• Pour-on method
  • Same-day, one visit
  • Licensed & insured
(212) 830-0000 Call or Text • 8 AM – 8 PM

Clawfoot Tub Refinishing

Clawfoot tubs · NYC

Replacing a clawfoot is a major project. They weigh 200 to 400 pounds, often need to be cut into pieces to remove from a finished bathroom, and a comparable new tub from a quality maker costs $2,000–$5,000 before installation. Refinishing typically runs around 10% of that, takes one visit, and preserves the original tub.

After Reglazing AFTER
Before Caulking BEFORE
Service page form
Get Your Free Quote
★ 5.0 on Google • 5-year written warranty
What we refinish

We refinish the interior — the bathing surface

The pour-on method works on the bathing surface — the interior of the tub. That’s what gets daily use, and that’s where the wear happens: yellowing, chips around the drain, scratches, sometimes a previous refinishing that’s starting to peel.

Refinishing the interior of a clawfoot tub

The exterior — a painter’s job

We don’t refinish the exterior. The outside of a clawfoot tub was originally painted enamel, and after a hundred years it usually shows wear — but it requires a different process (sanding, priming, repainting with a different material system). For that, a regular painter is the right choice. Most clawfoot owners get the exterior repainted once every 5–10 years if they care about its appearance.

The ornate feet — usually left as-is

We don’t refinish the ornate feet either — for the same reason as the exterior, they need a different paint system than the pour-on coating we use on the interior. Most clients leave them as-is; the patina on old metal feet is often part of the tub’s character. If the feet are in rough shape and you want them touched up, a painter or restoration specialist can handle them separately.

Prep & process

Most clawfoots have been refinished before

A clawfoot tub in a NYC apartment has almost always been refinished at least once already. After 100+ years of use, the original enamel is long gone.

We identify every layer first. When we start prep on a clawfoot, the first thing we do is figure out what’s on the surface — original enamel, one previous refinishing, three previous refinishings? Each layer has to be either bonded to or stripped, and that decision shapes the rest of the job.

We strip failing coatings to bare metal. In most clawfoot projects we take on, the tub has been refinished at least once — sometimes two or three times. When previous coatings start to peel, we strip them down to the bare metal before applying the new finish. This is one of the reasons clawfoot jobs usually take longer than standard built-in tubs.

A thicker pour-on coat holds up. It’s one of the reasons the pour-on method works better than spray-on for these tubs — a thicker coat over a properly prepared surface holds up where thinner coats have repeatedly failed.

Shapes

Clawfoot shapes we see in NYC

Clawfoot tubs come in several shapes. The most common ones we see:

Roll-top (or “double-ended”). Symmetric profile, gentle curve on both ends. About 60% of what we see.

Slipper. One end is higher and sloped — designed for reclining. Beautiful but takes more material to refinish because of the extra surface area.

Double-slipper. Both ends are raised. The most elaborate style and the rarest — usually in restored brownstones and high-end Brooklyn lofts.

Pedestal-base. Technically not a clawfoot (no feet) but often grouped with them — round or oval freestanding tub on a solid base.

Refinished clawfoot tub in a NYC bathroom

Most jobs are roll-top or slipper. The work is the same regardless of shape — the starting price is $475 for all of them.
Artem - New York Tubs Founder & Lead Technician
Meet Your Clawfoot Tub Refinishing Expert

Hi, I'm Artem.

When you book with New York Tubs, you aren't getting a random sub-contractor. You're getting a master refinisher with over a decade of experience.

For over a decade I've worked in tub refinishing, and I've personally refinished hundreds of tubs — every job done by me, start to finish. My reputation is built on durable, long-lasting results, a clean process with no solvent fumes, and full respect for your home.

  • ✓
    10+ Years of Professional Experience
  • ✓
    Fully Licensed & Insured
  • ✓
    Backed by a 5-Year Warranty
Artem's Signature
Founder & Lead Technician
Professional Reglazing Services & Pricing
After AFTER
Before BEFORE
Our Signature Service

Bathtub Reglazing

  • Pour-On Method — 10× thicker
  • 5-year written warranty
  • Ready in 24 hours
  • Cast iron & steel only
  • Odorless
Starting at:
$475
*tax included

Additional Services

Caulking
Caulking
Free with bathtub service
Distance surcharge
Distance surcharge
Travel fee $25–$60 for some areas — free in Brooklyn
GET A QUOTE

Why the Pour-On Method Wins — Every Time

Criteria Traditional Spray-On Method OUR METHOD Pour-On Application
Typical lifespan 1-3 years check 10-15 years
On-Site Work Time ~5 hours check 3-4 hours
Coat thickness 10 mils check 60–100 mils (up to 10× thicker)
Odor during work Strong solvent smell, lingers check No solvent smell
VOC content High check Low
Safe to stay home No — residents usually vacate check Yes
Ready to Use ~48 Hours check 24 hours
Long-Term Value Spray-on has a lower up-front cost, but the coating usually needs to be redone every couple of years. A pour-on coat lasts long enough that most clients replace or sell the tub before the finish needs to be redone.
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can my 100-year-old clawfoot tub really be saved?

QuestionIn most cases, yes. The body of a clawfoot from 1900 is usually structurally sound a hundred years later — these tubs were built like furniture, with the bathing surface protected by enamel. What wears out is the enamel surface, which is what we restore.

The only time refinishing won’t work is if the underlying metal has rusted through (rare, but it happens with tubs that sat in damp basements for decades) or if there are cracks deeper than the enamel layer.

My clawfoot has been refinished before and it's peeling. Can it be done again?

RedoingYes. We see this often. We strip the failing layer down to the bare metal, neutralize any surface rust, and apply a fresh coat. The result holds up better than the previous attempt — most failed refinishings we see were spray-on coatings that weren’t thick enough to last. The pour-on coat we use is several times thicker.

Can the outside of the tub be refinished too?

ToolsWe refinish only the interior — that’s the bathing surface, and where the pour-on method works. The exterior is a different paint system and needs to be done by a regular painter.

Most clawfoot owners get the exterior repainted once every 5–10 years if they care about its appearance. If your exterior is in rough shape and you want both done, you can schedule the painter before or after our work.

How long does a clawfoot refinishing job take?

About 3 hours on site, because clawfoot tubs are accessible from all sides and that adds prep area. The coating then needs 24 hours to cure before the tub can be used.

Do I need to move the tub for the work?

No. We work on the tub in place. Moving a 300-pound tub to refinish it is unnecessary and risks damaging the floor and the tub. We do drape and protect everything around it.

Can the feet be restored too?

We don’t refinish the ornate feet — they need a different paint system than what we use on the interior. Most owners leave them as-is; the patina on old metal feet is often part of the character. If they’re in rough shape and you want them touched up, a painter or restoration specialist can handle them.

How long will the new finish last on a clawfoot?

LifespanWith proper care, your professionally reglazed bathtub will look brilliant for 7 to 15 years.

10 to 15 years with normal care. The pour-on coat is several times thicker than spray-on — typically 30-40 mils versus 6 mils — which is why it lasts so much longer. Backed by a 5-year warranty.

Aftercare

Caring for your refinished clawfoot tub

The coating is durable and easy to care for, but a few habits will keep it looking new for the full 10–15 years:

Clean with a soft cloth or sponge. No abrasive scrubbers, no steel wool, no scouring pads. The coating is harder than the original enamel, but it can still be scratched by aggressive cleaning tools.

Use a mild cleaner. A regular non-abrasive bathroom cleaner is fine. Avoid powdered cleansers (like Comet or Ajax), oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and anything labeled “heavy duty” or “industrial.”

Don’t leave standing water for days. If you leave the tub filled with water for a week (which happens sometimes in unused vacation apartments), some staining can occur. Normal daily use is no issue at all.

Don’t use a suction-cup bath mat that stays in place. The pour-on surface has a slight texture that provides natural slip resistance. If you prefer a mat anyway, take it out between uses so the surface can dry. Suction mats left in place can soften any bathtub finish, including factory enamel.

No sealers or “refinish protectors.” These don’t exist as legitimate products. The coating itself is the sealant.

Clawfoot Tub Refinishing (Before & After)

Our work

Before and after

Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
VIEW ALL PHOTOS
Reviews

What our customers say

Excellent ★★★★★ 5.0 | 109 reviews
Write a review
ricky smith4 reviews
★★★★★12 hours ago
New york tubs did a great job .Thete was a little spot on the tub drain and he came right back and cleaned it off plus he installed a new strainer basket over thst drain free of charge. Would definitely recommend
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Ricky! Coming back to sort out a small detail is just part of standing behind the work — we'd rather make the trip than leave you with anything less than right. Glad the new strainer finished it off nicely. Enjoy the tub!

Gustavo Lopez2 reviews · 2 photos
★★★★★2 days ago
A job well done! My tub looks great again. Highly recommended. Artem showed up in time, the job was finished in the amount time promised and there was no debris to clean up because the took care of that. All in all a great experience. Thank you👍
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you so much for the kind words, Gustavo! We're glad your tub looks great again — the before and after photos say it all. Enjoy your new tub, and don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.

Customer photoCustomer photo
Paul4 reviews
★★★★★3 days ago
Hi! Just wanted to drop my very good feedback about NYTubs! Artem has revitalized my bath tub in 3 hours. I also asked to refine the joints between the tub and the walls and the floor. And the joints now look real good! Thank you! My experience was def awesome!
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Paul! Glad you mentioned the joints — fresh caulking makes a huge difference next to a new finish, and it's often the detail that gets overlooked. Happy the whole bathroom came together for you. Enjoy the tub!

— Artem, New York Tubs

Lily Manet6 reviews · 2 photos
★★★★★1 week ago
I had a great experience with Artem. He did an amazing job reglazing my bathtub, and it looks fantastic. He was professional, friendly, and punctual. The entire experience was smooth, and I really appreciated his attention to detail and professionalism. I highly recommend Artem to anyone looking to have their bathtub reglazed. Thank you for the excellent work!
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you so much, Lily! It was a real pleasure working with you. Attention to detail is where the whole result lives in this kind of work, so it means a lot that you noticed. Enjoy the tub, and thank you for the recommendation!

— Artem, New York Tubs

Customer photoCustomer photo
V L7 reviews · 1 photo
★★★★★2 weeks ago
I like the new look of my bathtub. Artem did an excellent job.
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you so much! Glad you love the new look — it was a pleasure working on your tub. Enjoy it!

— Artem, New York Tubs

İdris Karaburun1 review
★★★★★2 weeks ago
Rated 5 stars, no comment.
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, İdris! We really appreciate the 5-star rating.

Dom Dibrino3 reviews · 4 photos
★★★★★3 weeks ago
They were great. Clean professional. Didn’t even know they were there. Second time using the service. The tub comes out brand new !
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Dom! Having you back for a second tub is the best compliment we could ask for. Clean, quiet, and out of your way — that's how we like to work. Thanks for trusting us with your properties!

Janet2 reviews
★★★★★3 weeks ago
I am very pleased with the process and the work that was done. They were prompt on the day of service and even followed up with care instructions.

I would definitely use them again!
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Janet! Showing up on time and making sure you know how to care for the new finish are both part of doing the job right. We'd be happy to work with you again anytime — enjoy the tub!

Norberto VelazquezLocal Guide · 22 reviews · 63 photos
★★★★★1 month ago
We've used this companies services for reglazing for our multi family properties. With vacant and occupied apartments. Very very satisfied with the services.
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Norberto. Working with JGV on both vacant and occupied units across your properties has been a pleasure — we know how important quick turnaround and a clean process are when tenants are living there. We look forward to the next ones.

Customer photo
Robert B1 review
★★★★★1 month ago
Artem was prompt, professional and neat. My 80 year old tub was reglazed in under 3 hours and looks brand new. I highly recommend New York Tubs!!
↳ Owner's reply

Thank you, Robert! An 80-year-old tub back to brand new in a morning — that's exactly what refinishing is for. These old cast iron tubs are worth saving. Enjoy it, and thanks for the recommendation!

— Artem, New York Tubs

READ ALL REVIEWS
@citytub

Follow us on Instagram

citytub282 posts 27K followers Follow
From worn out to like new ✨ Full bathtub refinishing with a pour-on coating, no spraying. Cast iron citytub2 weeks ago From worn out to like new ✨ Full bathtub refinishing with a pour-on coating, no spraying. Cast iron and steel tubs only. Serving New York City. Want a quote? DM us a photo of your tub and your ZIP code, and we’ll get back to you with a price. #bathtubrefinishing #tubrefinishing #nyc #newyork #beforeandafter Bathtub Refinishing NYC — Cast Iron Tub Restored with Pour-On Coating #Shorts Cast iron bathtub ref citytub2 months ago Bathtub Refinishing NYC — Cast Iron Tub Restored with Pour-On Coating #Shorts Cast iron bathtub refinishing in New York City. We restore worn, stained, and chipped cast iron and steel bathtubs right in your bathroom — no removal, no demolition. Our coating is poured on, not sprayed. That gives a thicker, more even, glass-like finish than standard spray refinishing, with no overspray in your home. Serving all five boroughs. Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and contractors welcome. Call or text for a free estimate: 212-830-0000 More: https://nytubs.com #bathtubrefinishing #bathtubrestoration #castironbathtub #nyc newyorkcity bathroomremodel tubreglazing beforeandafter diyhomeimprovement satisfying shorts NYC bathtub transformation 🛁✨ Pour-on refinishing process + clean, glossy final result. Odorless fin citytub7 months ago NYC bathtub transformation 🛁✨ Pour-on refinishing process + clean, glossy final result. Odorless finish, ready to use in 24 hours. 📍New York City DM to book an appointment. #BathtubRefinishing #BathtubRestoration #TubReglazing #NYC #Brooklyn Queens Manhattan Bronx StatenIsland BeforeAndAfter HomeImprovement CityTub NewYorkTubs https://citytub.com Old tub to glossy white in one visit 🔥 Pour-on method (no spray). Save this video & message us for a citytub8 months ago Old tub to glossy white in one visit 🔥 Pour-on method (no spray). Save this video & message us for availability. #bathtubrefinishing #tubreglazing #nyc #brooklyn #queens bathroomrenovation beforeandafter citytub.com This is NOT spray paint — it’s a different method. We use a pour-on, self-leveling material — no sme citytub10 months ago This is NOT spray paint — it’s a different method. We use a pour-on, self-leveling material — no smell, no peeling, and no overspray. ✅ Durable ✅ Glossy ✅ Ready in 24h Perfect for cast iron & steel tubs. 📍 Based in NYC DM to book or ask questions. #BathtubRefinishing #PourOnMethod #NotSprayPaint #NYC #Bathroom #NewYorkTubs #CityTub #BeforeAndAfter https://nytubs.com Watch the real bathtub refinishing process using the pour-on method — no spray guns, no strong odor, citytub1 year ago Watch the real bathtub refinishing process using the pour-on method — no spray guns, no strong odor, and a glossy finish that lasts up to 15 years. 📚 Want to learn how to do it yourself? Download the FREE step-by-step guide: https://tugbaev.com/guide #BathtubRefinishing #PourOnMethod #BathroomRenovation #HomeImprovement #DIY #Shorts #BeforeAndAfter #CityTub This video shows selected moments from a bathtub reglazing project in Brooklyn using high-quality li citytub2 years ago This video shows selected moments from a bathtub reglazing project in Brooklyn using high-quality liquid acrylic. It’s not the full restoration process, but rather a few highlights — including the final glossy result. At the end, we run a coin across the surface to test the durability of the finish. No scratches. No marks. Just a tough, long-lasting coating. If you’re considering restoring your tub in NYC — this is what quality results look like. Serving all of Brooklyn and nearby areas. #BathtubReglazing #Brooklyn #NY #LiquidAcrylic #TubRestoration #DurabilityTest #BeforeAndAfter https://nytubs.com ✨ Bathtub Transformation in New York! ✨ Watch the magic happen! 🚿💫 We specialize in bathtub refinis citytub2 years ago ✨ Bathtub Transformation in New York! ✨ Watch the magic happen! 🚿💫 We specialize in bathtub refinishing using liquid acrylic – a non-toxic, odorless material that provides a smooth, long-lasting finish. Unlike traditional coatings, our method ensures seamless coverage and durability, giving your old tub a brand-new look! ✔ Odor-free & safe ✔ Cures in just 24 hours ✔ Perfectly smooth, glossy finish 📍 Available in New York – contact us today to restore your bathtub with the best refinishing solution! #BathtubRefinishing #NYC #BathtubRestoration #LiquidAcrylic #HomeImprovement #NewYorkTubs https://nytubs.com

Refinishing your clawfoot costs about 10% of what a comparable new tub plus installation runs. The finish lasts 10-15 years. One visit, no demolition, ready to use the next day.

What we do

Our services

One method — pour-on, self-leveling coating — applied to the tubs New York apartments actually have.

CAULKING → CHIP REPAIR → POUR-ON METHOD → PORCELAIN TUBS → CLAWFOOT TUBS → CAST-IRON TUBS → STEEL TUBS →
BATH
  • Google rating5.0★★★★★109 reviews “New york tubs did a great job .Thete was a little spot on the tub drain and he came right back and cleaned it off plus he installed a new strainer basket over thst drain free of charge. Would definitely recommend” ricky smith · 12 hours ago
  • What You Get
    ✓ One visit, ready in 24 hours
    ✓ 5-year written warranty
    ✓ Licensed & fully insured
  • Get a Free Estimate or Schedule Your Visit

    GET A QUOTE

    Usually a same-day reply
GET A QUOTE
GET A FREE QUOTE