Reply #2: Cast iron is still top of the line.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

The insulating coating on the bottom is important along the lines of keeping in the heat. On the install the cast iron of course is not so easy to manipulate ,so you do want to get it all right the first time. Don't get one with those non skid liners on the bottom- magnets to dirt and grime-very difficult to clean.

It is only about $200,00 to have yer existing tub professionally spray painted white. I have used the spray kit you buy for about $50.00 in apartments. The last one I did a tile in and changed out the valve-,ran out of time,so we did $50.00 thing on the tub. Actually it looks great !

Can't say about the test in time on that one ,it's only been about a year.The house converted to apartment building is about 120 some odd years old-that tub is most likely 1940's.

I can tell you fiberglass holds up on the good ones. In the early 80's high end apartment building -two story apartments, ,fireplace all that-like condo's. Those tubs are one piece with surrounding tub wall. I always thought those were only good for about ten years-but those fiberglass Jobie's do seem to hold up pretty good. , Now on the fiber glass Jobie's, I have used the tub paint spray kit to change the color to white. Five years on those and it still looks good.

Some people say even if you pay the pro painter to spray out yer existing tub- it won't hold up. But the fact is, paint keeps getting better.

I would look around .