Bathtub Refinishing
A Cost-Effective Way to Transform Your Bathroom
When your bathtub starts looking worn, stained, or outdated, it can make your entire bathroom feel tired. Chips, scratches, and discoloration often lead homeowners to consider replacing the tub entirely, but replacement can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, bathtub refinishing—also known as reglazing or resurfacing—offers a faster, more affordable way to breathe new life into your tub without the stress of a full remodel.
Bathtub refinishing restores a worn or damaged tub with a smooth, glossy coating, replaces old caulking, and can include a non-slip treatment for added safety. The result is a bathtub that looks and feels like new, for a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
What Is Bathtub Refinishing?
Bathtub refinishing is a process that repairs and resurfaces your existing tub rather than removing and replacing it. The method is used on a variety of surfaces, including porcelain, fiberglass, and acrylic. Refinishing removes or conceals cosmetic damage, eliminates staining, and creates a like-new glossy finish.
The process involves:
- Thorough Cleaning and Preparation – Old caulk is removed, and the tub is cleaned to strip away dirt, soap scum, and oils that could prevent the new finish from bonding.
- Surface Repair – Cracks, chips, and pits are filled and sanded to create a perfectly smooth base.
- Primer – Known as an undercoat, ground, or priming coat, is a preparatory coating applied to a surface before painting. It acts as a base layer, improving paint adhesion and ensuring a more durable and even finish.
- Finishing – A professional-grade porcelain enamel is sprayed on, often in several layers, to achieve a durable, glossy look.
- Curing – After application, the bathtub cures for at least 24 hours before plastic can be removed and bathtub used again.
- Safety Enhancements – A non-slip texture can be added to the bottom of the tub to reduce the risk of slips and falls, while fresh caulking seals out moisture.
Once complete, the result is a tub that looks brand new and can last for years with proper care.
Why Choose Refinishing Over Replacement?
Refinishing offers several key benefits that make it appealing to homeowners and property managers alike:
- Cost Savings: Refinishing bathtub typically costs start at $600, while a replacement tub can cost $4,000–$6,000 (or more once labor, demolition, plumbing, and tile repair are factored in).
- Time Efficiency: Most refinishing projects are completed in one day, versus the week or more needed for full replacement.
- Less Disruption: No tearing out walls, floors, or plumbing—your bathroom remains functional.
- Eco-Friendly: Keeps old tubs out of landfills and minimizes the waste associated with demolition.
- Customization: You can change the color of your tub or update its texture to match a modern bathroom aesthetic.
- Safety: Adding a non-slip coating and replacing caulking can make your tub safer and more watertight.
For homeowners, refinishing is a way to modernize a bathroom quickly and affordably. For landlords or property managers, it is a straightforward way to refresh rental units between tenants without the cost of a full renovation.
When to Refinish (and When Not To)
Refinishing is best for tubs that have cosmetic problems but are structurally sound. Signs it is time to refinish include:
- Visible stains or yellowing
- Minor chips, scratches, or surface cracks
- A dull or rough finish that is hard to clean
- Outdated color (think avocado green or faded beige)
However, if your bathtub has leaks, or structural damage, replacement may be the better choice. Refinishing is also not ideal if you plan to change the shape or size of your tub—those require a new installation.
How Long Does It Last?
A professionally refinished tub can last 10+ years with proper care. To extend the lifespan:
- Use non-abrasive cleaners (avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and scrubbing pads).
- Rinse the tub after each use to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup.
- Avoid placing suction-cup bathmats, which can damage the finish.
- Reapply caulking as needed to prevent water damage.
Finding the Right Refinishing Professional
Not all refinishing services are equal. To ensure quality results:
- Check Reviews and Portfolios – Look at before-and-after photos of past projects.
- Ask About Materials – High-quality coatings and proper bonding agents make a significant difference in durability.
- Get Quote – Be wary of unusually low estimates, which often mean corners are being cut and cheaper products used.
Finding the Right Refinishing Professional
Common Myths About Bathtub Refinishing
- “Refinishing is just painting a tub.”
Refinishing involves more than paint—it is a multi-step process using specialized bonding agents and industrial-grade coatings designed to withstand years of use. - “It won’t last as long as a new tub.”
While a new tub can last decades, refinishing can last over a decade when done professionally and maintained properly, often outlasting cheaper replacement tubs. - “Anyone can do it.”
Quality refinishing requires experience, professional tools, and proper ventilation. DIY kits often result in peeling or bubbling within months.
Bathtub refinishing is an ideal solution for homeowners and property managers looking to restore beauty and functionality to their bathrooms without the excessive costs and disruption of a full replacement. With a professional application, refinishing gives your tub a glossy, modern finish, replaces old caulking, and adds safety features like a non-slip coating for a fraction of the time and expense of a remodel.
Whether your tub is chipped, stained, or simply outdated, refinishing offers a practical and affordable way to give your bathroom makeover.
Anew Bathtub Repair locally owned and operated call us today 775-476-2639
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