White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Power washing a reglazed surface could easily lead to peeling or other damage to the coating. The fourth benefit of reglazing a bathtub is that you can do it yourself (our personal favorite way to do things around here hehe!). Bed Bath & Beyond's competitors are coming to the rescue of customers looking to use expired coupons issued by the failed retailer. Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. Bath liners are basically an acrylic replica of your existing bathtub except, you can change the color and skirt style if you want and they're relatively easy to install. 8 months ago. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). Then, give the bathtub reglazing curing time, maybe another 24 hours, as the curing takes extra time depending on the humidity level. Installation typically takes only a day or two, but the whole process can take between one and two months since installers first need to take photos and precise measurements of the area before molding a liner out of acrylic. On top of that, even carrying the bathtubs in and out will require a workforce too. The Importance of Ventilation We understand you want to do a tub repair for rust stains and damage. Reglazing doesn't sound dangerous, we know. If you are looking for a different depth, width or length, however, you must replace the tub, Wagner said. If a bathtub has reached a point where it takes longer than a day to get minor repairs completed, it probably means that the bathtub isnt worth reglazing anyway. You can typically reglaze a bathtub two times before a new tub or tub liner is necessary. I will definitely be using this brand on our next bathtub reglazing job! Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. I say likely because if a tub has never been reglazed or was properly reglazed the first time, then you can sand, repair, and refinish the tub rather easily. Are you wondering if it is safe to bathe in a reglazed tub? Learn More. If the cost of removing the old tub and installing a new one versus reglazing are similar or your tub is particularly old or damaged, it might be better to get a new one. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Whether you're the owner of a DIY-finished or professionally finished tub, it's best to use onlysoft liquid cleansers to clean and maintain the coating. The weather can play a factor in how long it takes for the finishing coat to dry, and how well it bonds to the surface. That will help this tub last for several more years longer now AND it looks and feels brand new! And if you use one of the tub refinishing kits (like this one found at Amazon we used on our rental property), you can tackle this project yourself for less than $100. Cons Of Refinishing A Bathtub. If the tub and surrounding area area too far gone, say with cracks or missing tile work, a full relining is the way to go. It involves restoring the tub to its original look, giving it a fresh look, covering dents, chipping, and fading defects. If you're using dish soap, pour some onto the surface and spread it with a sponge. No bath mat is safe with a reglazed tub. What is Clear Coat Spray Paint: 4 Benefits for Your Next Project! Once the coating is dry, remove the tape, reattach hardware, and caulk around the tub. According to Chuck Pistor, president of Surface Doctor, the finish on a reglazed tub can last 10 to 15 . But before you can change its color, you should check for cracks, dents, and other imperfections and sand them first. The last drawback to reglazing a tub is that youll likely have to stay the night somewhere else until the fumes wear off. Let the coating cure completely before using your bathtub. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2023 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. If the problem still persists, then you might have to call your refinisher gin to respray the finish. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Over time, this chip can loosen the entire layer, and the coating starts to come off. Humidity is harmful to the process, so its best to avoid tub refinishings during the dog days of summers. Here we are at the end of your article. Fortunately, reglazing helps you eliminate them, leaving your tub looking spotless. Also, if the finishing coating is not applied properly, that can be another potential cause. One of the significant risks of refinishing a bathtub is exposure to methylene chloride or dichloromethane, which strips the tub and removes the previous glaze or finish. All we did was open up windows and doors, wear face masks (which certainly helped), and had a fan running to suck the fumes out of the room. Its also an opportunity to show off some of your creativity and change the aesthetics of your bathroom. Most tub refinishers and tub coating manufacturers also warn against any products containing bleach or ammonia. The action is simply too powerful for the coating to withstand. Tub refinishing and relining are cosmetic fixes. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. There are concerns about other struggling meme stocks. Reglazing your bathtub is a fun and relatively simple DIY project, especially considering the alternative of fully replacing the bathtub and all of the hassles that entail. After we finished reglazing our tub, we left the property for the night. Likely can only reglaze once (tub can be severely damaged) Quick turn-around time. (This is the main reason we refinished our tub!). Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. However, minor damage and disrepair are much more suitable for a reglazing job. On the other hand, reglazing is the final phase of the restoration process, where you give the tub a new look. After it is cured, it is safe to bathe in the reglazed tub. A reglazed bathtub must have 3 full days at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity to fully cure before use. On the other hand, if you choose to hire a tub reglazing professional, the project will cost you $250-$800, depending on the severity of the tub damage. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Thus, softer methods using non-abrasives work well. However, one thing to remember here is that not everyone will face these bathtub reglazing problems. Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. Vapors from this liquid can collect in the bottom of the tub and cause the person refinishing the tub to asphyxiate or even suffer from a heart attack because methyl chloride turns to carbon monoxide in the body, cutting off oxygen supply. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Want to know more? You are able to employ a range of materials, including coatings, and relying on the brand, the result might last something between a few years for one DIY kit and a century upwards for a work life. Dont expect to reglaze your bathtub yearly, as that is not possible. Lets think about changing the whole tub for a moment. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). *My posts may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! That worked well enough, and between coats of paint, we left the area completely to stay away from the fumes! Reglazing allows you to pick a color coat that inspires you and one thats warm. It's a common question, and the answer is yes, it's safe to bathe in a reglazed tub. Need professional help with your project? And likely, once a third reglazing needs to be completed, the tub will probably be in such bad condition that it will be better to replace the entire thing anyway. "The material used to etch and glaze is very toxic and the customer would need to leave their house for a day or two so the house could ventilate properly," said Vince Albachiaro, a merchant for Home Depot's home services. Before we head into the problems and the solutions, lets get a clear idea about what bathtub reglazing is. Never allow chemicals like dyes, drain openers or bleach sit on your refinished surface. Pros Weigh In, 24 Low-Cost Bathroom Updates That Won't Drain Your Savings, How to Stain Concrete to Make Your Home's Walkways Look Like New, The Best Garage Door Companies for Secure Installation, Compare the Best Nationwide Window Replacement Companies, Beat the Heat With These AC Installation Companies, Must-Do Upgrades for Aging in Place in Any Home, According to Experts. Most reglazed bathtubs last 6-10 years, some even up to 15 years, depending on maintenance. Finally, a primer, multiple layers of coating, and a sealant are applied. Check out our guide below for everything you need to know about bathtub refinishing. We're breaking down three of the most popular options with the help of some pros who know all about turning a bathtub nightmare into a dream come true. Now that youve seen the full list, lets further break down each point so you can make the right decision for your situation. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. This is especially important when using dish soap, which can be dangerously slippery if left on a tub surface. IE 11 is not supported. But, on the other hand, youll only need a fraction of the replacement cost to reglaze the bathtub. Pro: You Will Save Money. I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. 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. Perhaps you wish to own a specific bathtub style or size but cannot afford it. You have to accept that reglazing might not always turn out to be perfect. You have to hire professionals who can apply the coating properly and mix the right amount of materials for the coating. Bubbling is one of the most common problems you can face after reglazing a bathtub. Poor preparation is responsible for that as it didnt remove the chip in the first place. Then, give the bathtub reglazing curing time, maybe another 24 hours, as the curing takes extra time depending on the humidity level. You are free to use water (yes, hot water is perfectly fine). There is no safe level of lead exposure for a child. Nothing annoys like brownish or greenish stuff on the tub. However, there are some bathtub reglazing problems too, that you should be aware of. Among different problems caused by thin layers of coating, fading is most likely to happen. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. My posts are inspired by our renovations on our 1950s ranch. Posted on Published: July 30, 2022- Last updated: March 8, 2023. For example, for a newer, low-quality tub, you'll typically get better results by replacing it with a higher-quality model. The original tub almost always needs to be cut into pieces to fit through the bathroom door. If youve got an old bathtub(or bathroom) and youre investigating your options for giving it an upgrade, youve likely come across the term reglazingalso known as refinishing or recoating, which can revive a tiredtub or evenold bathroom tile. Its not the most ideal situation but it is what it is. Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. Remove all metal drains, faucets, and hardware as needed. The bathtub refinishing process involves three steps: To find a reputable contractor, ask friends for recommendations or check with the Better Business Bureau. The simple fact of the matter is that it is cheaper to reglaze a bathtub than to buy a new one. What Is the Difference Between Reglazing and Refinishing A Bathtub? Bathtubs should be refinished every seven to 10 years, or more frequently if there is significant damage, stained, or you (or your homes previous owners) havent been cleaning your bathtub the right way. Sanding down the old bathtub finish - The first step towards applying the new finish is removing the old one. It takes a few hours to reglaze your bathtub and up to 1-2 days for everything to cure. Make sure to ensure any reglazing work is carried out in a professional manner by an experienced and reputable contractor, as many reglazing kits available online can produce a finish that doesn't last or provide a . 11. The substances pros use to reglaze a tub can be a bit dangerous. I agree most reglazing projects take two to three days to complete fully with drying. After putting on safety goggles and gloves, follow these DIY bathtub refinishing steps: After DIY bathtub refinishing, it's best to avoid using abrasive cleaners to protect the surface. If you only have one bathroom in the house, you'll have to make alternate showering/bathroom arrangements during construction. ), Kohler Shower Valve Temperature Adjustment (Explained! ), Read more about me and my past home renovation projects here. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. But before we can look at the pros and cons of reglazing your bathtub, I should explain what bathtub reglazing is. Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. When we came back the next day, the fumes had pretty much disappeared. Bathtub glazing is just of those techniques that are cheap yet effective. DIY With Christines main focus is helping yourenovateanddecorateyour dream home without relying on others or paying a contractor outrageous fees. Using a liquid non-abrasive solution on a regular basis is usually recommended by most tub refinishers. Right now, reglazing jobs dont require any certifications or licenses to perform professionally. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. Its an especially convenient job if you have two bathrooms because it means you wont be locked out of the bathroom all day longand possibly the next day as wellwhich makes the job a lot more doable. 5 Potential Project Benefits. That way, you won't end up back with the pitted and discolored tub that you probably just refinished. Whether your tub is refinished or reglazed depends on whether or not the old coating was removed before putting a new layer of epoxy or another coating. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Must follow proper safety protocols. The fumes from this kind of work are generally so heavy, that youll have to spend the nightand probably a full dayout of your home while everything cures and the fumes die down. I am Clyde Mitchell and I actually write and run the site. Using that tub refinishing kit certainly was cheaper than ripping out the old bathtub and tile just because we didnt like the ugly yellow color of the old one. You can avoid most issues and lengthen the lifespan of your bathtub by taking proper care of it. We Service Homes, Apartments, Motels and Hotels. Its that simple! Reglazing a tub doesn't actually take that long to do. When it comes to reglazing your bathtub, as opposed to buying a new one, there are various pros and cons that you need to consider. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Refinishing a bathtub is a fraction of the cost to replace your bathtub (around $2,900), so if youre at all hesitant about your DIY skills, hiring a pro is a somewhat small price to pay for your health and safety. The substances pros use to reglaze a tub can be a bit dangerous. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. So, knowing about the potential bathtub reglazing problems will give you a heads up and help you solve the problems. GameStop is safe for now, thanks to its strong balance sheet. Your email address will not be published. It is usually safe to take a bath in a reglazed tub, but there are a few important safety considerations to bear in mind. "This is the only option that truly enables a homeowner to have a tub or a bathroom that truly meets their specific needs," Rascoe said. Tubs that are in bad disrepair might also not be suited for reglazing. This helps to cut through remaining soap residue and oils. Its worth looking into how long a company has been in business andits rating with the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their track record before commissioning a job. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. All painted tubs peel, and the use of a mat makes that happen much faster. And these were trained professionals in most cases! From me and this website, you can expect some useful tips on great ideas for a modern bathroom. Fill a container like a kitchen measuring cup or a plastic bowl with water and use it to rinse all areas of the tub. It also gives a disinfectant cleaner time to disinfect. When you choose to reglaze an older cast iron or steel tub, you're giving your family a fresh layer of protection against this health issue. So its in your best interest to go into this project thinking that this is a one-chance-to-get-right project. You get to choose the material of your tub, and can always opt for a less expensive option, like fiberglass or acrylic, and put more money towards the labor involved. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. It often involves these tips: The cost of reglazing a bathtub depends on whether you go DIY or hire a reglazing expert. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Tub Liners: Which Is Best? Bathtub reglazing would be the process of restoring the cover of a tub using premium epoxy that offers a long-lasting, restored surface. This is a much more long-term solution, rather than a Band-Aid fix. Professionally glazed tubs will cost between $250 and $700 depending on the level of repair the tub needs. Can I get a rent abatement and lower rent when I renew? Solution: Reapplying the finish with a blending solvent is the most common way to hide the chipping. How to Clean a Bathtub or Shower With a Pressure Washer, How to Clean Soap Scum Off of Every Bathroom Surface, 9 Best Cleaners for Shower Glass Doors of 2023, DIY-finished or professionally finished tub, Sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft-bristle nylon brush. Power washing old or original tile in a tub and shower can be done but it's not common and you should never attempt it on a reglazed surface. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. Is Bathtub Reglazing Safe? The reason is that a refinished tub coating is layers of specialized paint that can be nicked or scratched without care, so it's best to stick to non-abrasive cleaners. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. Prime the Surfaces If the kit includes a primer, apply it to the bathtub surfaces. Without stripping, the previous glaze can generate a chemical reaction with current primer and paint layers, causing bubbles to appear. You suggestions and opinions are always wecome. If you plan on refinishing a bathtub yourself, make sure the area has proper ventilation before you begin. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Timing: Getting a bath liner installed typically only takes a day or two to complete! Its also ideal for certain types bathtubs. While a new tub can cost as little as $150, labor expenses for the replacement process can easily add $1,500 or more to the bill. Acrylic bathtubs can also be reglazed, as long as they dont have any significant issues. Two of the Why Is Kohler Purist So Expensive And Is It Worth It? According to Forbes, reglazing an old bathtub is cheaper than replacing it. The first reason why bathtub reglazing is so popular is the cost-effectiveness. Robern Vs. Kohler Medicine Cabinet: Which One Should You Pick? Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. Luckily, some reglazing kits come with video tutorials which you can use to complete the project DIY. Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. As I briefly mentioned above, we used this DIY tub refinishing kit found at Amazon and it was perfect! Here's our guide to the pros and cons of bathtub reglazing, plus how to refinish a bathtub yourself. Your email address will not be published. As you can see, even little miscalculations or mistakes in the reglazing process can cause bigger problems to ruin the whole project. Always remember to be safe and wear the proper personal protective equipment. No amount of great reglazing work is going to matter much if your health is at risk. So, before you appoint a refinisher for reglazing, make sure he has prior experience in this line. The solution to this problem is properly sanding the tub and cleaning it before applying the coating. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. An excellent permanent bathtub liner will cost you about $50-$200, while a disposable one will cost you under $20. A reglazed bathtub should give you the exact feel of a new one. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. If your tub has seen better days and reglazing just wont cut it, a liner might be the best option. But like I mentioned, its not a good idea to reglaze the bathroom repetitively. It's important to note that these products don't use the same technology as the professionals, and the results are less durable and often look painted on rather than smooth. Apply additional coats as needed, waiting for sufficient drying time between coats. At the same time, you want a cleaning method that will actually work. But like every other DIY project, bathtub reglazing has its advantages and drawbacks, and thats why this post talks about reglazing bathtub pros and cons. Its nice for a little bit, but then as you go through your daily routine, youre going to need to get it touched up again, said Jennifer Wagner, a merchant for Home Depots home services. Make sure your reglazing professional is preparing the surface properly before starting reglazing. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Also, any cleaner can damage a tub's finish if it's allowed to dry on the surface. Next, any holes, cracks, chips, or rust spots are repaired. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Looking at reglazing bathtub pros and cons might help us find the answer. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. (Hot & Cold Weather Tips), Why Do Farmers Spray Paint Cows? Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. However, as long as you properly clean and sand the tub, you shouldnt have any issues with using the tub refinishing kit. Use a. Methylene chloride can cause serious health problems and can even stop breathing in large enough concentrations. Reglazing is just painting. Otherwise, the chipping can further damage the rest of the reglazed areas. If you get a poor job thats already peeling, then you will have to proceed to other options anyway, said Leo Lantz, the president of. So, if you drop something heavy in the tub before the reglazing cures properly, that can cause a dent on the surface, commonly referred to as chips. If done properly with professional refinishers, reglazing can make your bathtub look new again. Why? Continue with Recommended Cookies. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them. Some Bath Bombs Contain a Lot of Oil Minor exposure to methylene chloride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, numbness, headaches, or throat irritation. Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Murray Hill to Long Island: Tired of renting, we bought a waterfront condo with a resort vibe, The Bronx makes list of the 50 most expensive neighborhoods in NYC for the first time, What to know about buying in Morris Park, where vintage Colonials and public transit attract families and commuters. There might also be flooring, trim, surrounds, and plumbing that will need to be removed and replaced. Its quick, usually taking only a day to complete! This way, itll be easier for you to relate and understand the problems as we advance. Well also talk about the problems (not the cons) associated with bathtub reglazing and the costs too. That means refinishing a tub could save you roughly $3,000 since the average price is $480 .Soaking bathtubs start at $10,800 and go up from there. Now you know the pros and cons of reglazing your bathtub. ), Advertising, sponsorship, and affiliate disclosure, Copyright 2023 I'll Just Fix It Myself | Trellis Framework by Mediavine.