Weighing The Benefits Against The Drawbacks Of Reglazing Bathtubs
Bathtubs endure a lot of wear and tear over the years from daily use. Exposure to moisture, cleaning products, and even shampoo or bath residue can gradually dull and stain tub surfaces.
Rather than go through the expense and demolition of replacing an old bathtub that still retains its structural integrity, some homeowners opt to give it a facelift instead through a cosmetic process known as reglazing.
What is Bathtub Reglazing?
Bathtub reglazing, also called refinishing, involves resurfacing the interior of the bathtub or shower walls with a new protective coating to restore a smooth, clean and uniform appearance.
The reglazing process starts with thorough cleaning and sanding to roughen up the original surface. Cracks and chips are filled in and leveled out with putty. Then 2-5 primer/paint layers are sprayed or brushed on. The final step is buffing to an even gloss.
From dull scratched porcelain to outdated blue and pink tile surrounds, reglazing can give worn bathtub surfaces a fresh facelift with updated color options. The new finish protects against staining too.
Cost of Reglazing a Bathtub
The average cost to reglaze a standard bathtub ranges from $200 to $650. Showers or clawfoot tubs with more surface area to cover fall on the higher end while double basin costs less. Rates vary based on your region too.
Pros of Reglazing Your Bathtub
Why should you consider reglazing instead of doing a full bathtub replacement in your next bathroom remodel? Here are some of the advantages.
Less Expensive Than Replacement
Installing a new acrylic or porcelain bathtub with removal of the old one can cost $2,000 or more after factoring in new plumbing connections, tile, modifications to flooring or walls, and labor.
Reglazing provides cost savings of 50-70% over replacement. It preserves your existing tub shell and avoids the mess and demolish work ripout entails.
Wide Range of Updated Color Options
From white and bisque to navy, emerald green and even black, reglazing opens up lots of possibilities to refresh the look of your outdated pink or blue bathtub.
You can match existing tile and fixtures with a classic white. Or make the tub a striking focal point by reglazing it in a deep hue like hunter green if you have beige or white wall tile.
The color coat formulations used today offer improved durability and scratch resistance over early epoxytypes too.
Shortened Remodeling Timeline
Replacing a set-in tub with tile surround requires careful removal to avoid damaging walls or flooring, extending the renovation timeline.
Reglazing is completed in just one day. It preserves your existing tub shell and efficiently updates its appearance without affecting surroundings.
That quick turnaround keeps life disrupted for a shorter period, an important consideration for households with children or limited mobility where a functioning bath is essential.
Preserves Existing Tub Frame
Today's new bathtubs sold are thinner and lighter weight than vintage cast iron, steel or thick acrylic shells. Reglazing preserves the superior insulation and heat retention properties of an older quality tub.
Its thick durable shell built to last 50 years or more won't need replacing. Reglazing just freshens up its appearance and protects the surface against new stains.
Eco-Friendly
Preserving and restoring what you already have is gentler on the environment than manufacturing, shipping and disposing of an entire tub shell and hardware.
Cons of Bathtub Reglazing
On the flip side, reglazing does have some drawbacks to weigh.
Surface Can Scratch or Stain Over Time
The new finish will wear down and lose its luster eventually, showing scratches or hard water stains 5-7 years down the road.
However, you can extend its longevity by using a bath mat and being careful about dragging hard objects across the bottom or tapping glasses on its sides.
Toxic Materials Require Site Precautions
Various deglossers, primers, solvents and epoxy paints are used when reglazing a tub. Volatile organic compounds offgas unpleasant odors.
Companies should take safety measures like cordoning off the room, opening windows, using respirators and removing or protecting nearby items.
Homeowners often need to vacate the premises for a day or two while fumes dissipate after.
Preparation Work Involved
Your reglazing contractor will do the refinishing work, but you'll be responsible for clearing and cleaning prior.
That prep includes removing shower doors and nearby items, taping off baseboards and tile above the tub, and cleaning plumbing hardware and tile grout.
Weather Can Affect Results
High humidity lengthens the time needed for coatings to dry and fully cure, while low temps can hinder proper bonding.
Contractors avoid scheduling when rain or extreme heat or cold impact results. But weather at the actual job time can still complicate things.
Dependent on Reglazer Skill Level
An uneven finish with drips, brush marks or sanding swirls will be obvious with glossy coatings.
Check reviews, licensing, experience and examples of past work when selecting a contractor. Care in surface prep and application impacts results.
While DIY kits are sold, reglazing difficulty and hazards from fumes make professional handling advisable.
When to Consider Reglazing Your Tub
If your bathtub is structurally intact but suffers from surface stains, scratches, chips or just looks outdated, reglazing can refresh its appearance.
Here are signs reglazing is a good option:
- Porcelain, fiberglass or enameled steel tub has minor cracks or scratches
- Dated color like pink, blue, avocado green or almond
- Noticeable stain rings and soap residue builds up
- Cast iron or clawfoot tub has worn enamel coating or rust spots
The key is choosing a tub in sound shape over one with substantial damage. Because reglazing won't address underlying structural issues or problems with the drain pipe or plumbing.
Questions to Ask About Your Tub
As you assess whether DIY cleaning solutions could restore your tub or reglazing is needed, ask yourself:
- Is the bottom still flat and level without soft spots or rot?
- Are the finish problems only cosmetic without leaks or cracks?
- Is replacing rather than salvaging it on your longterm bathroom remodel plan?
If the basics are still good, area rugs, shower curtains and good cleaning practices can tide you over cosmetically until your renovation schedule.
But if gunk buildup battles, stains and dullness already have you wanting that refresh, evaluate reglazers in your region on cost and quality of their work.
Finding Quality Bathtub Reglazing Contractors
While bathtub reglazing seems straightforward in concept, expertise with surface preparation, spray equipment and managing fumes plays a big role.
Here are tips for finding a pro reglazer to ensure your satisfaction: