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One of the tubs in our new home has a few spots where the enamel is chipped away and the metal underneath has started rusting. I don't want to replace the tub yet, so how can I clean and patch the tub? Not so much concerned with aesthetics as with prolonging the life of the tub.

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With one of these: Enamel Repair Kit

You simply sand out any rust in the chipped enamel, then paint on a new enamel coating. The finished repair should be permanent, and if well-done nearly undetectable.

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Thanks - I assume I'll need to remove the rust first. From the image it looks like it comes with sanding paper, do you know if this is the case? – Korneel Bouman Jul 29 '11 at 19:09
If it does, great, if not then grab some 220 and 320-grit wet-dry sandpaper and have at it. Make sure you sand out ALL the rust and remove any oxidation that hasn't quite turned into red cast-iron rust; you want shiny bare metal far as the eye can see before painting on the enamel touch-up. – KeithS Jul 29 '11 at 19:13
Great, thanks (I just realized I missed the part of your answer where you said: "You simply sand out any rust"...) – Korneel Bouman Jul 29 '11 at 20:09
Exactly what I would do Keith, good call. +vote – shirlock homes Jul 29 '11 at 20:32

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