Replace the tiles
After all, that's what you're actually doing. Take out the old, and in with the new. If, however, you want to save some money on retiling, you can also opt for a rustoleum tub and tile refinishing kit or use baking soda and lemon juice to scrub away dirt marks and grime.
Bathtub refinishing is used to give your bathtub a facelift by painting a tough epoxy coating over the existing enamel, acrylic, or fiberglass tub surface. It's not super expensive when considering other options like replacing the tub.
Your old bathtub may be an eyesore with its stains and rust. If you want a dramatic change in your bathroom without spending too much money on it then bathtub reglazing can be a great option for you. This is especially so if the tiles around your bathtub are not too badly off.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower is at the top of many homeowners' remodeling lists—and for good reason. A shower takes up less space in the bathroom, allowing more space for other features.
Tub-to-shower conversion costs between $1,200 and $8,000 but averages around $3,000. * Labor can cost $1,000 or more if you hire professionals. Your total cost depends on the following factors. Shower type: A simple stall or walk-in shower typically costs much less than a fully tiled or curbless shower.
Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets). If your home has at least one bathtub when it's time to sell you will likely attract a larger group of prospective buyers, which could net you a larger profit.
Your tub's structure needs to be in good condition, but refinishing can extend its life span. Bathtub refinishing typically costs $335 to $628 with a national average of $481. * Compare that to full bathtub replacement, which costs into the thousands. We'll go over various factors that affect refinishing prices below.
Refinishing describes the process of giving an existing tub a facelift by buffing out surface imperfections, filling gaps or cracks and applying a new finish that enhances the tub's overall aesthetic. Reglazing is simply a step in the refinishing process—the final step, to be exact.
On average, the cost to refinish a bathtub is $480 including materials and labor, but the total cost depends on the type, condition, and size of the tub. For comparison, replacing your bathtub costs $3,400 on average, though it can cost up to $13,000 or more for a high-end tub.
Bathtub refinishing (also known as bathtub reglazing, bathtub resurfacing, or bathtub re-enameling) is a process of restoring the surface of a bathtub to improve its appearance and durability.
Restoring your bathtub or installing a bathtub liner are both options for getting an attractive bathtub without the work of a remodel. We recommend restoring your tub instead of using a bathtub liner, because more it's hygienic and lasts considerably longer. However, both options will give your worn-out tub a facelift.
A professional reglaze lasts between 10-15 years and is designed to protect the integrity of your tub but will require consistent maintenance to keep moisture and other unwanted elements from potentially deteriorating your finish.
You can repaint your bathtub with the help of a refinishing kit. The refinishing kit comes with paint and primer, which you can use to give a new look to your bathtub.
Bathtub Reglazing Cons
Reglazing is not a DIY job. Bathtub reglazing is not an easy task to do yourself, the proper handling of chemicals requires an experienced person with extended training. You must wait hours to use the bathtub. The reglaze must dry completely for you to use it.
However, depending on the quality of materials used during the refinishing and how you maintain it afterward, your tub can actually last for as long as 10-15 years, some even longer.
PEA: The Three Chemical Paints Used to Refinish Your Tub
Those three paints are Polyurethane, Epoxy, and Acrylic polymers.
The average bath needs replacement every 10 to 30 years, with porcelain-enamel products offering the longest lifespan. Towards the end of that period, gaps and cracks will appear, ultimately leading to leaks. Water is one of nature's most destructive elements, so even a subtle leak needs immediate attention.
How long does it take to replace a bathtub? It ranges from about 6 hours to 25 hours to replace a bathtub, depending on how easy (or challenging) it is to get the old tub out and the new tub in. In general, expect it to take an average of 18 hours.
Professional Bathtub Refinishing Process
Next, any holes, cracks, chips, or rust spots are repaired. Finally, a primer, multiple layers of coating, and a sealant are applied. The bathtub can usually be used again in one to three days, and the finish should last 10-15 years.
Bathtubs haven't gone away, but trends have shifted
However, most home design trends have a shelf-life, and jetted tubs were no exception. People soon came to realize that jets are a pain to clean, and large tubs require a ton of hot water to fill. Over time, many of these tubs became glorified storage bins.
According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.
Once a fixture of most bathrooms and the picture of relaxation after a long day, tubs are becoming more endangered in a fast-paced world with no time for long soaks. A growing group of homeowners lean more toward standalone showers, especially if they are empty-nesters or don't have young children.