Back in the saddle again… or should I say basin? haha. I’m ready for the next part of my #trashure haul with this… er… planter from this original post HERE. While this is kinda cute as a planter, it also kinda reminds me of a bedside commode. So… I am aiming for a repaired enamel wash basin project, instead, k?
As you can see, we have a very weathered chair with a vintage enamel wash basin attached to it.
Can you see the single screw holding it down amongst the holes? Yeah… I’ve got my work cut out for me. At the same time, I’m a surefire sucker for antique enamel as I show in many past posts including these:
STARTING POINT
First, I remove the screw and assess this antique wash basin. It’s obviously full of holes in the bottom with rust, and also mighty grimy with the enamel worn off. In order to clean it up, I use Bar Keeper’s Friend to scour and polish.
Better, but still have a long way to go, eh?
However, I want to try a few things first because I’m not a quitter. I have this JB Weld epoxy to patch the holes.
On the other hand, I also might use Bondo as I have used before on pieces like this Art Deco vanity. I simply mix it up and apply with a scrap piece of wood. Yes, it’s a mess at the moment, but I only have six minutes before it starts to cure and some of those holes are hefty.
Next, after letting cure for over 12 hours, I sand down the epoxy, check for holes, find a few, and then touch up those.
Last, but not least, I use this gloss enamel to give several coats letting cure in between.
NEW AGAIN
While it’s not perfect, it certainly is much better than it was when I found it. Here’s my repaired enamel wash basin ready to go for years to come.
I can relate to this wash basin in so many ways. It’s been worn to the point of decay but still has life left in it when it’s shown love.
Isn’t it amazing how with a little elbow grease you can have a story-filled piece?
In case you’re wondering, the chair is headed to my compost pile for my garden once I burn it in my wood-burning fireplace insert this winter. Not only was it completely weathered, but brittle and unsafe for use. However, I take the time to disassemble and burn it instead of tossing it back at the curb for the landfill.
Likewise, with all of my prodigal pieces, I enjoy sharing them with you in my online store as well as selling locally.
SHARE
Did this inspire you? I sure hope so. It was worth it for me to stop and pick it up knowing I may or may not be able to save it. Now it’s your turn to leave me some comment love down below, plus pin and share.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter as I continue to finish working through this #trashure haul.
Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other projects like this repaired enamel wash basin:
I would never have believed that basin could be anything but trash! Boy, did you ever give it new life!!! Also, with all you do, I’m sure you can eat two breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks without gaining an ounce!!! You are such an inspiration!!!! 🥰
hee hee! Didn’t it look like bullet holes in it? 😀 All those pinholes got as big s my finger tip and just needed some love. As for the eating… I wish! Thank you, Rebecca.
Once again, I am amazed!! I didn’t know enamel in that condition could possibly be salvaged!! Great job!!
Oh yes, as long as you have structure to work with, it’s doable. Takes time, but worth it. Thanks for the smile!
I appreciate you so much! I’m so inspired by you when you reach out beyond the wood-working techniques and use other materials to bring new or renewed life to your treasured finds. Thank you for teaching us new ways of doing things. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for enamel-ware!!
Sweet Judy, you just made my day. One of my passions is to inspire others in any way I can. Thank you for bringing light to my day.
I like enamel pieces, but I don’t usually buy them. It’s nice you were able to save this piece and I think the white is refreshing….sort of like the soon to appear snow.
They’re so handy for me with style meshed with utilitarian function. Yes… too soon! 😉
What a wonderful project! You saved it for another 1oo years.
aww… thank you for the smile, Mary. I’m happy to have saved it.