Bathtub refinishing is a cost-effective way to give your tub a facelift. DIY kits cost $100 to $200, while hiring a professional costs about $500. Refinishing is significantly cheaper than replacing a tub, which can cost up to $10,420. Indicators that you should refinish your tub include deep stains, rust, cracks, outdated style, peeling coating, antique or valuable tubs, and tubs that are too cumbersome to move.
The terms bathtub reglazing and refinishing essentially mean the same thing, but reglazing is a subset of the larger refinishing process. Bathtub refinishing kits emit toxic fumes, so run the bathroom exhaust fan and wear breathing protection. What You’ll Need: Equipment / Tools – Screwdriver, putty knife, abrasive pad, rubber gloves, breathing protection, bucket, sponge, paint roller with roller cover, sponge paintbrush, roller tray, caulk gun. Materials – Bathtub refinishing kit, chemical caulk remover, bleach, abrasive cleanser, dropcloth, painter’s tape, #400 to #600 wet/dry sandpaper, paper towels, tack cloth, tub-and-tile caulk. Instructions: The key to a durable DIY tub refinishing is thorough cleaning and preparation. Protect the surrounding area with masking and a dropcloth. Working Time: 4 – 6 hrs. Total Time: 1 – 3 days. Yield: Refinish bathtub. Skill Level: Intermediate. Estimated Cost: $100 to $200.Cost of Bathtub Refinishing: DIY costs $100 to $200. Professional refinishing costs about $500, ranging from $330 to $630. Replacing a tub costs about $6,000, with a range from $1,565 to $10,420.
When to Refinish a Bathtub: Look for deep stains, rust, cracks, outdated style, peeling coating, antique or valuable tubs, and tubs that are too cumbersome to move. Bathtub Reglazing vs. Refinishing: Essentially the same thing, but reglazing is a subset of refinishing. Safety Considerations: Bathtub refinishing kits emit toxic fumes. Run the exhaust fan and place a box fan in an open window. Wear breathing protection when sanding or applying the product.Preparing for Bathtub Refinishing
Remove escutcheons and cover plates from plumbing fixtures. Temporarily unscrew and remove bathtub spouts during refinishing. Clean dirt or caulk residue from bathtub openings using a putty knife.
Cleaning the Bathtub
Thoroughly clean the tub and remove all caulking from the joints around the tub. Use a chemical caulk remover if necessary to remove all traces of caulk. Use bleach to clean mildew stains, then scrub the entire tub with an abrasive cleanser or LimeAway. Rinse with clear water.
Masking Off Areas
Use dropcloths and painter’s tape to mask off floors and walls around the tub. This prevents epoxy coating from being accidentally applied and simplifies cleanup.
Ventilation
Improve ventilation by opening windows, turning on the exhaust fan, or using portable fans. Always wear breathing protection as recommended by the manufacturer.
Repairing Chips and Dings
Fill chips and dings on the tub surface with epoxy putty included in the kit. Allow the patches to fully dry before sanding.
Sand or Etch the Tub Surfaces
Dull the tub’s surface with etching powder or sandpaper to help the new coating adhere better. Apply etching powder with water and scrub with an abrasive pad, or sand with #400 or #600 wet/dry sandpaper. Rinse and wipe the tub with a tack cloth to remove dust or paper residue.
Priming the Surfaces
Apply the primer with a roller and foam brush, and let it dry as directed. Some refinishers are self-priming and do not require a separate prime coat. Ensure to clean the roller cover before applying primer or epoxy coating to avoid lint on the bathtub surfaces.
Mixing the Epoxy Coating
Blend the hardener or catalyst into the epoxy resin quickly, as epoxy coatings rapidly harden once mixed. Be prepared to coat the entire tub in one working session.
Applying the Coating
Apply the coating to the sides of the tub with a roller, alternating between vertical and horizontal strokes. Move to the tub deck, then roll the bottom, and finish the edges with a sponge brush. Apply a second coat, following the product’s drying and recoating instructions. Allow the coating to dry for a full two days of cure time, keeping the area well-ventilated for at least the first day.
Caulking and Reinstalling Hardware
Seal the tub’s joints with fresh silicone caulk and let it cure overnight before reinstalling hardware.
Reinstall the faucet hardware. Your refinished bathtub is now ready to use.
Tip: When cleaning a resurfaced tub, use non-abrasive cleaners, such as mild dish soap, and rinse thoroughly. When to Call a Professional: Hire a professional tub refinisher for a mirror-smooth, durable finish that lasts more than just a few years. Do-it-yourself tub refinishing generally doesn’t last as long as professional refinishing. Pros typically etch the surface with an acidic solution rather than an abrasive powder, and a primer coat is almost always applied before the refinisher applies several coats of epoxy coating. FAQ: Is it worth it to refinish a bathtub? If you plan on replacing your bathtub within five years, it’s probably worth it to refinish your bathtub. The best long-term solution, though, is to replace the bathtub. How long will a reglazed tub last? The lifespan of a reglazed bathtub is typically five to 10 years or possibly longer, depending on use, care, and maintenance. 4 Solutions to Bathtub Reglazing Problems Article Sources: The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost? HomeAdvisor.