Bathtub Refinishing 101 – Answers to Your Questions

September, 1 2023   Connecticut Reglazing Admin

When it comes to your ugly, old, and worn-out tub, you have two main options – replace or reglaze. Of course, you could choose to simply live with your ugly and outdated tub but who would really want to do that?  If you have chosen to have your bathtub refinished, you have made a great selection. Not only will you save money, but you also don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to have your old tub removed and a new one installed. Bathtub reglazing is a wonderful alternative to traditional remodeling, but if you are new to the concept, you may have many questions about what it is, what to expect, and more. That is where we come in! Connecticut Reglazing specializes in bathtub reglazing in Connecticut, and we can assist you with your project.  We invite you to review some of the most commonly asked questions we receive and their answers below. We think that this blog will give you a good introduction to all there is to know about bathtub refinishing; however, if you do have any questions at the end of this blog article, please reach out to our team!  The Basics: What Is Bathtub Refinishing? Bathtub refinishing, also referred to as bathtub reglazing, is the process where a high-quality glaze is applied to the surface of your tub, buying you additional years with it. During this process, any repairs that are needed can be performed including bathtub rust stain removal, peeling paint, scratches, chips, and stains.  What Will Bathtub Reglazing Cost Me? The cost to have your bathtub reglazed will depend on several factors including the type of tub you have and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between $300 to $600 to have your existing tub refinished.  Will Refinishing My Bathtub Really Save Me Money? Yes. We get asked this a lot. We get it. Shopping at the local big box store you may be able to find a brand-new bathtub for about $150 to $300. This is a good price for a brand-new tub, but this price does not factor in the true cost of having your tub replaced. For example, during a tub replacement, you will need to pay for labor, removal of the old tub, and any other issues that may arise such as removal of flooring, trim, or tiles to accommodate the installation of the new tub. By the time you add all these additional costs in, you can expect to pay around $1,500 or more for your brand-new bathtub.  What is the Bathtub Reglazing Process Like? During the bathtub reglazing process, our refinishers will come out to your home and prepare the bathroom. Once the bathroom has been prepared, the refinishing process will begin. Here is a breakdown of the general steps you can expect: 
  • Tub will be thoroughly cleaned and the old coating will be stripped away 
  • Tub will be sanded until smooth
  • Repairs will be made to the tub and sanding will take place again 
  • Application of the primer, coating, and sealant
Are Bathtub Reglazing Products Harmful to My Health? It depends. Here at Connecticut Reglazing, we use products that are SAFE for you, your family, and your pets. We do NOT use harmful or toxic products when we reglaze your bathtub. However, there are some reglazing products out there that can be harmful to your health should they be inhaled.  If you would like more information about the exact products we use, please reach out to our team today and we will be happy to help.  Will My Bathtub Look Like It Has Been Refinished? No. In fact, your bathtub will look brand new. Only experienced and trained refinishers will be able to tell that your tub was refinished. Your secret is safe with us.  Can I Change the Color of My Bathtub? Yes. You are not stuck with the current color of your bathtub, and you are not stuck with white either. We offer a variety of color options to choose from.  Do You Provide a Warranty on Your Bathtub Refinishing Services? Yes, we do. We provide our residential customers with a 5-year warranty.  How Long Will It Take for You to Refinish My Tub and When Can I Use It Again? It depends. Bathtub refinishing is completed the same day, so you do not have to worry about our refinishers coming in and out of your home for days at a time. In general, the entire process to refinish your tub will take somewhere between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the condition of your tub and what repairs are needed.  You will be able to use your bathtub again in just 24 hours. Once our refinishers have finished reglazing your tub, you should allow it to dry for a minimum of 24 hours from that point. It is important that you do not use the tub during this time as it could damage the new coating.  How Long Should I Expect the Newly Reglazed Tub to Last? With the proper care, you can expect your newly reglazed bathtub to last anywhere between 7 to 10 years.  My Bathtub’s Floor is Always Slippery – Will Reglazing the Tub Help with This? Over time, tubs become slippery as chemicals, soap, and grime start to build up. Reglazing your tub can remove all of this and allow you to start over. However, it is important to note that tubs can naturally be slippery due to the mixture of water and soap.  To prevent your tub from being slippery, we do offer an anti-slip coating that can be applied directly to the surface of your tub.  Do I Need to Prepare My Bathroom or Bathtub Before the Refinishers Arrive? Yes. Prior to our refinishers arriving, you should remove any and all loose objects from your bathtub including shampoo bottles, soap, and any other objects that may be present. You also want to remove any loose items that may be around the tub as well. Should you have items on your counters or walls that you want to protect, we recommend removing them and placing them somewhere safe; however, you do not have to. We also ask that you please remove any shower curtain and liner that may be present.  You do not need to worry about cleaning your bathtub prior to our refinishers arriving. We will clean your bathtub using our chemicals to properly prepare it for the reglazing process.  How Should I Take Care of My Newly Refinished Bathtub? Properly caring for your newly refinished tub is paramount to ensuring that it lasts for many years to come. You should NEVER use any abrasive or harsh chemicals on your tub, which means you want to avoid cleaners such as bleach, Comet, and other similar options.  We do recommend that you avoid rough or scrubbing sponges and only use microfiber or soft sponges to clean the tub. Some of the cleaners that we do recommend for use in your newly refinished bathtub include Simple Green, Mr. Clean, and 409 all-purpose cleaners.  Will Your Refinishers Fix My Plumbing Before Reglazing the Tub? No. We do NOT repair any plumbing issues. It is recommended and required that all plumbing issues such as leaking faucets be repaired BEFORE we arrive to reglaze your bathtub. 

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