Is Bathtub Refinishing Worth It?

The bathtub is one of the most expensive bathroom fixtures. Having a bathtub isn’t only a luxury, but it can also increase your home’s value. It may greatly improve how your bathroom looks but as time pass by, having an old bathroom may affect also affect your bathroom’s overall condition. If your bathtub is still functional and you don’t want to spend much money just to have it replaced, bathtub refinishing is the answer. 

Aside from tub refinishing is a cost-effective option, you don’t need to go through the process of new installation which is more complicated. It would only take hours for tub refinishing to be completed, unlike total replacement that may take days for it to be accomplished. If you’re pondering whether or not you’ll opt for a bathtub refinishing, we’ll give you the signs when it’s time to refinish your tub as well as the steps are taken it’s done.

Signs that It’s Time to Refinish your Bathtub

1. There’s chipping

Chipping is a common problem in bathtubs, especially when it’s regularly used. It’s important to deal with chipping bathtub surface because it looks untidy that may affect your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal. As soon as you see parts that are chipping, it’s an indication that the moisture-resistant property of the bathtub is declining to increase the chances of rusting and other water damage.

2. Discoloration of your tub

An indication that your bathtub is aging is when you already see some discolorations like brownish-yellow, pink, or off-white sections. Even though your surface discoloration is just normal, removing it can be difficult because scrubbing it doesn’t seem to help.

3. You can no longer clean it

When your bathtub’s surface wears down, its ability to be fully cleaned is no longer possible. You may remove obvious dirt, but due to its overall condition, it may still look untidy due to some discolorations and other surface impurities. An old tub will get dirty easily because its surface becomes porous which allows contaminants to stick to it easily.

4. Your tub is dull

Unfortunately, as time goes on this shine fades, turning dull. The reason for this dulling is simple: the protective coating of the refinishing material has withered away. Not only is this less beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but your tub is no longer protected from moisture and other damage.

When your bathtub is new or been recently refinished or glazed, the tub will be sparkly and shiny. This not only makes your bathroom look cleaner, but it also makes it more beautiful. A shiny tub becomes the focal point of your bathroom, just like you imagined it’d be when you first bought the tub.

.5. You don’t like the color of your tub

If you purchased a home with an existing bathtub and you simply not like the color, refinishing it is the best way to deal with it. When you want to refinish it, you may choose from a wide variety of colors and styles.

3 Benefits of refinishing your tub

• Save time and money. Opting for a bathtub replacement may take a couple of days and might cost you thousands of dollars for it to be accomplished. In contrast, bathtub refinish may only take a few hours or less than a day for it to be polished and is far more affordable.
• Ease of cleaning. When you have been using your bathtub for years now, its finish becomes dulled, making it harder to clean. Discolorations and stains can be difficult to be remedied through the use of DIY products; that is why refinishing it is the best solution to revive it.
• Improve the bathroom look.  When your bathtub starts to have some discoloration, it can be noticed easily; that’s why when you opt for bathtub refinishing, it may drastically change your bathroom’s looks.

Steps in Professional Bathtub Refinishing

In order for you to know if your bathtub needs professional care, you need to ask for a site visit. The process of refinishing involves processes that need to be done in a standard way that requires the help of professionals. Here is the common step is done by professionals in bathtub refinishing:

Step 1: Clean the bathtub thoroughly and remove all debris. Cover all areas that don’t need refinishing. It’s also important to cover the floor and wall tiles, cabinets, and ceiling.

Step 2: Remove the bath faucet, drain fittings, and other hardware.

Step 3: Lightly sand the entire bathtub to roughen the original finish. In some cases, the tub may also be etched with acid to help the new coating adhere.

Step 4: Vacuum the bathtub to remove debris from the sanding stage. Fill chipped, scratched, or worn areas, then sand smooth. If there is extensive damage, the restorer may charge nominal extra fees for this.

Step 5: Fill chipped, scratched, or worn areas, then sand smooth. If there is extensive damage, the restorer may charge nominal extra fees for this. Apply up to three coats of primer with a sprayer, and let it dry.

Step 6: Buff the coating, as applicable. Some bathtub refinishers come back a few days later for a final buffing; other use processes that do not require buffing.

Step in Do-It-Yourself Bathtub Refinishing

If the condition of your bathtub is manageable, do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing is the best option, especially if you’re on a budget. Before proceeding with the refinishing, it’s important that you have an idea about the step-by-step process to ensure that you’re not adding up to its flaws.

Step 1: Prepare the materials such as the epoxy hardener, steel wool, brush, cleaning solution, cleaner/thinner, gloves, and safety goggles. Clean the bathtub surface.

Step 2: Cover the area around the tub, and open windows, and/or set up fans to provide active ventilation of the work area.

Step 3: Sand the tub while it is still wet to further roughen it, to improve bonding. Rinse the tub and let it dry. Wipe the tub with paper towels to be sure all water is removed, then wipe with a dry tack cloth to remove any dust or paper residue.

Step 4: Apply the primer with a roller, and let it dry as directed. Mix the epoxy coating. Begin applying it to the sides of the tub with a roller. Alternate between vertical and horizontal strokes to prevent drips and roller ridges.

Step 5: Move on to the tub deck (horizontal surfaces), then roll the tub bottom. Finish the edges as needed with a sponge brush.

Step 6: Apply a second coat of epoxy coating immediately after the first. Let the tub cure for 48 hours, keeping the area ventilated for at least the first day. Return back the accessories of the bathtub. Remove the covering and clean the area.

Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing

The process of bathtub refinishing involves the use of harmful chemicals such as isocyanates, methylene chloride, and acids. These chemicals can be harmful, especially when the person is overly exposed to it; that’s why workers who do the bathtub refinishing are prone to respiratory illnesses as well as skin conditions when they breathe in these chemicals and when it gets in contact with their skin. A way to ensure that workers are always on the safe side, they should wear protective gear while doing the job.

Final Thoughts

Bathtub refinishing is worth your time, money, and effort if your tub is still in good working condition. Through successful tub refinishing, surface imperfections like chipping, scratches, cracks, discolorations, and staining are improve to make your tub look like new again. If you need help from professional tub refinishers, make sure to research to ensure that you’re hiring a company that’s not only after the salary but also a concern with making your space look aesthetically pleasing again.