I'm glad I could help in identifying the problem, if not a
perfect solution. Thanks very much for the tip!
|
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