Bathtubs are often a place to unwind and recenter yourself after a long, stressful day. Yet, over time, wear and tear can diminish their allure, leaving homeowners faced with the dilemma of how to restore them to their former glory without breaking the bank. While you might automatically assume that it’s time to head to your local home improvement store and shop for a new tub, there’s an easier way to restore your space. Bathtub refinishing is a simple solution that has several long-lasting benefits.
What is Bathtub Refinishing?
Bathtub refinishing, also known as bathtub reglazing or resurfacing, is a process of restoring a bathtub’s surface to improve its appearance and functionality. Typically, this involves repairing any damages, cleaning the surface, applying a new coating, and buffing it out to create a brand-new finish. Bathtub refinishing is a great option when you want to update the aesthetics of your bathroom without having to undergo the expense of a replacement. Plus, you can choose several different finishes to match updated aesthetics or complement a bathroom remodel.
What Kind of Bathtubs Can Be Refinished?
When you work with a reputable company like Surface Doctors, nearly all types of bathtubs can be restored to their original glory. Whether your tub is made of plastic, acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, steel, or cast iron, the surface can be restored to new conditions without having to deal with the time or mess of a full-blown replacement.
Can Showers Be Refinished?
Yes, even showers can be refinished! Bathtub/shower combinations or stand-alone showers can be refinished using similar techniques. Shower refinishing involves cleaning the surface, repairing any damage, and applying a new coating to restore the shower’s appearance. This process is an excellent option for updating the look of your shower enclosure without requiring a costly replacement.
Why Choose Bathtub Refinishing Over Bathtub Replacements or Liners?
When you start to notice visible deterioration or discoloration in your bathtub, your first thought might be that a replacement will be needed soon, or maybe you’ll need to purchase and install a new liner. However, both of these options are less than ideal.
A bathtub replacement will include the cost of removal, installation, and project costs that may revolve around bathroom renovations. During this time, you’re not able to use the bathtub, and you’ll probably have to deal with quite a lengthy (and messy) process. Bathtub liners, on the other hand, are designed to fit over existing tubs and surrounding walls. They’re basically glued on top of your existing bathtub as a way to cover up surface damage and keep functionality. While this can sound like an easy fix, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Bathtub liners usually need to be ordered to custom fit your tub and are susceptible to several problems like mold, mildew, and even offensive odors.
Both of these options are possible, but both are exponentially more expensive and offer fewer benefits than refinishing. At the end of the day, after all of the various costs involved, you’ll likely spend anywhere between $3,000 to $4,000 on a bathtub replacement. For a liner, you might spend somewhere between $1,400 and $2,500. Bathtub refinishing can be as low as $400 to $500 per tub, with an extra $300 for the surrounding tile if it’s necessary. Plus, this can be completed in as little as one day with minimal disruption and long-lasting durability. So, if your bathtub is worn, damaged, or simply not the right color for your space anymore, choose refinishing.
How to Find a Reputable Bathtub Refinishing Professional
Of course, to get the best results from your bathtub refinishing project, it’s important to work with a reputable, experienced contractor. At The Surface Doctors, we’ve made it our mission to provide homeowners with affordable, long-lasting solutions that will help transform your bathroom. We’ll gladly work with you to maximize your investment and find you a bathtub refinishing style that complements your room. To learn more about our process, or undergo a no-obligation assessment, contact The Surface Doctors today.
The floor of this bathtub had a factory installed slip resistant floor. This type of factory slip resistant floor tends to hold a lot dirt over time because it is etched into the surface. It has a very porous nature to it. We installed our slip resistant floor, and refinished the whole tub in Kohler white.