Any experience of 'diamond gleam' type baths treatment?

[Walkacrossthesand]

Hi all, I've got a 1930s cast iron bath in a hard water area and the limescale discolouration is very unsightly and unshiftable. I've heard of a treatment called 'diamond gleam' which coats the bath in situ and makes it like new - like re-enamelling, but without having to have the bath taken away. Costs about £400 so not cheap - has anyone had it done, or know anyone who has? Thanks!

[LeaLeander]

I'm in the US. The firm I've hired does an epoxy coating -like a thick white paint sprayed on. Price sounds about the same.

They say it lasts 3-5 years but mine was last done in May 2006 and the surface just recently started peeling a bit. Am having them out next week for a new refinish. Nine years is good value for the price.

Last night was at home of friend who employed same firm a few months ago. Their tub looked fine -glossy white.

It's noisy and smells toxic during the process. I am sending my dogs to day care that morning to be safe.

[Walkacrossthesand]

Thanks - did the new surface resist scratching & dulling?

[LeaLeander]

Yes, it remained shiny.

A few caveats: I live alone so it doesn't get a lot of wear and tear (kid toys in bath or the like.)

They warn you not to leave shampoo bottles or the like sitting on the surface with water collecting under it - sometimes I ignore that and haven't had a problem with bubbling or cracking in those areas. I am careful in trying not to drop metal items like razors or scratchy items like pumice stone, but the surface is pretty tough.

I clean it with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and baking soda (not sure what you call baking soda in the UK - bicarb of soda?) - it cuts any soap scum and gets it really shiny without scratching. Every other week or so I spray on a mild bleach solution but that is more for the grout in the tile surround than the tub surface. I would strongly advise against using harsh chemical cleaners or gritty cleansers. However the surface is so smooth it does not harbor dirt which would "grow" into tough-to-clean messes so a weekly scrub with a sponge or rag and the aforementioned mixture should be fine.

(I think you can request a textured surface rather than gloss white but I don't find the glossy finish particularly slippery & prefer the smooth look.)

Overall I am very pleased. Coincidentally I asked my friends last night if they were satisfied - the husband is a real grouchy nitpicker - and they unanimously said yes.

The firm I use vents the room by trailing a large exhaust duct to a window in a nearby bedroom; that is the part I hate. So be aware that if yours does the same you will need a clear path through the bedroom and perhaps something to protect the flooring etc. Also you will not be able to use the tub for at least 24 hours so if it's your sole bathroom, plan your bathing accordingly.

Good luck!

[ThePerfect1IThinkNot]

We are booked in to have ours done next week. I have generally seen positive feedback from Diamond Gleam customers. Happy to give our comments once it has been done. We are having a colour change from 1950s pink to, hopefully, gleaming white.

[TrickyD]

We had our very old cast iron bath resurfaced about 18 years ago. I think we used a company, probably a franchise, called BathDoctor. According to the sticker inside the bathroom cupboard, they used Kott Coating Porcelain Glaze.

It is as perfect as the day it was done. I have taken reasonable care, for example the DGCs were not allowed to use that GelliBaff (sp?) stuff in it in case it stained the surface.

I can't remember how much it cost, it is so long ago, but it was well worth getting it done.