Cleaning an antique claw-foot bathtub

Is the finish in tact? Where is it rusty? On the bottom sides? Can you post a photo? I would use CLR to remove the rust then see if it really needs reglazing.

Hello! This nethid is recommended by a local bathtub store. Purchase a pumice stone at your local pharmacy . They are typically used on feet and may seem too tough for porcelain but actually are not . Also have a course scrub sponge on hand and make a solution of three parts baking soda and one part vinegar. Wet the entire area with water first and then lightly rub the area with the pumice stone -- I want to reiterate: lightly rub the area first with the pumice stone. You will see the rest start to fall away . Then take your sponge and dip it in your paste of baking soda and vinegar. Be sure it is pretty thick and begin to rub the rusted areas in a circular motion. Let that sit about an hour to give the chemical make-up of your baking soda-vinegar solution a chance to work. Then go back and rinse with water. If you have a really bad stains go back and repeat the process .

The bleach may have eaten off the original finish. To remove rust stains, you can try CLR cleaner (available at most home centers). After the rust has been removed you will probably need to refinish the tub.

If the CLR doesn't do the trick, give Bar Keeper's Friend a try. It's located at the supermarket near the cleansers like Ajax or Comet and easily identifiable by the golden can.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/000306b.cfm

I think you can buy bath paint

Thank you everyone for the quick responses. I will study all the options and get to work. Yes, a friend told me AFTER I did this, never to let chlorine (even diluted) in porcelain, it will pit it!

Thanks, Molly, for the distinction. Most folks know of pumice stones for use on feet. Actually either one -- from pharmacy or from laundry ausle -- will work.