Did you see the responses you got on the decorating forum? I wondered if you saw them because you did post back.

Basically the tub is painted with an epoxy paint

bikerchic, do you remember what product was used on your tub?

Are you sure it cannot be just cleaned? The old porcelain is very thick, and can be renewed many times if there are no rusted spots.

OTC, I am going to try again to clean it. Epsom salts and dish detergent has been recommended and I will also try CLR.

This Old House site also noted that tub 'liners' can be used. I know nothing about these. Does anyone else?

What does the tub look like? Can you post a photo?

Here's the surround. It's actually a pretty blue tile in mint condition. Go figure!

...And here's the tub. The upper part is not bad and there are no chips or cracks - at least that I've seen yet. The rusty stuff is all in the bottom and lower 1/2, worst at the drain.

I forgot to say: This is after two attempts to get it clean. :(

>This Old House site also noted that tub 'liners' can be used. I know nothing about these. Does anyone else?

Yes, you pay about what you would pay to have the tub pulled and replaced along with a new tile surround, only instead you pay that money to get a fiberglas thingy made to fit over the existing tub. They're purely junk. I've known two people who did this and both regretted it bitterly.

You might want to investigate ROG cleaner. I've never used it but Kohler recommends it and retrorenovation seems pretty stoked about it.

This post was edited by writersblock on Mon, May 12, 14 at 16:45

I've actually gotten a lot of the stain out - to my surprise. So far Zud and Barkeeper's Friend have been most effective. Has anyone run the tub full and added bleach for an overnight soak? I'm thinking that's next unless it would etch the porcelain. Thoughts?