Usually more cost-effective than swapping it for something new, refinishing a bathtub saves you the time and effort involved in a larger bathroom remodeling project. Plus, it allows you to preserve an older design, such as an antique clawfoot tub, that adds character to a bathroom but has seen better days.
Is it worth it to refinish a bathtub?
Bathtub refinishing is worth the money if your tub is in good working condition. The reglazing process can remove surface imperfections, like scratches, shallow cracks, and stains. But if your tub is old, leaking, or full of mold, reglazing is just a waste of money. You’ll have to buy a new tub soon anyway.
Is it better to replace or refinish a bathtub?
Replace it when it doesn’t meet your needs.
When your old tub doesn’t satisfy your wants and needs, it’s time for a replacement. Refinishing the tub will only cover up old stains, chips and peels. It won’t give you any new features that would increase your quality of life.
Does refinishing a tub last?
On average, a quality bathtub refinish can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Refinishing the tub helps protect the integrity, color, and finish.
When should you not refinish a bathtub?
The bathtub will still leak after the refinishing process, or the crack and damage may even become worse or enlarge because of the stress it’s under. There are two types of cracks, namely the structural and web-like formations. The bathtub refinishing process cannot do anything for any structural damage.
How long does a bathtub reglazing last?
10-15 years
How long does a refinish last? The short answer is that a professional reglaze will last 10-15 years. The long answer is that there are other factors in prolonging the glaze and finish of your bathtub. Refinishing helps protect the integrity of your bathtub.
What is the difference between refinishing and reglazing a bathtub?
So the main difference between the “bathtub refinishing” and “bathtub reglazing” is that the former refers to the entire restoration project and the latter refers to the commercial coating applied at the end of the process.
How often should bathtub be replaced?
If your bathtub is around 20 years old, it may have seen better days. Or, if your bathtub is even around 35 or 40 years old, but you refinished it about 20 years ago, you may have the same issues – it just can’t seem to get clean no matter what! If you have an aging bathtub, it may be time for a replacement.
What is the cost of a new bathtub?
National Average: $4,340
The typical cost range to replace a tub is $1,435 to $7,246, and the national average is $4,340. Still, your actual cost will depend on the type of bathtub selected, whether plumbing adjustments will be necessary, and the going rate of labor.
Does Reglazing a tub change the color?
Changing the Color of the Tub
You can change the color of your bathroom simply by reglazing all the fixtures and the wall tiles. It’s cheap, quick, and safe! And best of all, no item is removed from its place. If you also do a full regrouting and recaulking job, your bathroom will look like brand new!
How many times can a bathtub be refinished?
Such repeated refinishing applications cannot be repeated indefinitely. Refinishing is regarded as a temporary fix in the best of circumstances, and two refinishing coatings are the most you can reasonably expect to apply.
How much does it cost to refinish a porcelain tub?
$350 to $600
The range for a porcelain tub reglazing is $350 to $600. Usually, it’s just a thin layer of porcelain over cast iron or steel. If it’s a very old tub that is entirely porcelain, you’ll need to hire a professional to give it special care.
How long does it take to Reglaze a bathtub?
2-4 hours
Depending upon conditions, a bathtub reglazing project typically lasts anywhere from 2-4 hours.
Is it safe to take a bath in a refinished bathtub?
The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them.
Can I Reglaze my bathtub myself?
There are professional services that specialize in this kind of refinishing, but there are also DIY kits that produce fairly good results. You can buy DIY kits that include epoxy resin with hardener, etching powder, latex gloves, steel wool, brush, cleaning solution, cleaner/thinner, and safety goggles.
What does Reglazing a tub do?
What is reglazing? It is an inexpensive and quick process to restore bathtubs by sanding down the surface, filling in the cracks and chipped areas, applying layers of primer and paint, and buffing the surface. The process is also otherwise referred to as refinishing, resurfacing, and recoating.
Is painting a bathtub a good idea?
The answer is YES. Painting a bathtub isn’t something most people think to do. In fact, when I started telling people my plan was to paint my pink tub, they either asked how or thought it wouldn’t work. Well, I’m here to tell everyone who doubted me that it indeed worked and looks like a million bucks!
How much does it cost to spray a bathtub?
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Calculator
| National Average | $480 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $335 – $629 |
| Low End – High End | $200 – $1,000 |
Can you refinish a tub that has already been refinished?
Yes, you can reglaze (in other words re-surface or refinished) a bathtub that has been reglazed before. If the surface has noticeable wear even when the bathtub hasn’t frequently been used, it could be that the original refinish job was not done currently or did not dry completely soon after the service.
How do you clean a tub that has been reglazed?
Instructions
- Rinse the Tub. Rinse the tub with warm water to remove hair and excess soap residue.
- Apply the Cleaner. Liberally apply the cleaner of your choice to all surfaces of the tub. …
- Let the Cleaner Sit. Leave the cleaner in place for about 5 minutes. …
- Scrub Without Abrasives. …
- Rinse Again. …
- Dry the Tub.
Why is my bathtub peeling?
When your bathtub finish is flaking off, it means that it has been refinished before. If it was refinish correctly, the finish should last 10-15+ years. If it was poorly finished (i.e. improper chemicals, lack of acid etch etc.), the finish will flake and peel much faster.
