If you decide to replace the tub, it can put your bathroom out of commission for days with a messed-up plumbing system. 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. But before you can change its color, you should check for cracks, dents, and other imperfections and sand them first. Reglazing is the most affordable bathtub renovation option available and can cost you between $200-$650 on average. Always remember to be safe and wear the proper personal protective equipment. The third benefit of refinishing a bathtub is how easy it is to change the color of your tub. Bathtub reglazing is a cosmetic update where the tub's surface is sanded down, chips and cracks are filled, and synthetic material is used to create a smooth, glossy, and durable acrylic coating. If you're using dish soap, pour some onto the surface and spread it with a sponge. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Timing: Getting a bath liner installed typically only takes a day or two to complete! Its also undeniable that a few issues could arise due to wrong technique or usage. Well, look no further because Ive got your answer! Cost To Refinish and Reglaze A Bathtub 2023 - Forbes Home Think of it like youre putting nail polish on your nails. The bathtub can usually be used again in one to three days, and the finish should last 10-15 years. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. I agree most reglazing projects take two to three days to complete fully with drying. Although the total curing time of a refinished bathtub is 7 days, it can be safely used 48 hours after a professional bathtub refinishing service is provided. 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. Bathtub refinishing kits make reglazing a bathtub an easy DIY project, but the tub must be free of major damage and instructions must be followed to avoid severe damage. 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. If you plan on refinishing a bathtub yourself, make sure the area has proper ventilation before you begin. Lysol Tub and Tile lysol tub and tile cleaner is ok for your refinished surface. All it takes is a bathtub reglazing kit like the Ekopel 2K Bathtub Reglazing Kit which comes with all the necessary tools and a video tutorial to help you do it. As you can see here, poor preparation can turn into bigger issues and mess the whole thing up. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Over the last 7 years, I have been blogging about home improvement and yes, I own ReliefInBath.com Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. What You Need to Know About Bathtub Reglazing - Our Guide Leave the cleaner in place for about 5 minutes. Looking at reglazing bathtub pros and cons might help us find the answer. During these first two days, it should not be touched, used, or put in contact with water. Even if you hire a professional to reglaze or refinish your bathtub, you and your family or other residents should leave the property during the entire process, including while the epoxy coat cures after application. Reglazing vs. Replacing a Bathtub | Home Guides | SF Gate 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. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. Closing Remarks On Reglazing a Bathtub Pros and Cons: What is Chalk Spray Paint? Acrylic bathtubs can also be reglazed, as long as they dont have any significant issues. 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. It's a common question, and the answer is yes, it's safe to bathe in a reglazed tub. Use a. Two of the Why Is Kohler Purist So Expensive And Is It Worth It? The most you can get from it is 6-10 years, depending on the maintenance and if the reglazing was professionally done. 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. Essential Bathtub Reglazing Safety Tips to Preserve Your Health 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. And when doing the reglazing, wear protective gear such as a gas mask and gloves to protect yourself from the toxic ingredients. How to Budget Accordingly, A Guide to the Best Chimney Repair Companies Across Several U.S. States, Buying a Granite Composite Sink? The existing finish must stripped off and then the surface sanded down to create a . So, is it safe to bathe in a reglazed bathtub? Before you get rid of that old tub, though, consider refinishing what you already own. Does he owe me? According to Chuck Pistor, president of Surface Doctor, the finish on a reglazed tub can last 10 to 15 . If that worries you, you can always have your tub professionally reglazed for a couple of hundred dollars (which is still cheaper and faster than a new tub installation). And copper bathtubs dont have this problem at all. Once youre done repairing blemishes, refilling and sanding down cracks, and scraping off excess cosmetic defects, you can clean and prime the tub. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Nothing annoys like brownish or greenish stuff on the tub. Its quick, usually taking only a day to complete! If there are difficult stains, you are safe to use a nylon brush with soft bristles. And if you opt for DIY, ensure you wear a gas mask, gloves, and other protective gear. There might also be flooring, trim, surrounds, and plumbing that will need to be removed and replaced. The solution to this problem is properly sanding the tub and cleaning it before applying the coating. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 21 Reglazing a Bathtub Pros and Cons - Green Garage Reglazing is just painting. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. When dealing with an old and ugly bathtub, reglazing is always an option, more so if you cannot afford to replace it. How to Refinish a Bathtub With a DIY Kit - The Spruce If you want to cover the walls as well, it might take a bit more time. IE 11 is not supported. 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. link to Why Is Kohler Purist So Expensive And Is It Worth It? If you wear a mask, use the exhaust fan & additional portable fans, keep the door open, and open up any nearby windows, the room should be ventilated enough to complete the work and leave. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. Robern Vs. Kohler Medicine Cabinet: Which One Should You Pick? Potential costs include removal of the existing tub, repairing the surface, new pipe fittings, plumbing work, and . Dont expect to reglaze your bathtub yearly, as that is not possible. Homeowners who dont like the size, shape or location of an existing tub have the chance to totally customize their new space. 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. Scrub the entire tub surface with a standard cellulose sponge (without any scouring material on either side of the sponge) or a microfiber cloth. This is a much more long-term solution, rather than a Band-Aid fix. Most people use tub resurfacing, tub refinishing, tub recoloring, and tub refinishing for bathtub reglazing. All painted tubs peel, and the use of a mat makes that happen much faster. Among different problems caused by thin layers of coating, fading is most likely to happen. Fortunately, reglazing helps you eliminate them, leaving your tub looking spotless. You can also use it to give your tub a modern look. But, on the other hand, youll only need a fraction of the replacement cost to reglaze the bathtub. The fumes and general exposure to the chemicals used during the glazing process can be dangerous. 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 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. Bathtub reglazing saves not only money but also time and effort. Tub replacement is more like major surgery, which drives up the cost and complexity of the project, DiClerico said. If so, then getting an old one for cheap at a garage sale, flipper market, or Craigslist, which matches the description, makes sense. The Pros & Cons Of Refinishing A Bathtub - CBS New York Bathtub refinishing is the entire process of restoring the bathtub to its former state. Even if you hire a professional, let the area air out and keep it ventilated after the work is complete until you can no longer detect any unusual or chemical odors. Its undeniable that bathtub reglazing is not a permanent fix to a failing bathtub. On top of that, even carrying the bathtubs in and out will require a workforce too. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing | Blogs | CDC Your email address will not be published. Cons of Refinishing a Tub. Maintaining Your New Tub With Non-Abrasive Cleaners. 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. Might have to vacate your home for a day or two. After its primed, all thats left to do is paint it and step back and admire your handiwork. 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. Apply additional coats as needed, waiting for sufficient drying time between coats. Wondering whether you should reglaze your old bathtub? (Detailed Answer! ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. However, don't do it yourself! Stay safe and enjoy the fruits of your handiwork! Common Bathtub Reglazing Problems and Fixes! When we came back the next day, the fumes had pretty much disappeared. 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. 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. Clawfoot bathtub refinishing - before and after The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. And even so, there are no major plumbing or repairs which could mess up your bathroom. 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.. Whether your bathtub is simply nasty or you just want a fresh start, a total bathtub replacement is another option to consider. 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. So, consider them when deciding if you should reglaze your bathtub or get a new one. Now that you have a newly refinished bathtub, you want to keep it that way. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. *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. Our NYC building has a high energy efficiency rating. This is a common solution for homes that were built in the last few decades, since the design and configuration of the bathtub will likely lend itself to relining unlike an older, historic home with a freestanding tub that cant be relined, DiClerico said. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Make sure your reglazing professional is preparing the surface properly before starting reglazing. A quality reglazing job on your bathtub will be more than worth a night or two elsewhere. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. If you go DIY, a complete reglazing kit will cost you $150 at most, and you get everything, including the tools. link to Robern Vs. Kohler Medicine Cabinet: Which One Should You Pick? 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. If you have a tub that has seen better days, but you dont want to remove and replace it completely, then you may need to have it reglazed or refinished to restore it to its original state. It takes a few hours to reglaze your bathtub and up to 1-2 days for everything to cure. Thus, softer methods using non-abrasives work well. 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. My name isChristine! Want to know more? In this article, Ill talk about all the potential problems you can face after you reglazed your luxurious bathtub with solutions. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. After ensuring you have proper ventilation, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the paint. However, a severe case can lead to loss of consciousness, cancer, and sometimes death. 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. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Tub Liners: Which Is Best? Adds an extra layer of protection. Now, if you are planning to retain the lost glaze of your bathtub, there are several bathtub renovation techniques to do it. 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. Thoroughly rinse the tub, leaving no traces of cleaner. Finally, a primer, multiple layers of coating, and a sealant are applied. Now that youve seen the full list, lets further break down each point so you can make the right decision for your situation. The process isn't always the best solution, of course. A professional cleans the surface of the tub thoroughly, and then applies an acid to. Not giving enough time to cure is the most obvious reason for this stickiness. 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? (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. Here are some other frequently asked questions about reglazing a bathtub that will help you with your decision! 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. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? 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. Check Out This Interesting Practice, Will Spray Paint Kill Grass? Having a medicine cabinet inside your bathroom can increase its convenience and look of it. No amount of great reglazing work is going to matter much if your health is at risk. 5. If your bathroom is long overdue for a makeover, what better way to change the entire aesthetic of the bathroom than changing the centerpiece of the room? Reglazing a bathtub is an inexpensive way to restore an old bathtub. Here's where you can use Bed Bath & Beyond coupons now Bathtub reglazing is the final step in the bathtub restoration process. 11. If done properly with professional refinishers, reglazing can make your bathtub look new again. Just as with anything involving strong fumes, people have died from too much exposure to stripping, paint, and primer fumes. It is done by polishing the surface until it is shiny and new again. 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. Bathtub refinishing kits and reglazing are best used on ceramic tile and porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, and steel tubs and sinks. If you are looking to save money then reglazing your tub is the more cost effective option. What is the warranty of habitability and how does it affect tenants? For homeowners with antique claw-foot tubs made from heavy cast iron, its absolutely the way to go, said Dan DiClerico, a home expert for HomeAdvisor. 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. The first benefit of refinishing a bathtub is its affordability compared to purchasing a new tub. Learn More. Wipe the tub dry with a soft towel or cloth to remove water droplets. 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.