Refinishing Old Cast Iron Tub vs New Acrylic Tub?

last year

last modified: last year

I am about to have work done on my bathroom, including a complete demo rebuilding of walls and re-tiling. I have an old cast iron tub in there currently, probably 50+ years old if I had to guess (house was built in 1946). I was researching ideas for new bathtub and was going to get acrylic, but everything I've read says that cast iron is much better and more durable.

Would it be better to keep the cast iron tub and have it refinished or better to replace with a new acrylic tub? There are no major chips or cracks in it. Here are some pictures for reference.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (4)

Jeanne Cardwell
last year
Definitely new tub, cast iron is great.
Mike A
Original Author
last year
Makes sense that finish won't last. I guess what I'm asking though...the finish won't last on an acrylic tub either. The cast iron tub I may just have to refinish again in 10-15 years, but the acrylic tub I would likely need to replace altogether in 10-15 years. Am I thinking about that correctly?
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Have you read the thread from a couple of months ago? I attached it so you can read some opinions. The reason I prefer cast iron is because it is authentic and I like old things, especially in an old or made to look old house. I like the solid slick feel of cast iron. Plus it does hold heat much longer. (Someone on the attached thread compares it to cookware.) Unless you are going to have a drop in acrylic that can be insulated or better yet one with a recirculating pump, then I would definitely choose the one that's going to hold the heat. There's nothing I can't stand more than just getting settled in for a tub soak and the water starts to cool only to discover that because your teenage daughter has just taken a shower and there is no more hot water to top off your bath with! Here is a link that might be useful: preferred bathtub material
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cat_ky
last year
last modified: last year
Why acrylic tub? Buy a new cast iron one, and it should last a very long time. I wouldnt refinish an old one, since that may last 2 yrs if you are lucky. Do it right once, and you shouldnt have to do it again.
3onthetree
last year
The finish on an acrylic or fiberglass tub is not as durable as a porcelain/enamel finish on cast iron, period. The aesthetics of an acrylic or fiberglass tub is typically not as detailed as on an old cast iron.

A couple things. First, make sure you understand the difference between a steel tub and a cast iron tub - they are not the same. With stamped steel, you get what you pay for, and even expensive ones still don't equal the quality of a cast iron.

With a new cast iron, your cost will meet or substantially exceed the cost of refinishing an old one.

Refinishing can be near-to-factory when performed on site. However, to do that the tub should be fully exposed, meaning all walls and fixtures removed to completely expose it. But if you go to that length, then the better way is to deliver the tub to the refinisher's shop, and the finish will equal a factory finish. There they will have better opportunity for prep, which is the key to refinishing.

Refinishing Old Cast Iron Tub vs New Acrylic Tub?

Comments (4)

Jeanne Cardwell

Mike A
Original Author

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Refinishing Old Cast Iron Tub vs New Acrylic Tub?

Comments (4)

Jeanne Cardwell

Mike AOriginal Author

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Mike A
Original Author