Bathtub refinishing gives your bathtub a facelift by painting a tough epoxy coating over the existing enamel, acrylic, or fiberglass tub surface. It’s not expensive compared to other options like replacing the tub, and it’s easy to do with a do-it-yourself kit instead of hiring a professional.
DIY bathtub refinishing kits include epoxy resin with hardener, etching powder, latex gloves, steel wool, brush, cleaning solution, cleaner or thinner, and safety goggles. The epoxy coating comes in white or a few other basic colors.
Read on to learn how to refinish a bathtub on your own and when it’s best to call a professional to do it for you.
Cost of Bathtub Refinishing
Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing costs $100 to $200 if you use a kit. To hire a professional to refinish the bathtub costs about $500, with a price range of $330 to $630.
Refinishing a bathtub is significantly cheaper than replacing a tub. Bathtub replacement costs about $6,000, though costs can range as low as $1,565 or as high as $10,420.
When to Refinish a Bathtub
Indicators that you should keep your tub and refinish it include:
- Deep stains
- Rust
- Cracks
- Outdated style
- Peeling refinish coating
- Antique or valuable
- Too cumbersome to move
Bathtub Reglazing vs. Refinishing
The terms bathtub reglazing and bathtub refinishing essentially mean the same thing: to refurbish the surface of a bathtub with a coating.
Technically, though, bathtub reglazing is a subset of the larger bathtub refinishing process. Bathtub reglazing refers to the application of the coating itself. Bathtub refinishing refers to the entire process, including repairing small cracks and holes, applying filler, sanding, glazing, and then buffing the bathtub.
Safety Considerations
Bathtub refinishing kits emit toxic fumes. Run the bathroom exhaust fan. Place a box fan in an open window to remove gasses.
Wear manufacturer-recommended breathing protection such as a respirator when sanding or applying the refinishing product.
Need more help? Talk to a bathtub expert
Our partners can help you compare quotes from top-rated professionals near you
Get a Quote
The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which The Spruce receives compensation.
Read the full article here
