Autumn: here is a "before" pic of our old sink. The next picture shows an "after". I had Perma Glaze restore. It cost about $170, if I remember right. They would have done it either on site, or at their shop. I chose to have them take it to their shop just to get it out of the way during renovations. I never even considered doing it myself. I thought $170 was a pretty good deal. We've been using it for 8 years, and the new finish has been perfect.

Here is a link that might be useful:

There are companies which will refinish tubs on site using sand blasting, acid etching and various refinish options such as epoxy. I don't think tub refinishing is really a DIY project. There are kits on the market designed for homeowner use, but I don't think they're likely to work very well for the inexperienced or last very long.

Wow Joyce- what a sink! That's amazing! I hadn't even thought of doing it ourselves until looking into it a bit and it sounded like the only way to officially restore a sink and tub was to get the enameling off and then re-firing it. It sounded like any alternative to that wasn't quite so permanent, but Joyce's sink looks not only permanent, but really fantastic.

Joyce, where did you find your restorer? Did you just look in the phone book, or did you find them elsewhere?

Thanks!

Autumn -- I believe Perma Glaze is a national franchise, and I'm sure there are others, too. Yes, I found them in the phone book. If you have an architectural antique place near you, they may possibly recommend someone.

We're very pleased with the sink. Wish I could take it with me when we get the house sold, but I'd feel guilty not leaving it for the new owners.

Here is a link that might be useful: Perma Glaze franchise locator

Thanks Joyce, I appreciate the info-

Good luck selling your home, I hope that your new place has a sink just as lovely!

We hired a company to restore our iron tub. Cost maybe $400, and has a 5 or 7 year warranty. Worth every penny. They do all the taping off, can complete the job in your home in a matter of two days, and it will look brand new.

Thanks for all the tips, I have two 1912 cast iron claw foot tubs ready to be restored.
Rudy w/vision

If it is not oven fired it is not porcelain, it is paint.