Tub Restoration 21.06.
Today Andy and I went to pick up our tub from the sand blasting place! It was a fun little outing.
Bridge & Blaster
*The bridge photo was actually taken on our way to Decatur, where we purchased the tub last week.
The sand blasting place was located about 25 minutes North of us waaaaaaay out. It was a nice drive though, and Andy found a record player on the side of the street! Maybe it’s salvageable.
On our way home, we stopped at a produce / flower stand and met a sweet kitty named Sara. She followed us around in and out of my arms while we looked. We ended up getting 3 lovely (huge) ferns for only $5 each. They are now hanging from our porch and look nice! I’m sure they will soon be home to a bird or two.
(You’ll have to excuse my greasy bangs and squinty eyes)
When we got home, we wrapped the porch with blankets and tarps so the spray of the paint wouldn’t get carried far by the wind. We started hanging near the top of the porch, but then Andy spotted a baby bird in one of our plants. So, we brought it down some so we wouldn’t disturb the nest. While the mom was away, I snapped a quick photo of the little fuzz. I was very careful not to touch the plant at all, and I’ve seen the mother come and go since then, so I think all is well.
genuine clawfoot & my dad and Andy unloading the tub
freshly sandblasted and before paint & first coat of primer (one that stops rust!) & second coat
me painting on the first coat of glossy white
The first coat of the actual glossy paint is dry to the touch, so we were able to cover it with a tarp in case these thunderstorms that are predicted roll in. This weekend it’s supposed to be rainy, so we probably won’t be able to apply the second (and third?) coat of paint until early next week. Also, we need to go shopping for our faucet!
Today a plumber came over to give us an estimate of putting in the tub and he came up with $450. I’m not really sure if that’s high or not, but I called my dad to see what he thought. He helped us hook up our kitchen sink and master bath toilet. While he’s no professional, he knows what he’s doing…plus, it’ll be a lot cheaper. And I know he loves helping any way he can. Hopefully we can keep the cost under $200. The hardest part will be drilling holes through the ceramic tiles, but I’m sure it’s not so bad with the right tools.
So far:
tub = $100
sand blasting = $40
spray paint gun = $50
primer & paint = $30
installation guesstimate = $200
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total thus far = $420 (lol)
*Now, had we followed all of the quotes from “pros” thus far:
tub = $100
sand blasting, priming, painting = $575
installation (drilling holes) = $100
installation (hooking up plumbing) = $450
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total = $1225
**Saving $800 and DIYing and knowing soon we’ll be able to soak in the tub with a glass of wine = priceless.