Do not use or clean a reglazed bathtub until it is fully cured, which usually takes about 24 to 48 hours. So the answer is yes, reglazing is a dangerous . It was a little more expensive than other brands, but it came with almost ALL of the supplies we needed to get the job done. But can it match the quality of a replaced bathtub? (All You Need To Know), Use gentle liquid soaps avoid abrasive options like bleach and ammonia-based cleaners, Dont use power sprays as they can damage the tub and void its warranty, Scrub with non-abrasive material like microfiber towels or sponges. Here are the best ways to renovate your bathtub. That means the bathroom remains available for you. Thats a great deal, because an entire replacement cost, especially if you have it professionally done, can run well into the thousands of dollars. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. By cleaning regularly, you're cleaning just a minimal amount of grime. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP, What you need to know about upgrading your electrical system when renovating. Then, give the bathtub reglazing curing time, maybe another 24 hours, as the curing takes extra time depending on the humidity level. After we finished reglazing our tub, we left the property for the night. The existing finish must stripped off and then the surface sanded down to create a . Now we know that reglazing can retain the old look of your bathtub by removing all the scratches, cracks, and stains. But, on the other hand, youll only need a fraction of the replacement cost to reglaze the bathtub. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. If the work isnt done properly, the surface not prepared properly or if there are an pre-existing conditions (water having gotten in anywhere, for instance) you are basically just covering up a problem that will resurface again soon enough," said Dean F. Rascoe, sales and marketing director at remodeling company G.M. From me and this website, you can expect some useful tips on great ideas for a modern bathroom. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. The bathtub can usually be used again in one to three days, and the finish should last 10-15 years. If fading occurs, the bathtub runs into the risk of having cracks and scratches again. How to get your plans past the board, 3 NYC apartment bathroom renovation veterans on what they learned from the process. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Also, fading is likely to happen if you dont give the coating time to cure properly or use incompatible cleaners. We Service Homes, Apartments, Motels and Hotels. Here's the right way to clean your shower. Check out our guide below for everything you need to know about bathtub refinishing. Though few homeowners love cleaning their bathtub, regular cleaning once a week or depending on the frequency of use is the single best way to keep your tub clean without damaging it. Thatll help you understand from the start if you should consider it or not. Reglazing your bathtub is a fun and relatively simple DIY project, especially considering the alternative of fully replacing the bathtub and all of the hassles that entail. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Murray Hill to Long Island: Tired of renting, we bought a waterfront condo with a resort vibe, The Bronx makes list of the 50 most expensive neighborhoods in NYC for the first time, What to know about buying in Morris Park, where vintage Colonials and public transit attract families and commuters. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Installation typically takes only a day or two, but the whole process can take between one and two months since installers first need to take photos and precise measurements of the area before molding a liner out of acrylic. Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. Pro: You Will Save Money. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: Epoxies Polymers Hybrid polyester-polyurethane Urethanes You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. The third benefit of refinishing a bathtub is how easy it is to change the color of your tub. Then buff the finish to a like-new shine. Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. What is Clear Coat Spray Paint: 4 Benefits for Your Next Project! Once youre done repairing blemishes, refilling and sanding down cracks, and scraping off excess cosmetic defects, you can clean and prime the tub. Another potential reason for bubbling is if the refinisher doesnt sand the surface properly or strip the previous reglaze before proceeding. Reglazing the bathtub can result in a few issues, depending on how the work was done. However, minor damage and disrepair are much more suitable for a reglazing job. As said before, bathtub reglazing is just one of many ways of renovating your old bathtub. Restores the original look of a tub. Avoid using these common cleansers when cleaning a reglazed tub: A household steam cleaner with a scrubbing attachment may seem like a good way to get rid of all that dirt and soap gunk without using abrasives. Unless you have access to all the necessary protective clothing and equipment and are confident in your bathrooms ventilation system as well as your DIY capabilities, you should hire a professional to handle it. As mentioned earlier, reglazing needs layers of primer and paint. Bathtub glazing is just of those techniques that are cheap yet effective. This helps to cut through remaining soap residue and oils. In fact, a good reglazing job can extend the life of your bathtub because it will provide an extra protective layer over top of any spots that have seen minor damage. (Hot & Cold Weather Tips), Why Do Farmers Spray Paint Cows? Reglazing can allow you to remove all these from your bathtub quickly at a fairly low cost. The Importance of Ventilation We understand you want to do a tub repair for rust stains and damage. If so, then getting an old one for cheap at a garage sale, flipper market, or Craigslist, which matches the description, makes sense. In addition, youll also have to pay the expenses for any new plumbing, piping, and the overall costs of getting rid of the old bathtub and installing the new one. To learn how to paint a bathtub yourself, check out my tutorial here. Click our . But like every other DIY project, bathtub reglazing has its advantages and drawbacks, and thats why this post talks about reglazing bathtub pros and cons. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Here are some other frequently asked questions about reglazing a bathtub that will help you with your decision! Tub liner options can be limited in assortment, and wont totally change the look of your original tub. No bath mat is safe with a reglazed tub. Finally, a primer, multiple layers of coating, and a sealant are applied. DIY With Christine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. . You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. Robern Vs. Kohler Medicine Cabinet: Which One Should You Pick? Contractors who handle bathtub refinishing or reglazing are well-versed in the health risks and OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association) guidelines for risky jobs like these, making it an easy choice to bring in an expert for the task. Provided your surface was prepped correctly, you can expect your reglazed tub and/or tile to be good for about seven to 10 years, and the more you take care of it, the longer it will last. It would also void the warranty on a professional refinishing job. Besides bathtubs we offer a variety of refinishing services for almost any surface in your bath or kitchen including tile, sinks, counter tops and vanities. Most reglazed bathtubs last 6-10 years, some even up to 15 years, depending on maintenance. Although this work is usually best left to a trained contractor, there are DIY bathtub refinishing kits ($80, The Home Depot) available at many home improvement stores. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. If your tub has seen better days and reglazing just wont cut it, a liner might be the best option. *My posts may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! A reglazed bathtub must have 3 full days at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity to fully cure before use. We're breaking down three of the most popular options with the help of some pros who know all about turning a bathtub nightmare into a dream come true. I am Clyde Mitchell and I actually write and run the site. Wipe the tub dry with a soft towel or cloth to remove water droplets. But if some of the salt clumps together, it can clog your drain and leave you with a big mess. December 6, 2019. Sand the tub to roughen the surface, which helps the coating stick. Pricing varies based on the material you choose and the level of customization (shelving and other accessories cost more). Closing Remarks On Reglazing a Bathtub Pros and Cons: What is Chalk Spray Paint? Bathtub Refinishing vs. Tub Liners: Which Is Best? Thus, softer methods using non-abrasives work well. If you are looking for a different depth, width or length, however, you must replace the tub, Wagner said. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them. Perhaps you wish to own a specific bathtub style or size but cannot afford it. The reason is that a refinished tub coating is layers of specialized paint that can be nicked or scratched without care, so it's best to stick to non-abrasive cleaners. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. Likely can only reglaze once (tub can be severely damaged) Quick turn-around time. On the other hand, reglazing is the final phase of the restoration process, where you give the tub a new look. Must follow proper safety protocols. Apart from buying a new bathtub, installing it comes with supplementary costs too. Watch: Go behind-the-scenes of Hoda & Jenna in New Orleans on TODAY All Day. You can also update your tub to a shower in some cases. Well, look no further because Ive got your answer! Bed Bath & Beyond stakeholders who have questions can email [email protected] or call at (833) 570-5355 or (646) 440-4806 if calling from outside the U.S. or Canada. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). The reglazed tub will be dry to the touch in 1 hour, can be recoated in 1-2 hours, and can be used after 3 days. Likely the most expensive bathtub renovation option, a new bathtub can cost anywhere between $300-3,000 - plus labor. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As you can see, even little miscalculations or mistakes in the reglazing process can cause bigger problems to ruin the whole project. The last thing you want to do is sleep in a house where chemical fumes are heavy and cloying. Luckily, some reglazing kits come with video tutorials which you can use to complete the project DIY. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. If that doesnt work, you might need to apply a new coating on the tub. Prime the Surfaces If the kit includes a primer, apply it to the bathtub surfaces. Homeowners who dont like the size, shape or location of an existing tub have the chance to totally customize their new space. Bed Bath & Beyond first started in 1971, and it eventually went public in 1992. In contrast, a poorly done or maintained bathtub will stay 1 or 2 years at most. Potential costs include removal of the existing tub, repairing the surface, new pipe fittings, plumbing work, and . But before we can look at the pros and cons of reglazing your bathtub, I should explain what bathtub reglazing is. More affordable than a new tub purchase. Naturally, this is the most time-intensive and expensive option, and involves gutting your existing bathtub in order to install a new one. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. Now that you have a newly refinished bathtub, you want to keep it that way. Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. That means absolutely anyone can get into this line of work. The last benefit of reglazing a bathtub is that it can be completed on most bathtubs. However, as long as you properly clean and sand the tub, you shouldnt have any issues with using the tub refinishing kit. Abrasives include harsh or gritty cleaners as well as rough sponges, like Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool soap pads, or sponges with an abrasive layer on one side. If you wait until the tub is visibly dark and dirty, it's difficult to use these gentle methods. Its undeniable that bathtub reglazing is not a permanent fix to a failing bathtub. Solution: Reapplying the finish with a blending solvent is the most common way to hide the chipping. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. So, yes, bathtub reglazing is worth it. You suggestions and opinions are always wecome. After ensuring you have proper ventilation, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the paint. I say most because it all depends on the severity of damage to your bathtub. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Bathtub reglazing is the final step in the bathtub restoration process. The fourth benefit of reglazing a bathtub is that you can do it yourself (our personal favorite way to do things around here hehe!). After putting on safety goggles and gloves, follow these DIY bathtub refinishing steps: After DIY bathtub refinishing, it's best to avoid using abrasive cleaners to protect the surface. Posted on Published: July 30, 2022- Last updated: March 8, 2023. I like to share my view on everything related to bathroom stuff. Spread or spray the cleaner all around to give it a chance to work on every area of the tub. However, when your bathtub is dingy or deteriorating, taking a bath can be a much less pleasant experience. But before you can change its color, you should check for cracks, dents, and other imperfections and sand them first. Will insurance cover clean up costs and damages after a flood caused by an underground river? For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Definitely not, as a new bathtubs finish will last longer. If the tub and surrounding area area too far gone, say with cracks or missing tile work, a full relining is the way to go. The small and intricate repairs, sanding, priming, and painting can all be accomplished in a single day. Without stripping, the previous glaze can generate a chemical reaction with current primer and paint layers, causing bubbles to appear. Always remember to be safe and wear the proper personal protective equipment. Then comes the availability factor of your bathroom, another benefit of bathtub reglazing. For one, its more cost-effective than getting a new tub, and if well maintained, the reglazed bathtub could serve you for up to 10 years or even more, which is pretty okay. IE 11 is not supported. The most you can get from it is 6-10 years, depending on the maintenance and if the reglazing was professionally done. Two of the Why Is Kohler Purist So Expensive And Is It Worth It? That worked well enough, and between coats of paint, we left the area completely to stay away from the fumes! So, knowing about the potential bathtub reglazing problems will give you a heads up and help you solve the problems. Your email address will not be published. However, one thing to remember here is that not everyone will face these bathtub reglazing problems. Having a medicine cabinet inside your bathroom can increase its convenience and look of it. The fumes that emanate from the tub during the reglazing procedure are dangerous. You get to choose the material of your tub, and can always opt for a less expensive option, like fiberglass or acrylic, and put more money towards the labor involved. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. From your end, make sure you give the coating enough time to cure and dont use an abrasive cleaner on the reglazed surface. You can then reglaze it and make it as new as you want. According to Forbes, reglazing an old bathtub is cheaper than replacing it. The whole bathtub reglazing process involves some pretty hard chemicals. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. My name isChristine! A liner is the least invasive option and fairly affordable. The original tub almost always needs to be cut into pieces to fit through the bathroom door. Heres how to estimate what a renovation will cost. If you think reglazing your bathtub is permanent, then you are wrong. After knowing what bathroom reglazing is and its benefits, dont get too excited just yet. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. Bathtub refinishing kits make reglazing a bathtub an easy DIY project, but the tub must be free of major damage and instructions must be followed to avoid severe damage. The fumes from stripping a tub of its previous coating(s) can contain methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells similar to chloroform and emits VOCs, aka volatile organic compounds. For example, for a newer, low-quality tub, you'll typically get better results by replacing it with a higher-quality model. So, its generally essential to take proper care of the reglazed bathtub to avoid possible problems and boost its lifespan. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Bathtub Reglazing Problems That Appear Almost Immediately, Bathtub Reglazing Problems That May Arise After Years, The Preventive Approach How to Save Your Bathroom Tub from Future Problems, People Also Ask About Tub Reglazing Pros and Cons. Here is a quick list of the pros and cons of reglazing a bathtub:Pros Of Refinishing A BathtubCons Of Refinishing A BathtubMore affordable than a new tub purchaseLikely can only reglaze once (tub can be severely damaged)Quick turn-around timeMust follow proper safety protocolsCan change bathtubs colorMight have to vacate your home for a day or twoRestores the original look of a tubAdds an extra layer of protectionCan be a DIY projectCan restore any bathtub so long as the damage is not too severe.