Camberwell, a district rich in history and character, is home to many beautiful period properties. It’s no surprise that homeowners in this area often strive to preserve the original features of their homes. Recently, we had the privilege of working with a client who was preparing to sell their house and wanted to maintain the vintage appeal of their bathroom, specifically their original blue cast iron bathtub. Their request? To give it a glossy, fresh white finish. In this blog post, we will share the journey of transforming this vintage gem into a striking centrepiece.

Preserving the Past:

Camberwell’s housing market is known for its mix of modern and historical properties. Our client was one of those proud homeowners who cherished the original features of their house, and the blue cast iron bathtub was no exception. Rather than replacing it with a modern counterpart, they wanted to restore its former glory, making it a unique selling point of their property.

Challengers Of Resurfacing a Cast Iron Bathtub

Resurfacing a cast iron bathtub is no small task. These vintage pieces are built to withstand the test of time, but they often show signs of wear and tear after decades of use. Our initial inspection revealed surface rust, chipping, and, of course, the existing blue enamel finish, which our client wanted to change to gloss white.

The Resurfacing Process:

1. Preparing the old finish: The first step in this transformational journey was to prepare the surface so the new enamel can adhere sufficiently. 
2. Repairing Imperfections: Next, we addressed the surface imperfections. Rust spots and small chips were carefully sanded and patched, ensuring a flawless base for the new finish.
3. Priming & Painting: To achieve the glossy white finish our client desired, we applied several coats of high-quality enamel primer & paint, allowing ample drying time between each layer. This process required precision and experience to avoid streaks, drips, and bubbles.
4. Finishing Touches: After the final coat cured, the bathtub was polished to a brilliant shine, giving it the desired glossy, white appearance.

The Result:

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What was once a tired, blue cast iron bathtub now gleamed in glossy white, looking as good as new. The vintage charm was preserved, while the updated finish gave it a fresh, contemporary appeal, ready to captivate potential buyers.

Conclusion: 

Camberwell is a neighbourhood that appreciates history, and homeowners like our client understand the value of preserving and enhancing the original features of their homes. In this case, the resurfacing of the original blue cast iron bathtub added not only visual appeal but also increased the property’s market value.

If you’re considering selling your home and want to retain the character of your vintage features while giving them a modern twist, consider resurfacing. It’s an investment that can pay off handsomely, just as it did for our client in Camberwell.

For more home improvement tips and stories of transformation, keep following our blog. Your dream home, full of character and history, is just a project away.

Contact us today for more information or to start your own restoration project in Camberwell – 0415 881 564