Tub Reglazing Cost & Free Contractor Quotes
We put together a complete guide on tub reglazing and we included tub reglazing costs as well as up to 4 free contractor quotes.
Nothing compares to the refreshing feeling you get when you soak and relax in a warm bathtub at the end of hectic day. It’s a wonderful feeling that temporally takes away all the stress and worries of your day. However, this little heavenly pleasure might not happen if your bathtub is deteriorating, stained, dingy and chipping in some parts.
If your bathtub looks old, stained, chipped and worn out, it might be the last place you want to take a bath in. If you do, your relaxing moments might not even feel fresh, and you will probably feel uncomfortable in a tub that is in such a bad condition. In fact, such a bathtub will probably make your bathroom look less appealing aesthetically.
But, a cracked, stained and chipped bathtub is not the end of your long refreshing soaks and baths. Neither should you be forced to buy a new tub because your current tub has experienced a bit of wear and tear. You do not have to give up on your bathtub yet because there is a better solution to your stained, chipped or cracked bathtub which is bathtub reglazing.
Bathtub reglazing, which also can also be referred to as refinishing or resurfacing is a process of giving your bathtub a new facelift; a new glow or simply remodeling it back to its original form. In short, it’s a process of restoring your worn out, stained, chipped, dingy looking and impossible to clean tub back to a new and freshly looking tub.
Tub reglazing is a process that involves though cleaning your tub using special formulated cleaners, sanding, repairing cracks and chips and then refinishing the tub. The end result of the whole tub reglazing process is a new looking tub, with a beautiful fine finish, a deep gloss that has a silky smooth feel.
The process of replacing a bathtub is quite involving and costly. The existing tub might need to be cut into pieces to make its disposal manageable. You will also need to factor in flooring, trimming, plumbing and working on the surround. A new bathtub might cost as little as $200, but you have to factor in labor and replacement costs. These are the additional cost and make the whole process costly not to mention, time-consuming.
Reglazing takes off the burden of replacing your bathtub. Instead of going back to the drawing board, planning and restructuring your bathroom for a new bathtub installation, you can consider tub reglazing. With tub reglazing you will not only retain your treasured tub, but you will be able to have a refreshing new feel with your newly fixed tub. You can reglaze any type of tub including cast-iron, fiberglass, and steel. More so, you can choose to retain the original finish of your tub, or you can opt to give your tub an entirely new color to enhance the look of your bathroom altogether.
Benefits of Tub Reglazing
If your tub is beginning to show signs of aging or you cringe every time you about to take a bath at the sight of stains or cracks and chippings, you need to consider tub reglazing. You do not necessarily have to replace your old just because it’s looking old and worn out and yet, you can actually enjoy all the goodness and benefits that come with a new tub if you reglaze your tub.
Let’s look at the benefits of tub reglazing and the reasons why you should consider this process instead of replacing your tub.
Tub Reglazing Is Cost-Effective
When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners are always looking for ways to save money. A new bathtub might may not actually cost you that much, but the cost of the replacement process can turn out to be costly and quite involving. With a new bathtub, you need to factor in the cost of hiring a plumber, getting rid of the existing tub and replacing the surround which takes the bulky the work but it’s an important part of the replacement process.
You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by reglazing your tub instead of replacing it with a new one. If the reglazing is done properly, you will end up with a new looking tub that still will give you all the benefits of a new tub. In fact, through reglazing, you will be able to save a significant amount of money. You will have a chance to use the savings to make other upgrades in your bathroom that otherwise, you would not have been able to afford had you chosen to replace your tub.
If you have an old looking tub or maybe you inherited your house, and the tub seems to have seen the better days, you not need to start budgeting for a new one. Get a cost estimate on reglazing process, and you will definitely realize that reglazing will cost less and you will be lucky to retain your treasured tub.
Saves You Time
As established earlier, the process of replacing a tub can be quite involving. The whole process of tearing down the existing tub and shopping for new a tub can actually take a day or even weeks. Installation of a new tub is not as simple as dropping in place a new bathtub. No. the process involves tearing down the old tub, assessing the plumbing work and in some cases, if you have old pipes, you might need to consider replacing them. The process will also involve flooring, working on the surround, and hiring a plumber.
In short, replacing a tub is a time-consuming process, and yet your tub can actually do with a reglazing job. Bath reglazing only takes a fraction of the time as compared to the time it would take to remove and replace a tub. Reglazing will still give you a whole new experience with your tub, and the results are long-lasting. If you want to save time in bathroom remodeling project, you should consider reglazing your bathroom which will take a few days but yield stunning results.
Enhances and Upgrades Your Tub
Bathtub reglazing is of the effective ways to give your tub a facelift, enhance its texture quality and make your experience luxurious and enjoyable. Over time, your bathtub will lose its original luster and sparkle. This is because bathtubs are generally exposed to different forms of corrosive elements that gradually destroy and stain your bathtub. The normal cleaning routine cannot help with the gradual discoloration and wear and tear.
With time, your bathtub will eventually start getting worn out and looking dingy which is expected. However, you do not have to live with a dull looking bathtub. Reglazing your bathtub will not only make it functional, but the process will also enhance its appearance and the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom altogether.
You can reglaze your bathtub and restore it to its original look. Or, even better, you can go ahead and upgrade its look by giving your bathtub a color and finish of your choice. During the process, you can opt to reglaze other features in your bathroom such as old sinks, counters, and vanity and give them a beautiful finish. This way, you will get a new looking tub, with functional features, at a lower cost and still manage to give your bathroom a facelift. In less than a day or two, your bathtub can be transformed from a dull-looking bathtub into a magnificent feature in your bathroom.
Protect Yourself from Lead Contamination
Studies have revealed that most homes built before the 1980s especially before 1984 are likely to have to have been fitted with porcelains that have been reported to have high levels of lead which are considered unsafe. If your tub is exposing you to unsafe levels of lead, then it’s a health concern for you and your family members.
Reglazing your tub, will encapsulate it and prevent any possibility of lead exposure to you and your loved ones. The reglazing process is cost-effective, and you still manage to keep your tub and use it safely.
You Get to Keep Your Tub
Perhaps this one of the greatest benefits of tub reglazing. If you have an old tub, made of the finest materials, that you treasure so much, you do not have to lose it just because its old, or stained or chipped.
You could be having an exemplary ornate tub design that has been in your family for ages and losing it would be such a nostalgic loss. Or you could be having a rare tub that has a unique charm that you would want to preserve. Whichever the case, reglazing helps you keep your tub.
In fact, in most cases, you will find that the new tubs are no match to the older tubs which were made of quality materials with a unique character and it’s hard to find one nowadays. Reglazing gives you a chance to keep your treasured tub. You will have an opportunity to restore your tub into its former beauty and still maintain its unrivaled quality.
It’s an Eco-Friendly Option
In the modern world, everyone is looking for ways to be part of the green movement. Reglazing your tub is one the effective and excellent ways of minimizing your carbon footprint. Replacing a new bathtub, means you have to dismantle the old one into pieces and dispose of. This means you will be contributing to the mess that is in the landfills which are not good for the environment.
Choosing to reglaze and refinish your tub, is a conscious decision to minimize any negative impact on the environment. More so, the process comes at a cheaper cost and its less demanding meaning you not only get to save time and money, but you also get to preserve your environment.
Extends The Lifespan of Your Tub
When you are installing fixtures in your home, your desire to have the fixtures last for a long time without breaking down. Just because your bathtub is stained, chipped, or cracked, it doesn’t mean that it’s broken and unusable. Reglazing your tub can restore its functionality and give the tub back its former glamorous appeal.
But, most importantly, tub reglazing, if done correctly, it will ensure durability and extend the lifespan of your tub. If well maintained, a reglazed bathtub can last for 10 to 15 years without experiencing a major breakdown. The modern technology ensures a quality reglazing process that achieves long-lasting results and gives you bathtub that will exceed your expectations.
You Can Customize Your Tub
Tub reglazing not only gives you an opportunity to restore your tub’s functionality, but it also gives you a chance to customize your tub’s appearance. You can choose from a variety of colors and decorations to help customize the look of your bathtub to suit your personality and enhance your bathroom.
You can choose to refinish your tub with a color that brings out the theme of your bathroom better or creates a unique feel around your tub that cannot be found anywhere else. More so, the reglazing process enables you to change the look of your tub and customize it to the look that you desire.
If you are remodeling your bathroom, it could be your time to reglaze your tub and give it a facelift, extend its lifespan and customize its look. Many reasons can prompt you to reglaze your tub, but the most important reason is that you will save yourself from the hassle of replacing your bathtub.
The Cost to Reglaze a Tub
After years of using your tub, it will eventually show signs of wear and tear which include staining, chipping and cracking making it look worn out and dull. Unless your tub is completely damaged, reglazing should take it back its original look and make it usable. If you do not have time or money to replace your old tub with a new one you should not despair. Reglazing your tub an effective solution that is affordable, fast and reliable.
The cost of reglazing a bathtub will majorly depend on the condition of the tub. If a tub is in a better state, the reglazing costs will be much lower than one that is adversely stained, cracked or worn out. But, most homeowners spend a cost range of $200 to $900 with the average cost of tub reglazing coming to $460. Bathtubs in a fairly good condition that require little work during the reglazing process can cost as low as $200 to $300 to reglaze while a more involving tub that is termed as a major project and requires extensive repairs may cost you as much $900 or even in some cases.
| Tub reglazing costs | Costs |
|---|---|
| National average tub reglazing costs | $440 |
| Low end-minimum | $200 |
| High end-maximum | $900 |
| Typical cost range | $300-$600 |
Tub Reglazing Cost Factors
When you are planning to reglaze your tub, some factors will influence the overall cost of this process. These cost factors include:
Cost of Materials
The process of tub reglazing involves the use of several materials. One of the key material used by professionals in this process is acrylic urethane spray which is used as the final coat when reglazing a tub. This spray is waterproof and when used on a tub it resembles a real porcelain tub. Its available in a variety of colors and once applied on the tub, it hard to tell to tell it apart from the real porcelain.
The process will also require a primer, putty for filling in chips and small cracks, sandpaper, and other tools. Whether you are DIY or using a professional, the materials will come at a cost and the bigger the project, the more the cost of materials. Generally, a professional will charge you around $125 to $180 for the materials required for the job depending on the scope of work. If you DIY, the cost of materials, which in this is the cost of reglazing kit, will range from $60 to $100.
Cost of Labor
If you choose to hire a profession for tub reglazing, you will need to factor in labor charges. Bathtub reglazing project can take a day or two to complete. The overall cost of labor will depend on the scope of work which will be determined by the amount of prep work required on the surrounding area including the cleaning process and the spraying; and, the number of repairs which includes filling in the chips and scratches. Thus, a professional will charge anywhere between $200 to $600 or more on labor charges.
Calculating The Total Cost of Tub Reglazing
When it comes to professional tub reglazing costs, some professionals set their prices depending on the size of the tub, while others set a prize for the whole project depending on the scope of work.
In most tub reglazing projects, a professional will take the measurements of the tub, calculate the number of materials required based on the tub measurements, and estimate the time and effort required to tackle and complete the reglazing project. For example, if you have a standard cast iron tub of about 5ft, a professional will charge an average of $430 to reglaze it. The project is likely to take about one and a half to two days to complete.
| Tub reglazing costs | Description | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Bathtub reglazing costs | the process includes materials required for reglazing process. | $125-$180 |
| Labor costs | The process includes protecting the bathtub area, removing fixtures, thorough cleaning the tub, sanding, fixing and filling cracks, scratches and nicks, acid etching, priming, and spraying reglaze product. | $200-$600 |
| DIY reglazing/refinishing kit | The kit contains a cleaner, sandpaper, masking tape, paper towels, masking paper, brushes, rollers, caulk, primer, glaze, or refinishing paint, utility knife, gloves, coveralls, goggles, and HEPA mask air filter | $60-$100 |
The Reglazing Process
If you are planning to reglaze and refinish your tub, you might be wondering what the process entails. Before a professional starts the process of tub reglazing, they will first take measures to protect the bathroom area and surroundings. They will do this by removing fixtures, and the caulk around the tub.
The professional will proceed to thoroughly clean the tub surface using specially formulated cleaners meant to get off soap scum, soap residue, mineral deposits, hair, body oil, paint and other debris stuck on the surface of the tub. The next step will be to carry out minor repairs which will include filling up chips, scratches, and cracks, using a special putty to achieve a smooth surface.
After the repairs, the professional will then etch the tub by applying acid on the surface of the tub to create a rough surface. The aim of creating a rough surface is to make the glaze adhere to the surface of the tub thus preventing peeling or chipping in future. The professional will then give the glaze time to cure and then sand and buff the surface.
The professional will then apply the primer or a bonding agent that will ensure that the old tub surface bonds perfectly with the new finish. The final process comes after the primer dries off which is the application of the acrylic urethane or the glaze.
The professional will spray the surface with a durable acrylic coating, and the end result will be a smooth surface with high gloss smooth finish that resembles original porcelain. More so, the reglazing process will give a long lasting, waterproof surface. The acrylic coating will require at least 24 to 72 hours to cure before you can safely take a bath with your newly reglazed bathtub.
To Reglalze or Replace a Tub?
As a homeowner, you might be faced with a situation where you are conflicted about whether to reglaze or refinish. A basic tub can cost as low as $200 which is actually even less expensive than reglazing. However, as we mentioned, the cost of the tub is not usually the big issue when replacing a tub. Rather, it’s the hidden installation cost that you may not be aware of when shopping. Let’s briefly look at costs factors that are involved in tub replacement:
Demolition costs – you will need to get rid of the old tub which means you need to factor the extensive process of demolishing and disposing of the debris. The demolition process will add about $70 to $150 on the overall cost of installing a tub.
Hiring a plumber – installing a new tub is an involving process unless you are planning to buy a standalone tub. Depending on the structure of your bathroom, you might need to upgrade some pipes which means some part of your flooring will be removed and then replaced. Anything touching on plumbing work will require a plumber. The average cost of hiring a plumber to re-attach pipes comes to about $300.
Installation cost – the average cost of installing a new tub comes about $2900.
Looking at the above figures, we can see that the $300 tub eventually sums up to the overall cost of about $3000 as installation cost of a new tub. You also need to factor additional costs that might come about if you encounter structural and plumbing problems during the installation of a new tub.
Looking at the figures, reglazing your bathtub might be the best idea in most situations. It will save you a lot of money, time and uncertainties. You will also be able to enjoy all the goodness of a new tub with your old tub.
However, there are times when tub reglazing is not always a good idea. Some situations might force you to replace your tub instead or reglazing it. If you have a tub that is in total disrepair; severely damaged, reglazing it will only solve the problem temporally, and the tub will soon be back to its bad shape. This means that you find yourself spending money repeatedly on repairs and reglazing processes.
Also, you might be looking to remodel your bathroom and have a larger tub than the one currently present in your home. Or, you might want to have a tub that has modern features such as air jets, massaging waterfalls, whirlpools, etc. Such requirements will make you demolish your old tub and replace it with a new one that meets your needs.
DIY or Hire a Professional
You can cut down the cost of reglazing your tub by a significant amount of money if you do the project through DIY. However, it’s worth noting that DIY tub reglazing is not a task for the faint-hearted. It requires lots of dedication and time, but it’s a task that you can tackle on your own and achieve excellent results.
Whether you opt to hire or DIY, you need to research and find out about the materials required to complete the reglazing task. In addition, you need to know the process of reglazing and how long it will take to complete the DIY project. If there are any plumbing issues, they should be fixed before you start your DIY tub reglazing project.
If you choose to tackle the reglazing task on your own, you need to be aware of the safety concerns. The refinishing and the reglazing kit contains harsh chemicals that can potentially affect your health if inhaled. Thus, you have to make sure that you have protective clothing and an air mask during the process.
Secondly, even though DIY will help you save a significant amount of money on tub reglazing project, you will be faced with a choice of limited colors. You are also likely to end up a questionable finish if you don’t prepare the tub surface properly.
Tub Reglazing Tips
If you choose to do this project as DIY, use the following DIY tips to guide you through:
Purchase a DIY kit – the first thing you need to do is purchase a tub reglazing DIY kit which contains everything that you will need for the project. The kit should have a cleaner, roller, brush, tray, caulk, utility knife, sandpaper, masking tape, paper towels, masking paper, coveralls, goggles, gloves, HEPA masks air filters, primer and reglazing product.
The refinishing DIY kit costs roughly $60 to$100. When purchasing, buy the kit that uses a long-lasting resin coating. You should avoid getting the one with an epoxy coating as it tends to discolor and chip quickly. You should be aware that the cheap DIY kits are usually the ones with the epoxy coating, so make a wise choice and invest in a better kit to avoid repeating the reglazing task a few months down the line.
Protect yourself – if a professional comes to your place to reglaze your tub, they will come with safety precautions which include protective gear (coveralls) and HEPA air filters. This way, they will protect themselves against fumes from the harsh chemicals and avoid getting into contact with the reglazing and refinishing chemicals and paint.
If you are tackling the reglazing task through DIY, you need to take the same measures and protect yourself. Make sure you wear safety goggles, air mask, coveralls, and gloves. Your safety should come first.
Follow the right steps and complete each step: for you to achieve a smooth surface without any defects, you need to follow and complete each step and make sure each step is done correctly.
Here are the DIY steps to follow when reglazing and refinishing your tub:
✓ Before you begin the process of reglazing your tub, you need to make sure that all the plumbing fixtures are in good condition. If there are any repairs or replacement to be done, you should ensure that they are taken care of prior to the reglazing process. For example, if you are experiencing a leak, make sure it’s taken care of before you tackle the tub.
✓Prepare your working area: start by protecting your tub fixtures and the floor. Tape the fixtures and cover the floor with a plastic covering to protect them from the dust, chemicals, paint, and overspray. Ventilate the bathroom using an exhaust fan to reduce the smell coming from the reglazing and refinishing products.
✓ Clean the tub: using cleaners specially formulated for tub cleaning, thoroughly clean the tub and remove caulking.
✓ Remove the existing finish: sand the bathtub surface thoroughly to strip off the old finish. At this point, you should etch the tab using acid. This will prepare the surface and allow it to adhere to the new tub finish to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
After sanding the tub, wipe it off using a paper towel to remove all the dust resulting from the sanding process. Make sure you wipe away from the drains; that is, wipe the dust towards the back of the tub.
✓ Repairs: assess the surface of the tub to see if it has imperfections such as scratches, chips and small cracks. Sand the scratches and the chips and fill in the cracks using appropriate filler. Apply the filler using a putty knife and give it time to dry before you sand it off.
✓ Apply the primer: spray the primer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can apply the coating using a roller and a brush. Let the primer dry as per the label’s instructions.
✓ Apply reglazing product: apply the tub with about 3 to 4 layers of the reglazing product. Allow each coating layer to dry before applying the next coat. Apply the product moving in one direction of the tub. Once you have applied the top coat, your tub will take at least two to three to cure before you can safely use it. After the reglazing product has dried, you can proceed to finish the tub surface with new caulk.
Common DIY Tub Reglazing Mistakes
It’s true that DIY tub reglazing can help you save money that you would have used on a pro. But, if the process is not done correctly, the whole project can backfire, and you may end up with a rough finish.
One of the mistakes you are likely to make through DIY is lack of adequate and proper surface preparation. Prep work alone takes about 75% of the whole process, and it should be done right. If you do not prepare the tub surface properly and fail to remove the old finish completely, you will end up with a rough surface for your tub.
In addition, if you do not give each of the top coat mixture time to dry before applying the next one, your surface will bubble.
Also, if you do not mix the glaze correctly as instructed by the manufacturer, or you do not use the right quantities, the tub surface may end fading with time, or the tub may feel sticky because the finish will not be able to cure as it should. Also, improper application techniques such as inappropriate spraying, or leaving behind roll or brush marks and not giving the tub enough time to dry may result to smudge marks, and the tub may feel messy.
If you manage to pull out the prep work correctly, the rest of the work should be manageable and relatively easy. Make sure you follow manufacturer’s instructions on mixing and waiting time. Remember, fumes from the chemicals used in the reglazing process can be noxious, so make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated with enough and a steady outflow of air.
Hiring A Professional
If you are not up for DIY, you can hire a pro to reglaze your tub. Paying a professional to reglaze your tub will save you time, and you will be assured of the right results. You will probably spend a few hundred bucks, but you will not have to worry about doing the right thing or making mistakes.
Here are the benefits of hiring a professional for tub reglazing:
✓ You will not have to deal with the mess and the noxious fumes of the reglazing process
✓ The professional has the right tools and products to prepare the tub surface and carry out repairs. In short, a professional is more likely to do a better job and thoroughly clean and prepare the surface than a novice.
✓ The professional knows the right application techniques to use to apply the reglazing product. With their expertise, a professional will ensure that the tub has high-quality finishing that will leave the tub smooth, glossy and look like a new one.
✓ When you reglaze your tub through DIY, you will have a limited choice of colors. In fact, your choice of color will be limited to white and almond, which are usually the only colors available for you to work with. However, if you hire a professional, you will have a wide range of colors to choose from. Most professional can match existing the color of your tub or come up with a custom color shade. So, with a professional, color options are infinite.
✓ With DIY products, the reglaze finish may only last for about two years. A professional will use products and techniques that will see your reglazed tub last anywhere between 5 to 15years.
✓ A professional is efficient and knows how to go about the process. So, they are likely to take about three to five hours to complete the reglazing process. DIY, on the other hand, requires you to be careful with every stage which will take you more time and a lot of uncertainty. A DIY tub reglazing is likely to last for a minimum of five hours.
Other Factors to Considers
Whether you choose to hire a professional or DIY, there are some essential factors that you need to consider before you begin the tub reglazing project. You should be aware that the tub will require a minimum of two to three days to allow the reglazing product to cure. This means that tub will not be usable for some time. Thus, as you plan for the project, consider the timing.
You should also be aware that the weather conditions can play a significant role on the amount of time the reglazing product will take to dry. For example, if you are reglazing your tub during summertime, the humid weather conditions may slow down the drying process.
Thus, in such conditions, your tub may take more than five days to dry unless you use a dehumidifier in your bathroom to fasten the process or use a fan.
Reglazed Tub Cleaning and Care Tips
A reglazed bathtub is not the same as a non-reglazed tub. With a reglazed bathtub, the reglazing paint is sprayed on the surface, unlike a new tub that has the paint baked on the surface. Thus, you should only use non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid using bleach, acid cleaners and powdered cleanser as they may end up discoloring and damaging the surface and lead to premature wear. Make sure that you use non-abrasive sponges or a damp cloth when cleaning the tub. Abrasive sponges such as steel wool may end up scraping off the enamel and leave the surface looking dull.
To get the best results, use general cleaner or dish soap and damp cotton cloth. Spray the tub surface with the mild cleaner and let it sit for about three to five minutes and then proceed to wipe it with a soft damp cloth. Rinse the tub and allow it to dry. In addition, make it a routine to clean your reglazed tub at least once or twice a week.
Conclusion
If you have an old or worn out tub that has seen better days, you do not have to go through the hassle and the cost of replacing it. You can get an almost new-like tub through tub reglazing at a less cost as compared to the cost of replacing it with a new one. More so, replacing a tub requires a lot of work which includes demolishing the tub, disposing of the debris, flooring, trimming the surround and working on the plumbing features.
Reglazing a tub is the process of reviving it using reglazing products to give it a deep glossy, smooth texture with a feel of original porcelain. You can reglaze any type of a tub including cast-iron, fiberglass, and even steel. Unless your tub is in total disrepair or you need a bigger tub, you can fix your old tub and get rid of those dirty looking stains, cracks and scratches.
Tub reglazing gives you the opportunity to keep your tub, extends its lifespan and revamps it. The result is an improved aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. In fact, the reglazing process goes beyond the functional aspect, it improves the appearance of your bathtub and makes you enjoy your bathing experience like you would with a new tub.