Residential specialty service
Antique Tub & Sink Restoration
Clawfoot tubs, cast-iron fixtures and vintage sinks bring history and character to a home. When their finish wears out, careful refinishing can bring them back into everyday use while respecting what makes each piece special.
What we restore
Antique and vintage fixtures we work on
Antique tubs and sinks are more than functional fixtures. Restoring them is not only about fixing damage; it means caring for the shape and details that made them worth keeping.
Clawfoot tubs
Freestanding cast-iron tubs on feet. The interior is usually the focus; ask about the exterior and feet when you request an estimate.
Cast-iron and porcelain tubs
Built-in and freestanding tubs with an original porcelain enamel surface that has worn thin, stained or chipped.
Pedestal and wall-hung sinks
Vintage bathroom sinks, including pieces with original faucet holes and period details.
Utility and kitchen sinks
Older high-back, apron and utility sinks that have lost their finish.
From our workshop and showroom
Restored fixtures, photographed by our team
Real fixtures refinished by Unique Refinishers, including pieces on display at our Sugar Hill showroom.
You are welcome to see finished pieces in person at our Sugar Hill showroom, or browse more work in our portfolio.
Signs of age
How antique fixtures deteriorate
Decades of use, hard water and harsh cleaners wear through original porcelain enamel. Common problems include:
- Worn or dull enamel, especially where water has run for years
- Rust stains around drains and faucets, and rust on exposed iron
- Chips and scratches that expose the metal underneath
- Discoloration and stains that will not clean out
- Cracks and failed earlier repairs or peeling previous coatings
Every piece is evaluated individually
No two antique fixtures have aged the same way. We look at each one before recommending anything, and we do not promise that every piece can be restored.
Restoration usually makes sense when
- The body is sound and the damage is mainly to the surface
- Chips and rust are localized
- You value the original piece
Replacement may be more practical when
- The fixture is cracked through or structurally damaged
- Corrosion has perforated the metal
- Repairs would cost more than the piece is worth to you
Our approach
How we restore antique tubs and sinks
We approach each piece with care for its history. The exact steps depend on the fixture and its condition.
Step 1: Thorough assessment
We examine the fixture’s condition and identify damage, wear and anything that needs special care before recommending a course of action.
Step 2: Gentle cleaning and preparation
Dirt, grime and stains are removed without causing further damage, imperfections are smoothed and minor damage repaired.
Step 3: Colour and finish matching
We discuss the colour and finish you want, whether that is close to the original or a new look.
Step 4: Repair and refinishing
Chips, cracks and worn areas are addressed where practical, then layers of coating are applied to renew the surface.
Step 5: Preserving unique features
Details that make the piece special, such as its shape, period characteristics and decorative elements, are protected through the process.
Step 6: Quality inspection
The finished fixture is inspected before we hand it back, and we explain how to care for it.
Restoring a whole period bathroom? See our notes on period-specific and historic bathroom restorations. For chips, rust and cracks on newer tubs, see bathtub repairs and refinishing.
Owner questions
Antique tub and sink restoration FAQ
Can every antique tub or sink be restored?
No. Most worn, stained or chipped fixtures are good candidates, but each piece has to be evaluated. Severe cracks, deep corrosion that has eaten through the metal, or earlier failed repairs may limit what is practical. We tell you honestly what to expect after seeing the fixture.
Do you refinish clawfoot tub exteriors and feet?
Ask about the exterior, the feet and any decorative detail when you request your estimate. What is practical depends on the tub and its condition; the clawfoot tub on display in our showroom has a dark exterior with a white interior. Our clawfoot tub refinishing guide covers more.
Will restoration make it look factory-new?
Refinishing renews the surface and can dramatically improve the look of a worn fixture. It is a new coating, not original porcelain enamel, and the result depends on the fixture’s condition. Some customers prefer to keep a little of the piece’s character.
Is restoring better than buying a reproduction?
Many owners value an original fixture for its weight, quality and history. If the piece is sound, restoration keeps it in use. If it is severely damaged, replacement or a reproduction may be more practical.
Do I have to move the fixture?
Many fixtures are refinished where they stand. Whether a fixture needs to be moved depends on the work and the space; we explain the options with your estimate.
How long does a restored antique fixture last?
It depends on preparation, use and care. With proper care, it is not uncommon for us to see tubs we refinished 10–15 years earlier still in excellent condition. That is our observation, not a guarantee.
We are based in Sugar Hill and provide antique tub and sink restoration for homeowners across Metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, with residential service extending to Athens, Dawsonville, Peachtree City and Macon. Availability varies, so call to confirm your address or browse our residential service areas.
Related residential services
Other ways we restore bathroom fixtures
- Bathtub repairs & refinishingChips, surface cracks, rust and worn coatings repaired, with or without a full refinish.
- Fiberglass tub repairCracks, holes, soft spots and worn finishes in fiberglass tubs, evaluated first.
- Tile refinishing (tile tune-up)A new finish for sound but dated, stained or worn ceramic tile.
- Tub cut-down conversionsA lower step-in opening cut into a suitable existing tub.
- Slip-resistant tub bottomsA textured finish added to the standing area of a suitable tub.
Ask About Your Antique Fixture
Tell us what the piece is, where it is, and what condition it is in. Photos of the whole fixture and any damage help us advise you.
Tell us about your project and we’ll review your request. Photos of the bathtub, shower, tile or sink can help us evaluate the work.
Prefer to talk? Call us directly:
Call 770-945-0072