Your tub's structure needs to be in good condition, but refinishing can extend its life span.
In most cases, refinishing a bathtub is the best option. Almost all tub styles can be refinished, including cast iron, steel, acrylic, fiberglass, and porcelain tubs. Refinishing a bathtub is worth it if: You like the style of your bathtub, but it needs a fresh look.
Refinishing typically refers to the entire process of restoring a tub, including repairs, resurfacing and reglazing. It's the most often used term among professionals to describe the entire project start to finish.
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.
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.
Peeling: If a reglazed tub is peeling, there are several factors to consider. First, the surface may not have been prepared correctly. Peeling can also occur if there's a small chip on the surface. If water seeps into the chip, it can cause the rest of the finish to loosen.
Chip and scratch repairs can be made on almost any porcelain, fiberglass, tile, or acrylic surface. Bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and ceramic tile walls, in otherwise good condition, can be beautifully repaired right where they are - quickly and inexpensively.
Experts recommend occupants leave the home during the spraying process and while the coat is curing as a safety precaution. Once the epoxy coat cures – usually 36 to 48 hours later – you're in the clear. Be sure to follow the timeline given to you by your bathtub refinishing contractor to avoid any potential harm.
How long does it take to refinish a bathtub? A standard size bathtub, in reasonable condition, takes only 3 to 5 hours to refinish. The tub will typically be ready to use within 24 hours, or even sooner with special curing procedures.
Bathtub refinishing is worth the money if your tub is in good working condition. The reglazing process can remove surface imperfections, like scratches, shallow cracks, and stains. But if your tub is old, leaking, or full of mold, reglazing is just a waste of money.
Professional Refinishing
With professional tub refinishing, refinishers come to your home. They paint your bath/shower using spray guns. The results are typically smooth, with a look approaching that of a new tub or shower.
First, you want to mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with a litre of hot water and douse the surface of the tub. Grab a handful of baking soda and toss it over the surface of the bathtub. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinse your tub clean. Baking soda should help to whiten your tub.
A liner for your tub consists of sheets of PVC plastic or acrylic which are molded to the shape of a tub, placed over your existing tub, and then glued down to cover it up. A tub liner is simply an acrylic cover that requires you to trade the deep gloss of a restored porcelain tub for the look and feel of plastic.
Many cleaners on the market are too abrasive or contain chemicals that will damage the tub's finish. It is best to stick with cleaners like Formula 409 (without bleach), Lysol Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles, or Liquid Ajax. Another option is to use liquid dish soap like Dawn or Ivory.
Bleach: Straight household bleach or cleaners boosted with bleach should not be used on reglazed tubs. Abrasive cream cleansers: Some of these products even contain the word "soft" in their name, but they still aren't soft enough for refinished tubs.
If cost is the most important factor in your decision, you should opt to reglaze your bathtub. You will spend the least money and, if you care for it properly, it will last for decades. If cost is not as much of a concern, PureCoat will undoubtedly be your best option for refinishing your tub. Time.
On your refinished surfaces Magic Eraser sponges will wear down the material and wreck the shine making them appear flat or opaque. They will also leave swirls on the tub finish because they are essentially sand paper, this will lead to material cracking and eventually peeling after prolonged use.
On average, a quality bathtub refinish can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Refinishing the tub helps protect the integrity, color, and finish. If the bathtub is in good working order but only needs a facelift on the surface, hiring a professional to refinish the bathtub is probably worth it.
There are cons to a fiberglass as they are less durable than iron-cast or stone material alternatives, which leads to scratches and fiberglass cracks. Luckily, refinishing fiberglass tubs can be done and get it back to looking like new. Additionally, fiberglass tub refinishing will cost far less than replacing one.
Even though your tub has fully and properly cured, the surface of your newly reglazed bathtub can chip when your tub is subjected to a great amount of force. This commonly happens when you accidentally drop a heavy item onto the tub.
To prolong the life of your bathtub after a reglazing procedure, you want to use non-abrasive cleaners. Scrubbing Bubbles, Liquid Ajax, Formula 409, and even Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner are safe to use. You can rub the tub with soft towels or rags, or with microfiber cloth.
* For cleaning your refinished fixture, we recommend you use cleansers that are non-abrasive and non-acidic, such as Fantastik, Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner, 409, Pine Sol or any other liquid cleaner that does not contain acid. * If you have a stubborn stain, use a mild abrasive like soft scrub or Bon Ami powder.