While we waited out the humidity that kept us from finishing the claw-foot restoration, we shifted focus to the tub itself. After removing the feet and giving the exterior a thorough cleaning, it became clear that Clementine needed more attention than we first expected. We propped her up on one end against the future wall of our master bathroom and inspected every inch.
Small patches of rust had started to form where the claw feet had attached and around the drain opening. The paint was chipped and scratched in multiple places, and there were other blemishes that made the old finish look tired. Our plan had to address three things: stop further rust, cover imperfections, and give the tub a refreshed, modern appearance. After weighing options, we returned to a familiar solution—Rust-Oleum.
Taking the tub outside to spray it was not feasible. Clementine is heavy and was a challenge to bring into the house, and moving her again wasn’t an option. Spray-painting indoors was also out of the question because the tub currently sits in the area that will become an open-plan master bathroom directly adjacent to our bedroom. We needed a safe, practical alternative that would still achieve a smooth, durable finish.
At the home improvement store we chose two quarts of Rust-Oleum Oil-Based Protective Enamel in Gloss Sunrise Red—the same shade as Clementine’s original exterior. We picked up brushes, rollers, masking supplies, and mineral spirits for cleanup. Using oil-based enamel meant taking extra care with ventilation and cleanup, but it promised the hard-wearing, glossy finish we wanted.
We applied a careful first coat, focusing on covering rust spots and smoothing out visible flaws. Working in sections, we feathered edges to avoid brush marks and kept an eye on drips. Because oil-based paints take longer to level and dry, we cleaned our tools with mineral spirits and allowed the tub to rest in a well-ventilated space overnight. It’s been a while since we used oil-based products, so the process felt both familiar and a little nostalgic.
One more coat will be necessary to achieve a completely uniform finish, but even after this initial application Clementine looks dramatically brighter and more vibrant. The Sunrise Red gloss has restored a lively, updated character to the tub while still honoring its vintage charm. Seeing this transformation come together has renewed our faith in the DIY process—small, deliberate steps have made a big difference.
Next on the list is completing the claw-foot restoration, reattaching the feet, and having the interior reglazed. Once those steps are finished, Clementine will be ready for plumbing and final installation. It’s been a long road since we first spotted her on eBay, but with each task checked off the list the finish line feels closer. If everything continues on schedule, we very well might have our antique claw-foot tub fully refinished and installed by the end of the summer—ready for many relaxing soaks to come.