Any ideas to fix rust spot on bathtub?

[HomeRepairGuy]

The tub in our second bathroom is developing a rust area right below the overflow cover (with stopper lever). Since we only take showers in that tub I would like to remove the overflow cover and lever and just cover that area with something that is leak proof and looks halfway decent. Doesn't have to look nice, just decent.

Any ideas?

 

[Redwood]

Is this a chip in the tub finish that is rusting or, a rust stain coming down from the overflow plate?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

That sounds like an enameled steel tub. Any metal cover would seal it, although there is a good chance that the rubber gasket behind the tub might not seal so you would have to make sure the new cover cannot leak. As far as "looking decent" that would depend on what you consider decent, because it will always look like a makeshift repair.

 

[HomeRepairGuy]

Is this a chip in the tub finish that is rusting or, a rust stain coming down from the overflow plate?

It's a steel tub (not cast iron) and the rust is in the tub right below the hole for the overflow drain.

 

[HomeRepairGuy]

That sounds like an enameled steel tub. Any metal cover would seal it, although there is a good chance that the rubber gasket behind the tub might not seal so you would have to make sure the new cover cannot leak. As far as "looking decent" that would depend on what you consider decent, because it will always look like a makeshift repair.

Yes, it is a steel tub. Enameled or porcelin coated I'm not sure. Your "any metal cover" gave me an idea. Maybe I can get a piece of stainless steel and silicone it over the rusted area. That would look decent as opposed to my original thought of using fiberglass cloth and white silicone to patch the area.

Thanks,
HRG