Hey friends! If you’re like me, you love a good soak in the tub after a long day. But let’s be honest – those cracks, chips, and faded colors can detract from the experience. You’ve probably wondered whether it’s worth it to reglaze your worn-out bathtub or replace it entirely. I’ve been there too! In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of bathtub reglazing so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your home renovation needs. Please grab a cup of coffee, and let’s tackle this together!
Contents
What is Bathtub Reglazing?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly go over what bathtub reglazing entails. It resurfaces your existing tub to give it a fresh, updated look. The reglazing process involves lightly sanding the original finish, applying a new decorative and protective coating, and buffing everything smoothly.
The materials are typically a high-quality epoxy resin, urethane, or acrylic polymer, creating a durable and waterproof barrier. Unlike a liner or inserting a new tub, your existing bathtub stays right where it is. The old finish is just covered up with a shiny new one, almost like getting a fresh coat of paint! Reglazing can give your tub a facelift and hide unsightly scratches, chips, cracks, and discoloration.
The Pros of Bathtub Reglazing
Now that we understand reglazing, let’s start with the advantages! Here are some of the top benefits you can expect:
Cost-Effective
One of the biggest pros of reglazing is the cost savings compared to a complete bathtub replacement. Prices can range from $200-$650 on average, depending on your tub size and the company you choose. A new acrylic or cast iron bathtub and professional installation can cost $800-$4,000+. Not to mention the potential plumbing alterations needed with a new tub. Reglazing provides cost benefits both short-term and long-term.
Time-Saving
Besides being lighter on your wallet, reglazing your bathtub is much quicker than a complete remodel. The process usually takes just one day, whereas installing a brand-new tub can take multiple days with demolition, alterations, installation, etc. With reglazing, you avoid extended downtime without a functioning tub. For many homeowners, this shorter timeline is a major perk!
Variety of Finishes
Are you bored of your white, pink, or avocado-green tub? No problem! Reglazing opens up a world of possibilities regarding finishes and colors. Whether you want a classic crisp white, modern matte black, or delicate pastel blue – reglazing can achieve your desired look. It allows you to update the aesthetic of your bathroom without investing in brand-new fixtures.
Less Messy
Tearing out and replacing a bathtub often involves loud demolition, plumbing alterations, drywall repairs, and ample cleanup. It can disrupt your home! The process is much “cleaner” with reglazing since the original tub stays put. No sledgehammers or cleanup crews are necessary! The controlled process of surface preparation and resin coating is relatively tidy.
Eco-Friendly
Lastly, reglazing is a greener solution compared to replacement. Since you get to keep your existing tub, you avoid sending materials to the landfill and the resources involved in manufacturing a new tub. Reglazing allows you to refresh your bathroom while still being environmentally conscious. That’s a win-win in my book!
The Cons of Bathtub Reglazing
Now that we’ve covered the pros, let’s flip it and look at some downsides of reglazing your bathtub. Here are some potential cons to keep in mind:
Durability Concerns
While a reglazed tub can last 10-15 years with proper care, a brand-new acrylic or cast iron tub may last even longer – up to 20+ years. The finish on a reglazed tub is more susceptible to chipping, scratching, and peeling over time. Using extra caution with abrasive cleaners is a must.
Maintenance Needs
Regarding care, reglazed tubs require special maintenance to maximize durability. Using only recommended cleaners, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing, resealing annually, and refinishing scratches quickly is part of the upkeep. The finish could deteriorate faster if you don’t follow proper maintenance steps.
Temporary Solution
Remembering that reglazing is a temporary cosmetic upgrade, not a permanent fixture, is critical. At some point in the future, a complete tub replacement may be necessary if cracks or leaks develop that are beyond surface-level repairs. Don’t expect a reglazed tub to last forever with no issues.
Health and Safety Considerations
Some chemicals used in the reglazing process, like solvents and epoxies, can emit fumes. Proper ventilation during and after application is essential. Technicians should also take safety precautions when working with any harsh chemicals. This is something to keep in mind.
Limited Fixes
While reglazing can conceal scratches, stains, and discoloration, it cannot fix structural issues like deep cracks penetrating the entire tub shell. These flaws need to be repaired before reglazing. In rare cases, replacement is the only option if the damage is too severe. Know going in that reglazing has its limits.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding
There are convincing pros and cons on both sides of the reglazing debate. So, when trying to decide if it’s the right choice for your bathroom, here are a few key factors to consider:
Current Condition of the Bathtub
Carefully examining the current state of your tub is step one. Check for any chips, cracks, leaks, or damage beyond surface stains and scratches. If issues run deeper, replacement may be the wiser route. If it’s in overall good shape, reglazing can work great.
Budget
Add up quotes for reglazing versus replacement and weigh the upfront and future costs. A new tub may be pricier now, but it saves you money in the long run if a reglazed tub requires multiple touch-ups. Make sure to get a warranty on a reglazed tub.
Desired Aesthetics
Decide if your ideal color scheme and finish can be achieved through reglazing. If you have your heart set on a clawfoot or stand-alone soaking tub, replacement may be the better avenue. Know what look you’re going for.
Longevity Needs
Take into account how long you plan to be in your current home. If you’ll be moving soon, reglazing can refresh you quickly. If you’re staying put, assess if it will stand the test of time or need to be redone before you sell.
There you have it, friends! We’ve gone through the ins and outs of reglazing so you can make this big decision armed with information. Reglazing often provides cost and time savings over replacement with excellent results. But be realistic about longevity, maintenance, and any existing tub damage that resurfacing alone may not resolve. Take time to get estimates, understand what’s involved, and determine if reglazing suits your needs. With the proper prep and provider, I’m confident your bathtub can go from worn out to excellent! Drop any other questions below, and let me know if you decide to take the reglazing plunge!
