Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Need help stripping tin coat off of old copper and wood bathtub

Q. Hi--I recently moved into a very old house. In the bathroom there is an old drop-in tub which is made of wood and lined with sheet metal. As far as I can tell, the metal is tin coated copper, or lead coated copper.

I am trying to figure out the best way of removing the tin coat to get to the copper coat below, either by chemical means or by mechanical means. If by the latter, tool suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

Chuck Choi
Home restorer - Arlington, Massachusetts, USA
December 12, 2010

Q. In our family homestead we just bought we found an antique tin bathtub with wood rim, it does not seem to have rust but the paint has worn off quite a bit. Does anyone have suggestions on refinishing it? We would like to be able to use it and have it look nice. It looks to me to be paint not enamel or porcelain.
Thank you for any help I can get.

Edna Gallagher
- New Hampton, New Hampshire, USA
December 9, 2013

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: