Painting Your Cast Iron Bath (Ashbee)

A cast iron bath is more than just a bathroom fixture, it’s a timeless statement piece that brings elegance, character, and luxury to any home. From classic Victorian roll top baths to modern freestanding designs, cast iron baths remain one of the most sought-after features in period and contemporary bathroom renovations alike.

Many homeowners choose a new cast iron bath to enjoy the authentic charm of a traditional roll top bath combined with modern comfort and durability. Others are lucky enough to inherit an original Victorian cast iron bath when purchasing an older property.

If your bath is looking tired, chipped, or simply doesn’t suit your décor, painting a cast iron bath can completely transform its appearance without the cost of replacement. While professional bath resurfacing is always an option, many DIY enthusiasts choose to tackle the project themselves with excellent results.

In this guide, the cast iron bath experts at Ashbee & Stone, share practical tips and step-by-step advice on how to paint a cast iron bath yourself, helping you restore, refresh, and personalise your bath with confidence.

Rubber gloves

Sugar soap

White spirit

120 grit emery paper

80 grit emery paper

36 grit emery paper

Dry Rag

Paint brushes or rollers

Tin of proprietary rust remover

Oil based red oxide metal primer

Oil based undercoat

Oil based coloured paint of your choosing

Remove Rust

The first thing you need to do is make sure your bath is free of rust. Remove any traces of surface rust with sandpaper and follow with a proprietary rust remover. These are available from home improvement and DIY shops and stores. Ensure to follow the instructions on the tin very carefully and wash your hands thoroughly when done.

Prepare the surface

After removing the rust, the surface needs to be degreased using sugar soap. Make sure you wear rubber gloves at this stage because sugar soap can be very harsh on your skin.

When the surface of the bath is completely clean, sand it down with emery paper.

This is best done by hand for a rustic finish, leaving a few bumps here or there. However, if you want a silky-smooth finish then you may want to use an electric sander with some 80 grit emery paper to get a more polished finish.

This sanding process provides a ‘key’ for the paint to stick to. Be sure to completely remove all dust when this stage is complete. The best way to do this is to degrease the surface with a rag dipped in white spirit and allow this to dry.

Prime the surface of the bath

Before applying a coloured paint, you will need to use a metal primer. An oil based red oxide metal primer is the best. When this is dry, give the bath a quick rub down with fine emery paper to even the surface out.

Apply an undercoat

Dust the bath down and apply a coat of oil-based undercoat. Make sure the undercoat is oil based. Paint it out using a good quality soft brush to get the undercoat as smooth as possible. When the undercoat is dry, give it a very light sanding over with 120 grit emery paper to provide a key for your choice of coloured paint.

Paint your bath

In this final stage you can use any oil-based paint of your choosing. You’ll get great results applying with a roller, the professionals use a spray. Make sure you pay close attention to the drying times listed on your paint and take care not to smudge the finished bath.

Finally, the best part. Fill your bath with warm water, add your favourite scent and enjoy a long, well-deserved soak in your rejuvenated tub. You deserve it!

Taps are the crowning glory for any roll top bath. Traditional styled stand-alone bath fillers, bath shower mixers or simple deck or wall mounted taps, can be chosen to suit your bathroom requirements (see Ashbee & Stone bath taps for solid brass taps in a range of metal finishes).

Taps should be considered as an integral part of your project but are often overlooked or play a secondary role. It is however important part of your bath renovation, as they will enhance your bath, set the style and are the important touch points for every bathing experience.

Polished or living brass will naturally age and develop an authentic patina over time. Polished nickel, also a living finish will gently age over time. For a lasting shine, bathers often chose a plated or timeless brass or nickel finish. Practical homeowners may prefer hardwearing chrome.

Anyone who wants the style and iconic nod to the past, can of course purchase a new roll top bath, and have all the style of the past with modern functionality and have it painted and delivered to their home with minimal effort. Visit Ashbee & Stone, The Cast Iron Bath Collection to view the beautiful range of roll top and stone baths.

https://ashbeeandstone.co.uk/roll-top-baths/browse-by-collection/cast-iron-bath-company.html