Advantages and Disadvantages of Refinishing a Bathtub

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Numerous homeowners have encountered this dilemma: a fantastic home at an affordable cost, yet the restroom remains stuck in the 1970s era.

What were the reasons behind choosing tubs and toilets in harvest gold, forest green, or pink during that time? It could have been considered trendy and unique at the time, but now you likely regret not choosing the timeless white option.

What should you do if you want to remove the unsightly, outdated colors from your tub but don’t want to completely renovate your entire bathroom?

Toilets can be replaced at a relatively low cost and with minimal effort. However, the same cannot be said for bathtubs or shower surrounds, as they pose a different challenge.

If you are considering replacing it with a low-cost fiberglass shower, the question remains: how can you remove the existing one?

To avoid high costs, one would need to tear down the tile, take off the trim, and figure out a method to fit the old appliance through the door. This could potentially become a costly process, especially if plumbing replacements or alterations are also necessary.

Advantages of Bathtub Refinishing

One possible solution that is both quick and affordable is to refinish or reglaze your bathtub.

Many businesses like Surface Designers offer this service and also can refinish sinks and tiles. For those seeking a refreshed appearance for an outdated bathroom, for a cost of less than $1,000, this option may be the solution.

To reglaze a standard porcelain or fiberglass tub, the cost typically begins at $300. If a tub and shower surround are also included, the price may increase to $450. It is recommended to contact multiple companies to receive a quote.

Surface Designers cannot only reglaze tubs, sinks, and tiles, but they also can completely transform backsplashes and countertops, even if they are made of Formica.

Preparing the area, including taping off and sealing it, sanding, fixing any flaws, priming, and applying the oil-based coating, can be completed in less than a day.

The process of drying and setting typically takes approximately 48 hours after the painting has been completed.

The new layer can have a lifespan of 15 years if properly maintained, making it the most advantageous aspect.

Disadvantages of Reglazing

In most cases, upon hiring a professional reglazing company, the surface in question will have a brand-new appearance and feel noticeably softer and smoother than it did previously.

On occasion, the new coating may encounter various issues if it is not properly applied.

• Bubbles
• Coarse surface
• Disappearing
• Tacky sensation

If the tub still feels sticky even after the designated drying time has elapsed, do not use it and immediately contact the company. This indicates that the chemicals may not have properly settled and could require refinishing.

Another issue may arise if the process is not applied correctly. To resolve this, one can simply restart the process from the beginning.

It is a given that you ought to:

Inquire about the warranties and guarantees provided by the service provider.

Determine their level of experience and if they can provide references.
Obtain a written estimate to ensure that there are no unexpected fees upon completion of the project.

One downside is the strong odor of the refinishing product which may last for a while. To mitigate this, reputable companies often provide a ventilation system to hasten the dissipation of the smell.

Additionally, closing the door and keeping the window open during the drying process can also help.

An additional disadvantage to consider is the requirement of using a gentle cleaning solution on the surface to avoid potential scratches and gradual damage. Even one single scratch has the potential to deteriorate the entire finish over time.

Is Bathtub Refinishing a Project You Can Do Yourself?

Starting a renovation project and ending up with a space that is even worse than before is the ultimate disaster.

Having your own mistakes to confront daily is now a reality, rather than just being bothered by an unappealing color. Many home improvement retailers offer affordable refinishing paint kits specifically for bathtubs and tiles that can be applied by anyone. However, this task should not be taken lightly and requires some level of experience.

Properly utilizing the paint can be challenging.

Rectifying an error is nearly unachievable and it is effortless to err without ample experience.

The process requires continuous application and reapplication of a complete coat until the bathtub is fully coated – there is no option to postpone until the following weekend to add another layer!

The self-made kits are created with a water-based substance instead of oil-based, resulting in a shorter-lasting finish.

Taking it to One’s Own Abode

Tub reglazing is an affordable and efficient method for homeowners to enhance their bathroom or kitchen, although it may not be well-known to all.

In just two days, the task can be completed if you choose to employ a dependable and experienced company.
Do you have any thoughts? Is your desire to have a new bathroom finally becoming a reality?

For those residing in Houston and seeking information about bathroom renovation, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is available for your convenience.