“Reglazing” refers to the application of protective coating, while “refinishing” describes the whole process from start to finish. Another term you might come across is “resurfacing.” However, the terms “reglazing” and “refinishing” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same process.
Most homeowners spend about $482 to refinish a bathtub. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $336 and $629. A bathtub refinishing pro can walk you through the process. Refinishing or reglazing a tub will give it a fresh, clean look that will surely add a "wow" factor to your bathroom.
Bathtub refinishing is worth the money if your tub is in good working condition. The re-glazing process can remove surface imperfections, like scratches, shallow cracks, and stains. The cost of tub re-glazing is lower than the cost of a full tub replacement or the cost of a new liner.
Average Lifespan of a Refinished Bathtub
A well-refinished bathtub can last 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, it's important to keep in mind that the longevity of a refinished bathtub is closely tied to how often it's used and whether the recommended care guidelines are followed.
Bathtub refinishing rejuvenates your tub to a like-new condition! This is done through the process of refinishing, or reglazing, of your tub. After a certain amount of time, bathtubs lose their shine and functionality. They simply won't look and work as well as they once did.
You can reglaze your tub multiple times as long as the old surface is etched away properly. This allows a strong bond between the tub and the newly reglazed surface.
In California, you can expect to pay between $6000-8000 for a bathtub replacement job. In New York City, your starting price is around $7000.
Bathtub refinishing takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Resurfacing a bathtub costs an average of $459 while replacing a tub costs an average of $3,020. Clearly, refinishing is way cheaper than replacing a tub. However, there are times when a bathtub is too old for repair and your only option will be replacing the tub.
Health Effects
When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a “feeling of intoxication,” and eye, nose, and throat irritation.
This bathtub renovation option goes by many names — resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing — but has a pretty straightforward process. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's surface, fills in cracks and worn areas, then applies several coats of primer and paint before doing a final buffing.
Bathtub refinishing might sound like a task best left to professionals or something so messy and complicated that you might as well splurge on a new tub. But neither is necessarily true. If you're reasonably handy, bathtub refinishing can be an affordable DIY project.
Bath Fitter costs $3,000 to $7,500 on average, depending on your current tub and shower size, shape, and condition, and the new options and features you select. Bath Fitter prices are typically higher when converting the tub to a shower or replacing the tub with a new one instead of covering it with a liner.
Cleaning Your Reglazed Tub
Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or aerosol cleaners containing acid or bleach and scratch pads.
The modern Miracle Method can cost $500–$650 for a tub or $1,000–$1,200 for a tub and shower.
With a professional tub reglaze, an experienced technician will sand the old tub, completely removing the existing finishing. He or she will also fill in any cracks or chips, and apply a new coating with a sprayer. This is completed in several stages, and the result will be a fresh, glossy and smooth surface.
Generally speaking, the landlord is responsible for normal wear and tear, so unless you did something to damage the glaze of the shower (ie use a harsh cleaner) then this may be seen by a judge as normal wear and tear.
Typically, homeowners are advised to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before using the refinished bathtub. In some cases, depending on the products used and environmental conditions, this curing time can extend up to 72 hours or longer.
While Epsom salts won't cause chemicals in an epoxy tub to leach, keep in mind the salt is abrasive and can cause the finish to deteriorate more quickly.
It takes about 24 hours for the tub resurfacing smell to go away or the total dry time, although you will notice it the most during the first couple of hours.
The main cost is labor, and materials run around $100-$150. The cost also depends on the tub material, type, and condition. The average cost of professional bathtub refinishing with an experienced technician falls between $300-$600.
Does adding a bathtub to your home increase your resale value? The short answer is yes, with many US homeowners recouping around 60% of their investment from having a bathtub installed in their home.
Yes, you can reglaze (in other words re-surface or refinished) a bathtub that has been reglazed before.
The average bathtub replacement cost is $2,075. However, the cost ranges from $650 to $3,500 for both the new tub itself as well as the labor work needed to install it. The lower end of that range includes a standard sized alcove tub replacing a tub of the same size and style.
In general, you want to hire a plumber to install and replace your bathtub. Plumbers are required to apprentice for at least 2-4 years before being licensed. A handyman is a jack-of-all-trades contractor and will be less skilled.
What Is the Lifespan of a Bathtub? Bathtubs typically last 10-30 years, depending on the material used. Modern, low-cost acrylic and fiberglass tubs will survive for 10-15 years. Although a porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub will survive far longer, it will need to be refinished every 5-15 years.