A chipped enamel bath is more than a cosmetic problem. Enamel is a hard glass-like coating fused onto cast iron or pressed steel. When it chips, the metal underneath is exposed to water — and if left untreated, rust will begin to develop within weeks. The longer a chip is left, the harder it becomes to repair well.

What Is Enamel?

Traditional cast iron and steel baths are coated with enamel — a vitrified glass compound fired at high temperature onto the metal surface. It creates a hard, non-porous, chemical-resistant finish that is very durable. But it is also brittle. Impact — a dropped tap or heavy object — can fracture the enamel and cause it to chip away.

The Professional Repair Process

Enamel repair is more specialised than acrylic repair. The process involves:

1. Rust treatment — if the exposed metal has begun to rust, the rust must be treated before the repair can proceed. Untreated rust will cause the repair to fail.
2. Surface preparation — the area around the chip is carefully prepared to give the repair material a sound key.
3. Colour matching — enamel baths come in a wide range of white and off-white tones. Colour matching to aged enamel requires experience and a comprehensive colour library.
4. Filling and building up — the repair material is applied in layers, building up to the correct height.
5. Polishing — the repair is polished to match the finish of the surrounding enamel.