Is Bathtub Reglazing Worth It? Weigh the Pros and Cons

If you're like most homeowners, you probably dread the idea of renovating your bathroom. From picking out finishes to dealing with contractors, it can be a messy, disruptive, and downright expensive endeavor. So when your bathtub starts to show its age through faded color, chips, cracks, and stains, a full replacement may not be in the cards.

That's where bathtub reglazing comes in. This affordable resurfacing process can quickly give your worn-out tub a brand-new, factory-fresh finish. But is reglazing worth considering for your bathroom, or should you bite the bullet and purchase a new bathtub? Here, we'll weigh the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of Bathtub Reglazing

Let's start with the advantages reglazing offers compared to replacing your tub.

It's More Affordable Than Replacing Your Tub

The number one reason homeowners consider reglazing is cost savings. Professionally reglazing a standard bathtub often ranges from $400-$1000. Compare that to $2000 or more for a complete tub replacement, including labor and installation. The price difference is significant.

In addition to being cheaper upfront, reglazing avoids the hidden costs of a full replacement. You won't need to pay for removal and disposal of your old tub or re-tiling the surrounding bathroom walls. The savings add up.

Quickly Revitalizes the Appearance of Your Tub

Over years of use, even the best-maintained bathtub will start to show wear. Surfaces become dulled and scratched. Chips and cracks develop. Stains from soap, oils, and minerals can be difficult to remove. Enter bathtub reglazing!

The reglazing process involves sanding down the original finish, repairing any chips or cracks, and spray applying new primer and topcoat finishes. This completely resurfaces your tub, leaving it looking fresh, bright, and brand new. Even severe stains, etching, and discoloration get covered up under the new finish.

You also have your choice of finish colors and effects. From soft pastels to bold colors that match your towels, or even metallic and stone-like finishes, the options are endless. Matte or high-gloss sheens are also available to complement your bathroom's existing fixtures and features.

Avoids a Major Bathroom Remodel

Replacing a bathtub requires demolishing and re-tiling a significant portion of your bathroom. The process can take several days, require new plumbing hookups, and generally make your bathroom unusable for a period of time. It's messy and disruptive to your household.

Reglazing, on the other hand, is a fraction of the work. After proper prep, an experienced pro can reglaze a tub in a single day. Some coating products dry quickly enough to use the tub again that evening. Aside from some lingering chemical smells, you can use the rest of your bathroom normally during the process.

Customizable Finish Options

While shopping for a replacement tub limits you to the available sizes, styles, and colors, professional reglazing opens up unlimited custom options. You can choose a finish that matches your faucets and other fixtures, complements your wall tile, or just fits your personal taste.

Don't overlook crafty effects either. Metallic finishes like copper, bronze, and nickel are options. Stone-like textures mimic granite, marble, and other natural surfaces. The choices are much more varied compared to replacing your tub.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Replacing your bathtub often means sending the old tub to a landfill. Manufacturing and shipping a new replacement tub also has environmental impacts. Bathtub reglazing, on the other hand, is a greener solution.

By restoring your existing tub, you minimize waste and avoid the raw material and energy usage of making a brand-new tub. The eco-friendly nature of reglazing makes it an appealing choice for many homeowners.

Cons of Bathtub Reglazing

Now let's look at a few of the downsides to consider about bathtub reglazing.

Shorter Lifespan Than a New Tub

A professionally installed new bathtub should last 20 years or more with proper care. A reglazing job, on the other hand, typically lasts 5-10 years before needing refreshed.

The longevity depends heavily on the prep work and application quality. The better the bonding to the original surface, the longer the reglazing will last. DIY kits may only provide 1-3 years of life. Overall, expect to redo a reglazing job more often than a full replacement.

Potential for an Odor During Curing

The chemicals used in bathtub reglazing products often give off strong fumes during the curing process. Depending on the specific products used, the odor can linger for 24 hours or even a few days after application.

Proper ventilation is key to dissipating the smell faster. Some homeowners prefer to book a hotel for a night after reglazing to avoid the odor. For others, it's a minor and temporary annoyance.

Risk of Damage During Reglazing

While an experienced reglazing pro can transform a tub's finish without issue, there is a risk of damage from mistakes. Aggressive sanding or cleaning during preparation can harm the original tub surface. Rushing the spray application risks drips, uneven coverage, and other flaws.

Choosing a company with expertise reglazing bathtubs minimizes the risk. But it's a factor to keep in mind, especially for DIY jobs. Patience is key for high-quality results.

DIY Kits are Less Durable

Speaking of DIY reglazing, home kits can provide an affordable way to freshen your tub's appearance. But most DIY products do not last nearly as long as professional reglazing.

The 2-3 year lifespan of a DIY kit means you'll be redoing the job much sooner. And if the first application has flaws or fails prematurely, that further shortens the time between refreshes. For the best durability, hire a pro.

Upkeep Required to Maximize Durability

To get the most longevity from a reglazing application, proper care is a must. Avoiding harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and cleaning with extremely hot water prevents premature wear.

Gentler cleaning, combined with recoating every 1-2 years, can extend the reglazed finish substantially. But it does require some upkeep not necessary with a brand new tub.

Key Factors to Consider

When weighing bathtub reglazing in your situation, keep the following key factors in mind:

• Type of bathtub material - Fiberglass and acrylic tubs offer the best bonding for long-lasting results.
• Severity of existing tub damage - Surface repairs needed before reglazing impact cost and longevity.
• DIY skills vs hiring a pro - Expert application yields longer-lasting finish results.
• Expected longevity of the reglazing - On average 5-10 years for a professional job.

For many homeowners needing to restore the appearance of an outdated or damaged bathtub, professional reglazing offers a budget-friendly way to quickly refresh the look of their bathrooms. While the finish requires some maintenance to maximize longevity, reglazing can stave off a full replacement for years.

However, for those wanting a perpetual "new" bathtub with minimal upkeep required, replacement may be the better investment. Weigh your specific needs and bathtub conditions carefully.

In many cases, reglazing provides years of like-new performance at a fraction of replacement cost. But be realistic about the life expectancy and maintenance required to get the most from a reglazing job. Consider both the pros and cons to decide if it's the right bathtub renewal option for your home.