FAQ

Benefits of Refinishing a Bathtub

Refinishing or resurfacing your tub makes it look more aesthetically pleasing, getting rid of long-embedded stains on the surface. Refinishing your tub also fixes chips and cracks and removes signs of rust and discoloration both inside the tub and on the ledge.

Refinishing describes the process of giving an existing tub a facelift by buffing out surface imperfections, filling gaps or cracks and applying a new finish that enhances the tub’s overall aesthetic. Reglazing is simply a step in the refinishing process—the final step, to be exact.

If you’re wondering whether you should refinish or just replace your bathtub, you can save a lot of money by resurfacing it since it’s less expensive than a replacement. 

On average, a quality bathtub refinish can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Refinishing the tub helps protect the integrity, color, and finish.

1. The Bathtub Has Chips

One clear sign that your bathtub could benefit from refinishing is the presence of chips. These chips may vary in color, such as cream, brown, or black, and are typically dime-sized to quarter-sized. If you rub your hand over the affected area, you will feel a slight indent, letting you know that this is a chip. If the damage is chipped rather than a hole, a professional refinishing company can address it. Don’t let the chips pile up!

2. Your Bathtub Has Surface-Level Cracks

Another reason why you may need to hire a bathtub refinisher to refinish your bathtub is because your bathtub has surface-level cracks. If there are small cracks in your tub, those cracks need to be filled in before the tub can be refinished. Once they are filled in and the filler has fully hardened or cured, refinishing can start. It is important to note that not all cracks can be repaired, and not all cracks can be covered with refinishing processes. If you have a deep crack, or a crack that you can fit your fingernail in, the crack is likely too deep to repair. You should call a professional company in to determine if the crack can be repaired and then have a refinisher determine if they can refinish your tub with the filled crack.

3. Your Bathtub Never Looks Clean

One of the lesser-known signs that you need to hire a bathtub refinisher is having a bathtub that never actually looks clean. You can spend hours cleaning your tub, only for hard water stains to remain or for your bathtub to look brown or discolored. Many of the enamels that bathtub paint is made from can absorb stains, just like your teeth. No matter how much time you try to spend removing these stains, they simply will not budge because they have seeped their way into the enamel or paint. At that point in time, you need to hire a professional to refinish your tub so it looks clean.

4. Your Bathtub Has Damage From Harsh Cleansers

It’s highly recommended that you avoid using harsh cleansers and abrasive cleaning products to clean your bathtub. This is because these harsh cleansers or abrasive cleaning products can actually leave more small scratches behind. If you use a product like steel wool or an abrasive brush, you are actually scratching away the paint or enamel on your tub. When this happens, you may start to see cream, brown, or gray rubbing marks or fine lines. This is a key indication that your harsh cleansers or cleaning products have damaged the tub. Unfortunately, the only way to correct this problem is to have your bathtub resurfaced. Once that process is complete, it is important to be mindful of the products you use to clean your tub moving forward.

5. The Finish Has Been Scrubbed From Your Bathtub

As the paint or enamel on your tub ages, it can start to slowly dissipate. This can be worsened as you clean the tub. When you are cleaning, if you see that the finish on your tub is starting to lift or peel, this is a clear indication that the lifespan of the tub’s paint or enamel has expired. If you continue to use the tub and continue to clean it, the problem will only worsen. Hiring a bathtub refinisher at this point in time is necessary to continue to use your tub without the paint peeling away and to keep your tub looking its best for years to come.

6. Your Bathtub Is Fading

Most people do not consider the fact that their bathtub can fade. This is because white is the most common color of tub that is sold today. However, this was not always the case. Colored tubs were very popular in the 1970s through the 1990s. While white was still the most popular color, it was not unheard of or uncommon to see black, beige, mauve, or cream tubs. Unfortunately, when colored tubs are placed in direct sunlight, they can start to fade. This does not affect the function of the tub in any way. However, it can affect the appearance of the tub and negatively impact the value of your home. Refinishing your tub can help solve this issue.

7. You Want to Change the Color of Your Bathtub

Speaking of colored tubs, another reason why you may want to hire a bathtub refinisher to refinish your tub is because you do have a colored tub. Colored tubs are having a resurgence in popularity! Fortunately, you do not have to discard an otherwise functional tub simply because you do not like the color of the tub. You can have the tub refinished, changing the color and the overall appearance of the tub. This can help you to update your bathroom and make it feel more modern.

8. You Want Your Bathtub to Look As Good As New

The final reason why you may want to have your bathtub refinished is because you simply want the bathtub to look as good as new. If you are planning on reselling your home, you may be completing home repairs or projects that can help you to maximize the value of your home. If your tub is looking a little dingy or the color is not bright white, refinishing the tub can alter the appearance of the tub and make it look its best. This can help make your home look more turn-key or move-in ready and help you to maximize the amount of money you get for your home.

If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about 2/3 the cost of refacing, and refacing costs about 70 to 80 percent the cost of installing replacement cabinets.

For instance, cabinets refaced using high-quality wood veneers or laminate materials may last up to 20 years or more. However, if cheaper materials are used, such as particleboard or low-quality veneers, your refaced cabinets may begin to deteriorate much sooner.

Taking the cabinet doors off their hinges will make the painting process more manageable. If you don’t have the space to lay the doors flat while they dry (or would just prefer to keep them attached), you can still paint or stain them while they are in place with just a few additional considerations.

Don’t replace… Resurface!

For a fraction of the replacement cost, you can have your bathroom looking brand new again! All American Refinishing can repair and resurface all types of Baths (acrylic, cast iron, claw-foot, spa, etc), Basins, Showers, Wall Tiles and Kitchen Splashbacks and Cabinets.

Whether the hot tub to be refinished is made of fiberglass, acrylic or concrete, All American Refinishing has the top coatings and procedures for resurfacing your spa. Not all hot tub refinishing coatings on the market can withstand the temperatures and constant water contact.

The good news is that most jetted bathtubs can be refinished, much like any other bathtub. The construction materials are similar. They just need a little extra prep work to protect the jets during the reglaze. You can change the color of your Whirlpool bathtub without replacing it!