Funny you mention the old Moens—I’ve got a bathroom sink in my place that’s probably from the late ‘70s, and it’s still going strong. The finish is a little “vintage” (let’s call it what it is: avocado green), but honestly, I’d rather have that than deal with those flimsy modern handles that feel like they’ll snap off if you look at them wrong.
Do you ever worry about finding replacement parts for the older stuff, though? I’ve lucked out at salvage yards a few times, but sometimes it feels like a treasure hunt. Also, have you ever tried refinishing an old fixture to update the look? I keep thinking about it, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the hassle or if I’ll just end up making a mess.
I get tempted by the shiny new options at the big box stores, but every time I try one, it just doesn’t have that solid feel. Maybe I’m just stuck in my ways...
That avocado green is a classic—honestly, I’ve seen it come back around in some of the “retro” remodels folks are paying big bucks for now. I totally get what you mean about the old Moens feeling solid. I’ve worked on plenty of houses where the original fixtures outlasted three generations of “upgrades.”
Finding parts can be a pain, though. I usually start with salvage yards or even eBay if I’m desperate. Sometimes you get lucky and find a stash of old handles or cartridges that fit right in. As for refinishing, I’ve done it a few times—mostly when someone wanted to keep the bones but ditch the ‘70s vibe. It’s not as scary as it sounds, but prep is everything: clean, sand, prime, then use an epoxy spray made for metal or porcelain. The fumes are rough, so open windows and wear a mask. If you take your time, it can actually look pretty sharp.
Honestly, I’d rather refinish than swap for something flimsy from the big box stores. The weight and feel just aren’t the same these days... Guess some things really were built to last.
Avocado green is wild—it’s like the color that refuses to die, huh? I’ve been staring at my own kitchen faucet, debating if it’s worth saving or just easier to cave and buy something new. The idea of refinishing kinda freaks me out (I’m picturing paint everywhere except the faucet), but you make it sound doable. I do wonder if it’s really worth the hassle when you can just pick up a replacement, though... but yeah, the new ones feel so light and cheap in comparison. Maybe I’ll give the old one a shot before tossing it.
I get the hesitation with refinishing—honestly, it sounds scarier than it is. I’ve done it a couple of times and yeah, it takes patience, but the old fixtures usually clean up way better than you'd think. The weight and feel of older stuff just can’t be matched by the newer, plasticky ones. If your faucet isn’t leaking or totally corroded, I’d say give it a try. Worst case, you’re out a weekend afternoon... but you might end up loving the result.
Totally get where you’re coming from about the old fixtures—there’s just something about the heft and finish that feels way more solid than the new stuff. I was nervous the first time I tried refinishing too, but honestly, it was kind of satisfying once I got into it. Did you use any particular products or just elbow grease and patience? I found that a little Bar Keepers Friend and some steel wool worked wonders on my old bathroom taps.
I do wonder sometimes if it’s worth the effort for every fixture, though. Like, if the inside is all gunked up or the threads are shot, maybe it’s time to let go. But if it’s just surface crud or tarnish, I’m with you—definitely worth a shot before tossing it. Plus, you can’t really buy that kind of patina new, right?