Is Resurfacing A Tub Worth It?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Does tub resurfacing last?

The Bottom Line

With proper care and cleaning, your bathtub’s new finish can last this long or longer. According to Chuck Pistor, president of Surface Doctor, the finish on a reglazed tub

can last 10 to 15 years

if you take proper care of it.

How much does it cost to resurface a tub?

Refinishing a bathtub costs

$479 on average

, with a typical range of $335 and $628. This includes $30 to $150 in materials and $200 to $500 in labor. Material and size can also affect the total. Sometimes called “reglazing” or “resurfacing,” this process gives your tub a fresh new look.

How durable is a reglazed bathtub?

Refinishing helps protect the integrity of your bathtub. However, constant care in terms of weekly cleaning and maintenance is required to keep moisture and unwanted agents such as mold from deteriorating your finish and potentially damaging your bathtub. When given proper care, your reglaze will

last 10-15 years

.

Is reglazing a bathtub safe?

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.

How many times can you Reglaze a tub?

Refinishing can be done by professional installation or by using a do-it-yourself reglazing kit. 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.

What is the difference between bathtub refinishing and reglazing?

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

.

Can I resurface my bathtub myself?

Lining a tub costs nearly as much as bathtub replacement, and it is not a project homeowners can tackle themselves. … Refinishing essentially involves painting on a

very hard epoxy coating over

the existing enamel, acrylic, or fiberglass tub surface.

How do I get my tub white again?

Make a

bathtub cleaner paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda

(or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse.

How long does it take to refinish a tub?

A standard size bathtub, in reasonable condition, takes only

3 to 5 hours

to refinish. The tub will typically be ready to use within 24 hours, or even sooner with special curing procedures.

Why is my bathtub peeling?

A variety of issues may lead to a reglazed bathtub peeling, including a chip in the surface. … Chips may be caused by dropping something heavy onto the surface or using harsh cleaners or scouring pads on the tub.

Poor refinishing may

also lead to peeling, such as when the glaze is not allowed enough time to cure or dry.

Does Reglazing tile last?

With proper care, your newly-reglazed tile

will last over a decade

. The glazing compound used on tile and ceramic surfaces is extremely hard and durable. In some cases, it may be even higher in quality than the glaze that was initially used to finish your tiles or ceramic countertops/sinks.

How do you clean a tub that has been reglazed?

  1. Rinse the Tub. Rinse the tub with warm water to remove hair and excess soap residue.
  2. Apply the Cleaner. Liberally apply the cleaner of your choice to all surfaces of the tub. …
  3. Let the Cleaner Sit. Leave the cleaner in place for about 5 minutes. …
  4. Scrub Without Abrasives. …
  5. Rinse Again. …
  6. Dry the Tub.

When should you not refinish a bathtub?

But you shouldn’t reglaze a tub that

has one or more major cracks

. These cracks might damage the structural integrity of your tub or cause leaks. It’s a better idea to replace bathtubs that have serious cracks. Otherwise, your bathtub could turn into a flood zone without much warning.

Can you Reglaze a bathtub a second time?


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.

Can a cast iron tub be reglazed?

The cast iron tub refinishing procedure also known as cast iron tub reglazing, not only is a

viable alternative

to replacement when the tub is old, stained, damaged, or simply doesn’t look good anymore but has become the number one choice for contractors nowadays when they are hired by a homeowner to remodel a bathroom …

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.