Bring Back the Glory: Tips to Revive and Refresh Antique Bathroom Fixtures

Restoring antique bathroom fixtures can add a unique, antique atmosphere to your bathroom, but these fixtures may become tarnished or worn with time. Replacing the fixtures can be difficult, due to their rarity. Fortunately, you can restore these fixtures as a DIY project. Follow the instructions below to restore your antique bathroom fixtures.

Begin by turning off all water at the supply source. Once assured there will be no water left in the pipes or the fixtures, use an adjustable wrench to remove all of the supply lines from the faucet and the sink. Be careful to not strip the screws in the process, and use lubricant if necessary. Carefully remove portions of the faucet and sink that you wish to refinish, and then lay them flat on a newspaper.

Use medium-grit sandpaper to gently sand the entire surface. Doing so will remove any built-up paint and stains from the surface of the fixtures. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe the metal surfaces and allow them to dry completely. Follow the instructions on the metal primer to completely coat the surfaces. Allow plenty of time for the primer to dry before applying the paint.

Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After the paint is dry, apply a second coat before applying a lacquer to the fixtures. Doing so protects the paint against water and other types of damage. When the lacquer is dry and set, carefully reinstall the fixtures.

If you have any doubts or questions about restoring a particularly delicate fixture, it is best to speak with an expert or antique restoration company for help and advice. Although it is a relatively simple process to restore your antique bathroom fixtures, it requires some patience and care. Doing so will keep your bathroom decorated with that timeless, antique warmth.