Bathtub Refinishing: Pros, Cons, and How-To
The bathtub in your home is used every day, which unfortunately means that it will experience wear and tear over time. The last thing you want when you step into the tub is to see mold, cracks, or leaks, so it’s important to take care of even the smallest problems as soon as you find them to ensure they don’t grow into larger ones.
When it comes time to do something about your old, worn-down bathtub, you have two options in front of you: replace it entirely or refinish it. But which option is right for you? We welcome you to continue reading so that you can make an educated decision about which route you should take!
Benefits of Bathtub Refinishing
Bathtub refinishing is a fantastic solution for many homeowners who might enjoy their bathtub but just need it to be restored to good condition. Refinishing offers several benefits over replacement, including the following:
Affordability
The main reason you’ll want to refinish your bathtub is money. A refinishing project will only cost you a fraction of the price of a replacement. For many homeowners, affordability is king, so if you want to skip costly replacement and installation fees, refinishing may be best for you.
Speed
You might not know it, but replacing an entire bathtub can be quite an ordeal. It’s a large project that takes professionals a fair bit of time and effort to complete. On the other hand, refinishing a bathtub can take just a day or two!
Aesthetic Control
Do you want something more unique than a typical white tub? Are you looking for a personalized focal point that fits the aesthetic of your bathroom? Well, when you refinish your bathtub, you have complete control over its final look! You’ll have the option to change the color and appearance of your tub, which means you can make it appear exactly as you want it.
Drawbacks of Bathtub Refinishing
So far, you may be thinking that bathtub refinishing is a fantastic solution for your home. And it just might be! However, there are a few disadvantages of refinishing that you should be aware of before taking the jump.
Lifespan
The main concern with refinishing a bathtub is how many years you’ll get out of it afterward. While you may get 10-15 years, a subpar finish can cause your bathtub to wear out much faster than that. As most experts recommend you only refinish a bathtub once before replacing it, you might find that simply replacing the tub is a better solution. The new bathtub will be ready for decades of use, and you won’t have to worry about it in the future.
Lingering Problems
While refinishing can help to fix smaller cracks or holes in your tub, the process cannot fully protect a tub from major damage. Refinishing your tub may help you delay replacement for a little while, but in the end, a full replacement will be inevitable.
Toxic Chemicals
The process of refinishing a bathtub utilizes potentially dangerous chemicals. These require proper ventilation and strict safety practices to keep everyone safe during the refinishing process. Educate yourself about these chemicals and take all risks into consideration before starting.
How to Refinish Your Bathtub
If you do think that you want to refinish your bathtub instead of replacing it, you next need to decide if you want to do the job yourself or have a professional do it. Luckily, anyone with a little elbow grease and a can-do attitude can get the job done by purchasing a kit and following these steps:
- Shut off the water supply and remove any hardware connected to the tub.
- Thoroughly clean the tub to remove caulk and grime. Do this multiple times if needed.
- Set up protection for the walls and floor around the tub by using tape, drop cloths, etc.
- Remove the glaze from the tub with an etching powder.
- Sand down the tub, then rinse and dry it to create an optimal bonding surface.
- Depending on the kit you have, apply the primer with a brush or roller.
- Mix the epoxy resin and hardener together, according to the kit’s directions, and apply it evenly over the whole tub. It’s important to do this in one sitting.
- Apply two coats of epoxy to the tub, taking into consideration the product’s potential waiting time.
- Take care of the finishing touches: re-caulk the areas that had caulk before you started, reapply the hardware, and give the tub one last clean before using it.
Or Trust the Pros at Joe the Plumber for Your Refinishing Project!
While it’s possible to refinish your tub by yourself, working with a professional will bring you the best results and a long-lasting finish. Take the headaches, risk, and uncertainty out of the process by working with us here at Joe the Plumber! Our experienced team of professionals is always ready to handle your plumbing projects with fierce efficiency and a keen eye for detail. To learn more or get started, simply contact us today. We look forward to working with you!
