Having a porcelain tub in your home can be a wonderful asset and a real feature piece that gets guests talking. They are becoming somewhat of a rarity in the modern era, but those of us who are lucky enough to have antique ones cherish them. They usually contain plenty of room for a relaxing soak, which is a luxury we all need now more than ever. However, due to its very nature, porcelain can sometimes take a beating and look a bit worse for the wear as the years pass.
Fortunately, it’s actually quite simple to breathe some new life into this key bathroom piece. While porcelain tub refinishing is a job that should usually be outsourced to a pro who has the right equipment and knowledge to get the job done right, a skilled DIY-er may be able to tackle the project. Read on for a primer on how to get your porcelain tub looking like new (even if it’s an antique):
Scrub down the scum: The first step is to scrub the inside and outside of the tub—any household cleaner will do. Use a stiff bristle brush or a sponge with a scrubbing surface for best results.
Break out the TSP: Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is sold at any home improvement store and is a great way to degloss the surface of the porcelain. Make sure you wear rubber gloves as a you scrub, and rinse the entire tub with water when you’re done.
Remove hardware: The next step in porcelain tub refinishing involves removing the hardware to protect it from sanders and paint in the next steps. A screwdriver is probably necessary at this point, although a tub spout might come right off by turning it counterclockwise with your bare hands. Anything you can’t easily remove should be covered with painter’s tape for added protection.
Sand it down: Next, sand the entire surface with fine grit paper. Rough grit will scratch up the surface, so avoid that at all costs. A palm sander will help save your grip at this point, and is well worth the investment. Use a shop vac and tack cloth to clean up the excess dust this is sure to create.
Prime: Cover any area around the tub with plastic sheeting and start spraying down the tub with acrylic primer contained inside a spray painter. Allow the first coat to dry (roughly 30 minutes), then apply a second coat.
Poly the tub: Finally, use the sprayer to apply a layer of epoxy acrylic to the whole tub. Let it dry before applying two more coats. After the final coat is added, don’t touch anything on the tub for at least 48 hours as everything fully and completely dries. When that time is up, put the hardware back in place, apply caulking around all seams and then you’re all done!
A porcelain tub refinishing project can seem intimidating for most DIY-ers, so if you prefer to leave it to the pros, our team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass has the knowledge and experience to do any bathroom job right, no matter the size or the materials required. Call us today!
If you have a chipped, discolored or just plain grungy tub, you might be considering replacement. Bathtub replacement can be expensive, though—between removal and disposal of the old tub, reinstalling a new one and addressing any tile or plumbing issues, the project can cost thousands of dollars. Plus, your bathroom will be out of commission for weeks. If your tub is structurally sound, however, bathtub refinishing can be a great option.
Bathtub refinishing, also known as bathtub resurfacing, is a cost-effective way to restore your tub’s appearance.
What kind of tubs can be refinished?
Cast iron, steel and fiberglass tubs are all suitable for refinishing. As long as the tub only has surface damage, the refinishing process will restore the tub’s former glory. You’ll be able to get rid of discoloration and stains, minor cracks and chips and restore the original glossy look. Bathtub refinishing can make your tub look new—and it’s great if you’d like to change the color of the tub, too.
If, however, your tub has major cracks or leaks, is more than 25 years old, is too outdated for your bathroom or is full of mold and mildew, it’s better to replace the tub altogether. Large cracks and leaks are structural damage, which can’t be solved by refinishing. If the tub is on the older side, it’s best to replace it—modern tubs generally last a couple of decades. Finally, mold and mildew are health hazards, and need to be removed as soon as possible. That’s especially important if the mold has spread to the walls.
How much does bathtub refinishing cost?
Bathtub refinishing typically costs $300 to $600, depending on your refinishing contractor and your specific tub. Compare that to bathtub replacement, which can be upwards of $1,500 when you factor in labor and disposal.
How does the bathtub resurfacing process work?
To resurface your tub, your contractor will first strip off the old finish and sand down the entire tub. If there are any minor cracks, chips or holes, they’ll fill them in before continuing.
Next, a primer is applied and allowed to dry. Then multiple layers of the coating are applied, and finished with a sealant. Once completely dry and cured, the bathtub is ready to use.
How long does bathtub refinishing take?
The entire process, from stripping to curing, takes one to three days. Once it’s finished, the new surface should last 10 to 15 years. It’s a fast, easy process that offers long-lasting results.
Is bathtub refinishing worth it?
If your bathtub is suitable for refinishing, and you still like its style and features, refinishing is definitely worth it. Your bathtub will look brand new, without the cost, hassle and delay that comes with tub replacement. When you want to get another 10 to 15 years out of your tub, resurfacing is the way to go.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. can restore your aging bathtub to look new once more. If you’re interested in bathtub refinishing, call us today to schedule a consultation.
When your bathtub looks dingy, dull and old, it’s time to consider bathtub refinishing. Instead of tearing out your old tub and replacing it with a brand-new one—and all the associated costs that go with it—you can spend a fraction of the price to refinish your old tub. You’ll get a beautiful, glossy and functional tub in just 24 to 48 hours.
Is bathtub refinishing right for your tub? Read on to learn more about the process.
The refinishing process
Your porcelain or fiberglass tub can easily be restored when you work with the pros. Bathtub refinishing usually takes 24 to 48 hours to complete and cure, at which point you can use your tub again.
The process has several steps. First, your contractor will strip the old finish and sand down the old surface. This creates a smooth foundation to apply the new finish. Next, they’ll repair any holes, chips, cracks or other surface issues that have appeared. Once repaired, they’ll be able to move on to applying the new coating.
The new surface involves applying primer, several layers of the new coating and a sealant. The bathtub’s surface is then buffed to a high shine.
Is bathtub refinishing right for me?
Bathtub refinishing usually costs about $300 to $600. Compare that to about $1,500 to replace your bathtub, at a minimum. Removing and hauling away the old tub, buying a new one and installing it is a long and involved process. You won’t be able to use your bathroom until the new tub is installed. It may also require plumbing and tile work, if the new tub is a different size or shape than your old tub or if damage occurred during the removal of your previous tub.
As long as your tub doesn’t have any major structural damage, it can be refinished. In fact, you can even refinish it in a brand-new color. Although white is a classic choice, many bathtub refinishing contractors are able to refinish your tub in a range of attractive colors.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in getting a new size or shape or a tub with different features—like Jacuzzi jets—bathtub refinishing may not be suitable for you. If, however, you prefer the character or cost-saving quality of your old tub, you can use refinishing to extend your old bathtub’s lifespan.
Bathtub refinishing typically adds 10 to 15 years to your tub’s lifespan—it’s a great way to put off major repairs for another, better time.
Can I do it myself?
There are kits available to refinish your own bathtub. However, we strongly discourage this. Although it’s technically cheaper, there’s a lot more room for user error. You risk getting stuck with an imperfect tub when you go the DIY route.
DIY bathtub refinishing kits are also limited in color, and may not last as long as a professional refinish. Generally, it’s best to do it right the first time and enjoy your good-as-new tub in the coming years.
If your tub and shower are looking a little worse for the wear, you might wonder whether you should spring for professional refinishing, or if you can do it yourself. Chips, scratches, stains and other types of discoloration can make a perfectly functional bath and shower look less than appealing. At the same time, replacing your bathtub is an expensive and time-consuming process, so there’s no sense in doing that unless you absolutely have to.
Should you try DIY shower and bathtub refinishing, or hire a professional? Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages:
Amount of work: If you’re not already a home maintenance professional, the sheer amount of work involved with DIY refinishing might steer you away. You’ll need to remove or tape off the fixtures and thoroughly scrape the tub with a razor first—this can take hours. Then you’ll dull the surface with etching powder, sand it down, clean it, add primer and caulking… and then you can start applying the glaze. This is hard physical work and can take a long time if you don’t know what you’re doing. In contrast, professionals are trained to get the job done as efficiently as possible—as long as you don’t mind having a crew in your home for the day, you can avoid the physical labor.
Finish: There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a nice, clean finish by the time you’re done with your DIY project. While professional refinishing always results in a shiny, glass-like finish, DIY refinishing is more likely to result in drips and brush marks. If you want your shower to look brand new again, there’s no substitute for hiring a professional.
Time: DIY refinishing usually takes a full day or more to prepare the surface, add the glaze and wait for it to dry. You should be able to use your shower about 24 hours after the bathtub refinishing process. When you hire a professional, it should take three to five hours to prep and refinish the tub. The drying time will be similar. If time is of the essence, hire a pro.
Cost: DIY kits usually cost about $100. You can get kits, rollers and brushes online (along with the tape and tools you’ll need to protect the fixtures). Some kits are all-inclusive, while others only provide the glaze. It’s true that this will save you money—but you won’t get the same quality results that you would with a professional refinishing job. On average, a professional job costs just under $500. Most prices range from $300 to $750.
Colors: Finally, your color selection is limited when you go the DIY route. Most DIY kits come in white or off-white. Professional shower and tub refinishers have access to better supplies and a full range of colors, so you should be able to find virtually any shade you need.
If your bathtub is looking a little worse for wear, you’ve probably researched some of your options. You can replace it, of course, which is expensive and time consuming. Alternatively, you could reglaze or refinish your tub. Reglazing and refinishing your bathtub in Phoenix, AZ is a great way to get a little more life out of your tub. It’s a quick and easy process that will leave you with a beautiful, shiny new look.
What is bathtub reglazing and refinishing?
Bathtub reglazing and refinishing are two terms for the same process. It’s suitable for bathtubs that have minor cosmetic imperfections, such as small chips, cracks, stains and dullness. As long as your tub is structurally sound, reglazing can give it new life.
If you decide to refinish your tub, the process is simple. A refinishing contractor will come to your home and sand down your tub’s surface. This smooths the exterior and provides a good surface for the glaze to adhere to. If there are any cracks or chips in the surface, those are filled in and sanded down again.
After the tub is filled and sanded, it will be primed. Your contractor will usually apply several layers of primer to create a brand-new surface. Finally, it will be finished with a shiny clear coat and buffed to perfection.
Once the reglazing process has been completed, you’ll need to wait 24 to 48 hours before you can use the tub. Keep heavy objects away from the tub—don’t let shampoo bottles, toys and other items that could damage the finish fall inside.
That’s all it takes to revive your bathtub and give your bathroom new life!
Benefits of bathtub remodeling in Phoenix, AZ
The biggest benefit to bathtub reglazing is how quick and easy it is to restore your existing tub. If your tub is still in good shape—just aesthetically displeasing—it’s the perfect way to get more time out of your tub. Why go to the hassle and expense of installing a whole new tub? The refinishing process takes just one day, and within two to three days, you’ll be ready to use it again. Replacements can take days or even weeks to complete.
Another great benefit is that refinishing is significantly cheaper than replacement. Most refinishing costs between $250 and $650, depending on the type of tub, the contractor and any specific challenges involved. Replacing your tub costs thousands, especially when you factor in removal and disposal of the old tub.
Ultimately, bathtub reglazing is a great option when you’re not ready to undertake a major renovation project. Depending on the shape it’s in and how well you maintain your tub, you could get another decade or more out of your refinished bathtub.
If you’re interested in reglazing your bathtub, get in touch with A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. today to arrange a consultation. We can walk you through the process, provide a quote and help you decide if refinishing is right for you.
