Even if a bathtub looks like its lifespan has ended, it may be given a new life thanks to refinishing. Refinishing is a process where all the nicks, scratches and dents in a bathtub are sanded down, filled or repaired as needed. Then, a glossy top-coat is painted onto the tub, which can make it look brand new. The price and advisability of refinishing a bathtub can vary, but this guide can help. Whether remodeling a bathroom, preparing a home for sale or moving into an older home, many homeowners will have to decide between refinishing an old bathtub and simply replacing it altogether. At first glance, it may seem that replacement is the best option. After all, most bathtubs can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars, which may be equal to or even cheaper than the cost of refinishing. However, there are a number of hidden costs involved in replacing a bathtub. Demolition, the cost of removing a heavy bathtub and hiring a plumber to reattach all of the pipes can add up quickly, sometimes costing thousands of dollars.

In addition, some older bathtubs are irreplaceable or rare pieces, and homeowners would like to keep them whenever possible. However, it is important to note that refinishing a bathtub isn't always the best idea. If the tub itself is damaged, refinishing may only be a temporary solution that needs to be repeated on a regular basis. It can also mean that the bathtub, and bathroom as a whole, is not usable for 24 hours or longer. Compared to the length of a bathroom remodel, however, that drawback is minimal. Once it has been decided that refinishing is the best option for a particular bathtub, then homeowners can prepare for the refinishing to begin. Although refinishing kits are available for commercial sale, making it a potential DIY project, the best results will always be achieved by a professional. The first step in preparing for a bathtub refinish is removing everything that can be taken out of the bathroom. This will include shower liners, bath products, towels and similar items.

It is also important to clean the bathtub before the refinishing begins. The tub should not be greasy, have any dirt or debris covering it or be wet when the professionals arrive to begin the refinishing.Used Furniture Stores Westerville Ohio Refinishing a bathtub can make a substantial difference, but it takes just a few hours to complete. How To Replace Abs Toilet FlangeThe first step will be covering as much of the bathroom in a thin layer of plastic tarp as possible. Boxer Puppies For Sale In St George UtahThis keeps anything from getting covered in the spray materials that will be used while protecting the walls, tiles and more from any damage. Then, any caulk surrounding the tub and the surround will be removed by hand or with a chemical solution that actually dissolves the caulk in a matter of minutes.

The next step involves the use of hydrofluoric acid over the entire surface of the bathtub. This acid will remove any finish that is currently on the tub, and it can require the use of a breathing mask, especially in the small and confined space of a bathtub. The hydrofluoric acid will also roughen up the texture of the tub slightly so that the new covering adheres properly and evenly. If additional work or patching is needed, holes can be fixed with epoxy, or the entire tub can be sanded down to remove stubborn layers. Next, a commercial sprayer is used to coat the tub with a later of fast-drying epoxy, which gives it hardness. Most bathtubs will require two coats of epoxy. Then, the same kind of sprayer is used for three to five layers of glossy finish, which gives the tub that brand-new look. The final step is to wipe down the tub to remove anything that may adhere to the tub like dust or bugs. This process tends to cost $350 depending on the location. Whether the refinishing is done as a DIY project or by a professional, there are some common problems that should be watched for.

Bubbles can crop up in the epoxy layers, and they may be a sign of a quick or improper spraying job. A rough texture may also be noticeable, and this is primarily due to a lack of sanding in between epoxy layers or between the glossy final coats. Sanding should be done using progressively finer pieces of sandpaper, and skipping over the final steps may result in a rough final product. If the bathtub feels sticky or tacky, it may not yet be completely dry. Or, the bathroom may be too humid to allow for the tub to dry entirely. Before beginning or choosing to refinish a bathtub, consider the timing. The project should only be undertaken at a time when the bathroom won't need to be used for at least 24 hours, the minimum amount of time needed for the tub to dry completely. In addition, summertime humidity can slow down the process, so aiming to complete it during spring or fall may be better. Thankfully, using a fan may speed up the drying process and keep small particles of dirt and debris from settling on the newly finished tub.

Cost to Refinish BathtubUpdated: June 2016 Refinishing Bathtubs Cost CalculatorZip Code Refinishings Bathtub Refinishing Labor - Basic Bathtub Refinishing Materials and Supplies Totals - Cost to Refinish Bathtub - Average Cost Per Refinishing Get an INSTANT, detailed estimate of the cost to Refinish Bathtub! Our free calculator uses up-to-date, trusted data to estimate typical subcontractor costs for a Refinishing Bathtubs project. For a basic 1 refinishing project in zip code 47474, the benchmark cost to Refinish Bathtub ranges between $433.46 - $1,080.91 per refinishing.Specify Project Size Enter the number of "fixtures" required for the project.3. Cost to Refinish Bathtub - Notes and General Information Costs to prepare the worksite for Refinishing Bathtubs, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components. Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Refinishing Bathtubs jobs.