You can also update your tub to a shower in some cases. The first reason why bathtub reglazing is so popular is the cost-effectiveness. this DIY tub refinishing kit found at Amazon, How To Choose The Trim Color Based Off Your Door Color (With Pictures! Now you know the pros and cons of reglazing your bathtub. Plus, it allows you to preserve an older design, such as an antique clawfoot tub, that adds character to a bathroom but has seen better days. Abrasives include harsh or gritty cleaners as well as rough sponges, like Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool soap pads, or sponges with an abrasive layer on one side. Likely can only reglaze once (tub can be severely damaged) Quick turn-around time. The whole bathtub reglazing process involves some pretty hard chemicals. A liner is the least invasive option and fairly affordable. Learn More. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. The simple fact of the matter is that it is cheaper to reglaze a bathtub than to buy a new one. ), How To Decide Whether To Install Gutter Guards Or Not (Pros & Cons List! According to Chuck Pistor, president of Surface Doctor, the finish on a reglazed tub can last 10 to 15 . You might also now reglazing as refinishing or recoating too. That will help this tub last for several more years longer now AND it looks and feels brand new! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. That means absolutely anyone can get into this line of work. And these were trained professionals in most cases! The original tub almost always needs to be cut into pieces to fit through the bathroom door. It is far safer to hedge your bets and give the fumes time to die down. If you wait until the tub is visibly dark and dirty, it's difficult to use these gentle methods. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. Here's our guide to the pros and cons of bathtub reglazing, plus how to refinish a bathtub yourself. Though few homeowners love cleaning their bathtub, regular cleaning once a week or depending on the frequency of use is the single best way to keep your tub clean without damaging it. Make sure your reglazing professional is preparing the surface properly before starting reglazing. What is the warranty of habitability and how does it affect tenants? Refinishing is well-suited to very old tubs, which typically have more character and are made of higher-quality materials than what's available today. Besides, its easy to apply as you only need to wipe it on the tub. My name isChristine! Shares of the brand reached an all-time high of $79.32 in 2013. 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. Also, any cleaner can damage a tub's finish if it's allowed to dry on the surface. Won't last as long as a new tub: Though 10 to 15 years is impressive, a refinished tub won't hold up as . Do not use or clean a reglazed bathtub until it is fully cured, which usually takes about 24 to 48 hours. Its quick, usually taking only a day to complete! And copper bathtubs dont have this problem at all. If your bathtub is on the older side, then youll need to determine whether its worthwhile to refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. The process isn't always the best solution, of course. Epoxy reglazer usually takes 24 to 48 hours to fully cure, though some products can take more than 3 days, which is why it's necessary to check the drying and curing times on the directions. But before you can change its color, you should check for cracks, dents, and other imperfections and sand them first. Rinse the tub to remove dust. During these first two days, it should not be touched, used, or put in contact with water. I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. Naturally, this is the most time-intensive and expensive option, and involves gutting your existing bathtub in order to install a new one. Ask Sam: Our landlord didn't fix a broken front door lock and my bike was stolen. The first drawback of reglazing a bathtub is that you likely can only reglaze once. Solution: As its impossible to create a completely dust-free environment, you have to accept minor flaws. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. Bathtub reglazing saves not only money but also time and effort. If you're using dish soap, pour some onto the surface and spread it with a sponge. If there are difficult stains, you are safe to use a nylon brush with soft bristles. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. . A professional cleans the surface of the tub thoroughly, and then applies an acid to. Adds an extra layer of protection. 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. Essential Bathtub Reglazing Safety Tips to Preserve Your Health How Long Does It Take To Tile A Shower? But can it match the quality of a replaced bathtub? On average, a bathtub liner can cost anywhere between $1,500-4,000. Fortunately, reglazing helps you eliminate them, leaving your tub looking spotless. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home? Humidity is harmful to the process, so its best to avoid tub refinishings during the dog days of summers. Before you dive right in, do some research and make sure youre working with contractors who are experts in bathtub liners. A reglazed tub can last as little as three years if minimally maintained to as much as a decade or more if it is cleaned and maintained properly. Lets think about changing the whole tub for a moment. The small and intricate repairs, sanding, priming, and painting can all be accomplished in a single day. Bed Bath & Beyond stakeholders who have questions can email BBBYInfo@ra.kroll.com or call at (833) 570-5355 or (646) 440-4806 if calling from outside the U.S. or Canada. Any other surfaces in the vicinity of the tub should be covered in protective paper and drop cloths, and you should wait a day or two to remove everything and use your bathroom and tub. Sand the tub to roughen the surface, which helps the coating stick. So the answer is yes, reglazing is a dangerous . The third benefit of refinishing a bathtub is how easy it is to change the color of your tub. Furthermore, the product enjoys a 24-hour cure time, is eco-friendly, and has a bright and glossy coat. Now that you have a newly refinished bathtub, you want to keep it that way. To learn how to paint a bathtub yourself, check out my tutorial here. Think of it like youre putting nail polish on your nails. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. However, a severe case can lead to loss of consciousness, cancer, and sometimes death. According to Forbes, reglazing an old bathtub is cheaper than replacing it. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. (Detailed Answer! One of the biggest reasons for this is some of the materials used to strip and reglaze bathtubs can be extremely toxic if accidentally swallowed. There might also be flooring, trim, surrounds, and plumbing that will need to be removed and replaced. As mentioned earlier, reglazing needs layers of primer and paint. Lets face it; its cheaper to reglaze a bathtub than get a new one. Never allow chemicals like dyes, drain openers or bleach sit on your refinished surface. Use a. So, without wasting any time, lets dive in. Reglazing is a process of repairing and refinishing a porcelain or ceramic surface. If your bathtub has severe scaling, cracking, abrasions on the surface, or other deep dents or holes, reglazing wont be enough to bring the tub back to life. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. The fumes and general exposure to the chemicals used during the glazing process can be dangerous. GameStop is safe for now, thanks to its strong balance sheet. Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. A 'maddening' Brooklyn market: Slower sales dont put a dent in prices, There's a semi-secret list of NYC co-op and condo buildings that are off limits to certain mortgage lenders, A newcomer from Georgia, life on City Island, & more, Leaving the Bay Area for Brooklyn, buying on City Island, & more, NYC foreclosures hit highest level in nearly three years but remain below pre-pandemic numbers, Have your eye on a NYC fixer-upper? Its a multi-step process that involves cleaning the tub thoroughly and sanding it to remove any soap scum or other particles, and repairing cracks or worn areasall of these imperfections will affect the quality and durability of the final finishing coat. If the area is poorly ventilated (which is common in bathrooms) or the person doing the work isnt wearing the appropriate protective gear, they could stop breathing, or worsemethyl chloride has an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: Epoxies Polymers Hybrid polyester-polyurethane Urethanes You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. If you have the time and money to commit to a larger project like a total bathtub replacement, it makes sense to do so. Then, give the bathtub reglazing curing time, maybe another 24 hours, as the curing takes extra time depending on the humidity level. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. If you go DIY, a complete reglazing kit will cost you $150 at most, and you get everything, including the tools. Definitely not, as a new bathtubs finish will last longer. For example, a refinished bathtub: Can become worn over time: A reglazed tub will start to show wear eventually, usually after 10 to 15 years. If the layers are not applier properly and there is air in between, bubbles start to pop up. The moment you repeat the process, the chances are that youll weaken the tub, shortening its life. Bathtub reglazing has its fair share of drawbacks, which include the following: Bathtub reglazing involves some painting work, which means you may be exposed to fumes. Bed Bath & Beyond bankruptcy: Store closings, final sales, coupons and When we refinished the tub at our rental, it took us a few hours to clean, sand, prime, and paint just the tub itself (we didnt paint the surround). Here are the benefits of reglazing a bathtub. We Service Homes, Apartments, Motels and Hotels. 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. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (read more about that here), and overall, is pleased with the results. However, there are some bathtub reglazing problems too, that you should be aware of. Nothing annoys like brownish or greenish stuff on the tub. You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. Reglazing is just painting. Pros will have the correct gear, knowledge of how to ventilate the space and protect themselves, and familiarity with the various chemicals used so you dont need to worry about keeping yourself safe. Cost To Refinish and Reglaze A Bathtub 2023 - Forbes Home 8 months ago. For a number of reasons, bath bombs are actually harmful to your tub and pipes The Salt Might Not Dissolve Typically, the all the salt of the bath bomb should dissolve in your bath water. 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 Depots home services. However, one thing to remember here is that not everyone will face these bathtub reglazing problems. A cheap bathtub will cost at least $150 brand new (and that doesnt even include the surround). Prime the Surfaces If the kit includes a primer, apply it to the bathtub surfaces. Bathtub Refinishing Cost: 2023 Price Guide | Angi Before you get rid of that old tub, though, consider refinishing what you already own. However, when your bathtub is dingy or deteriorating, taking a bath can be a much less pleasant experience. Are you wondering if it is safe to bathe in a reglazed tub? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. If you are looking for a different depth, width or length, however, you must replace the tub, Wagner said. While hiring a professional crew is well within your rights, this is a relatively easy process to complete on your own. Bubbling is one of the most common problems you can face after reglazing a bathtub. Bed Bath & Beyond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday. How To Decide Whether To Reglaze Your Bathtub Or Not (Pros & Cons List!) Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. Due to the wrong technique, these issues may appear almost immediately after you reglaze your bathtub: Here are some problems which may arise after years of using the bathtub: Here are your three options when it comes to fixing the above reglazing problems: The first fix is redoing the reglazing all over again but ensuring that you do it the right way this time around. The solution to this problem is properly sanding the tub and cleaning it before applying the coating. Bathtub Reglazing Problems That Appear Almost Immediately, Bathtub Reglazing Problems That May Arise After Years, The Preventive Approach How to Save Your Bathroom Tub from Future Problems, People Also Ask About Tub Reglazing Pros and Cons. 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. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Reglazing is the most affordable bathtub renovation option available and can cost you between $200-$650 on average. If the work isnt done properly, the surface not prepared properly or if there are an pre-existing conditions (water having gotten in anywhere, for instance) you are basically just covering up a problem that will resurface again soon enough," said Dean F. Rascoe, sales and marketing director at remodeling company G.M. The most you can get from it is 6-10 years, depending on the maintenance and if the reglazing was professionally done. Cons: The substances pros. Bathtub reglazing problems are often due to poor installation and result in flaking, peeling, or bubbled coating. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). 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. Why? Clawfoot bathtub refinishing - before and after Will insurance cover clean up costs and damages after a flood caused by an underground river? 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. Dry the tub with a cloth. After it is cured, it is safe to bathe in the reglazed tub. If you want a permanent fix, you should get a new bathtub. There is no doubt that reglazing is a great way to increase the lifespan of your bathtub. If you have young children and an old tub, then test it before bathing them. This period may make it seem like the same thing. Acrylic bathtubs can also be reglazed, as long as they dont have any significant issues. No matter how carefully you use your bathtub, it loses its glaze over time. Check out our guide below for everything you need to know about bathtub refinishing. Bathtub glazing is just of those techniques that are cheap yet effective. IE 11 is not supported. Small levels can cause a lifetime of health damage. How to Clean a Reglazed or Refinished Bathtub - The Spruce Its undeniable that bathtub reglazing is not a permanent fix to a failing bathtub. It involves restoring the tub to its original look, giving it a fresh look, covering dents, chipping, and fading defects. Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. What Is the Difference Between Reglazing and Refinishing A Bathtub? Here are some other frequently asked questions about reglazing a bathtub that will help you with your decision! Pro: You Will Save Money. Thoroughly rinse the tub, leaving no traces of cleaner. i need a bath mat safe for re-glazed bath tub!!! - Houzz So, is it safe to bathe in a reglazed bathtub? It is usually safe to take a bath in a reglazed tub, but there are a few important safety considerations to bear in mind. It cannot be used on galvanized steel or flexible plastic. Theres nothing quite like a relaxing bubble bath at the end of a long hard day. Although this work is usually best left to a trained contractor, there are DIY bathtub refinishing kits ($80, The Home Depot) available at many home improvement stores. You don't need to buff the surface after every cleaning, but it's an easy way to restore the shine. Our NYC building has a high energy efficiency rating. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Refinishing a tub consists of applying a new chemical coating with a special brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub without removing the old layer first. The Importance of Ventilation We understand you want to do a tub repair for rust stains and damage. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. It often involves these tips: The cost of reglazing a bathtub depends on whether you go DIY or hire a reglazing expert. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? The bathtub refinishing process involves three steps: To find a reputable contractor, ask friends for recommendations or check with the Better Business Bureau. Cleaners Safe for Refinished Tubs Vinegar Using vinegar on refinished tub diluted with water is an awesome approach to clean your refinished tub. 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. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. Replacing an existing bathtub with a newer model is not always a simple chore. However, if the original reglaze job was poorly completed or it is well beyond its shelf life to repair the tub, the reglazing will not take a second time. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. The fumes that emanate from the tub during the reglazing procedure are dangerous. DIY With Christine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Some contain high levels of methylene chloride, which can be detrimental to your health. Basically, the finish will be exactly like enamel, both in color and texture. After knowing what bathroom reglazing is and its benefits, dont get too excited just yet. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home, What to Know About Bathtubs, from Types to the Best Tub Materials, What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Bathroom? 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. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. But like I mentioned, its not a good idea to reglaze the bathroom repetitively. Bathtub reglazing would be the process of restoring the cover of a tub using premium epoxy that offers a long-lasting, restored surface. Apart from buying a new bathtub, installing it comes with supplementary costs too. If dust and debris around your bathroom get stuck underneath the finish, it can cause this rough texture. The second drawback of refinishing a bathtub is the (few) safety hazards that can occur if you dont follow instructions properly. Also, fading is likely to happen if you dont give the coating time to cure properly or use incompatible cleaners. Provided the paint cures well, and the reglazing is done fine, a reglazed bathtub usually is safe to bathe in. Having a medicine cabinet inside your bathroom can increase its convenience and look of it. For one, its more cost-effective than getting a new tub, and if well maintained, the reglazed bathtub could serve you for up to 10 years or even more, which is pretty okay. Here's What You Need to Know, How to Paint a Deck for a Fresh, Weather-Resistant Finish, Should You Hire a Pro or Can You DIY Bathroom Updates? How do you Reglaze a bathtub yourself? - remodelormove.com Here's how to calculate your real monthly rent, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. (Wiping it off too quickly doesn't allow the cleaner to disinfect properly.). 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. So its in your best interest to go into this project thinking that this is a one-chance-to-get-right project. New York finally gets a budget, but it doesn't include major housing initiatives. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. If the tub has a non-slip surface, you can scrub this area with a soft, nylon-bristle brush. So, knowing about the potential bathtub reglazing problems will give you a heads up and help you solve the problems. However, minor damage and disrepair are much more suitable for a reglazing job. 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. This helps to cut through remaining soap residue and oils. Its also ideal for certain types bathtubs. But if it starts to feel uncomfortable to bathe in, it should be considered a problem. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Maintaining Your New Tub With Non-Abrasive Cleaners. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. As you can see, even little miscalculations or mistakes in the reglazing process can cause bigger problems to ruin the whole project. Well also talk about the problems (not the cons) associated with bathtub reglazing and the costs too. Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. Note that humidity affects both dry time and how well the topcoat bonds to the surface, so the cool, less-humid seasons of fall or spring providethe best conditions for this type of work. However, more than 14 people have lost their lives since 2000 while working on reglazing various fixtures in bathrooms. Its a fairly easy job to complete yourself (as long as you follow instructions to the T), and it makes a world of a difference to the looks of your bathroom. The second benefit of reglazing a bathtub is how quickly you can complete it. Luckily, some reglazing kits come with video tutorials which you can use to complete the project DIY. The best part is that you get to retain your bathtub style and color or upgrade it whichever way you want. Avoid using these common cleansers when cleaning a reglazed tub: A household steam cleaner with a scrubbing attachment may seem like a good way to get rid of all that dirt and soap gunk without using abrasives. If so, then getting an old one for cheap at a garage sale, flipper market, or Craigslist, which matches the description, makes sense. Reglazing the bathtub can result in a few issues, depending on how the work was done. Most people use tub resurfacing, tub refinishing, tub recoloring, and tub refinishing for bathtub reglazing. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. 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. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. If fading occurs, the bathtub runs into the risk of having cracks and scratches again. Reasons To Have Stress Cracks In Fiberglass Bathtubs. The problem with this approach is that you may mess up if you have no one or video tutorials to direct you. Having your bathtub professionally refinished will cost around $460 (the national average), but you can expect to pay between $200 to $900 depending on the type of tub you have and the cost of labor in your location. For a few hours and $100 to make this bathroom look brand new, Id say that was a great ROI on our time and money! Though it could be tempting at times, steer clear from cleaning your new glossy finish with the following techniques. Overall, the total expenses may rack up to more than $5,000. Another potential reason for bubbling is if the refinisher doesnt sand the surface properly or strip the previous reglaze before proceeding. Sometimes, your bathtub is just too far gone, and you need to replace it entirely. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. The suction cups could damage the coating and void your warranty. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. If the answer is no, you may want to keep reading. Rinse the tub with warm water to remove hair and excess soap residue. A reglazed bathtub should give you the exact feel of a new one. Some Bath Bombs Contain a Lot of Oil
