You might find this useful:
http://www.a-home.net/remodeling/bathrooms/porcelain-bathtubs.htm
I've used a sort of enamel paint to repair tub & sink chips, I think it's called "Appliance Touch-up," Comes in a little bottle, sort of like an iodine bottle, with the brush affixed to the inside of the lid.
It's NOT a perfect fix, short of reglazing the tub, nothing will be perfect; but it's good enough so that you hardly notice it if it's not in an obvious spot. If it is in an obvious spot, it'll still look a LOT better than nothing. Best of all, it's a quick & easy fix for a cheap price.
Good luck on the swmbo situation.
Regards, GF.