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.
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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.

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Until next time!
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While you're at it, check out these other projects like this repaired enamel wash basin:
