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Highlights
Doing a side - lift on a full bathroom can be a reasonably cheap process with some heedful shopping . A new sinkhole , faucet , vanity , faint fixing , and commode can all be buy and installed without split up the savings bank . But what about the tub ? Over geezerhood of daily use , intemperate water , and scouring , bath can get scrape up or scuff and recede their refulgence . Replacing a bathtub , particularly if it ’s an senior cast - atomic number 26 bathtub , requires extensive demolition of the floor and surrounding walls , and it sometimes mean the tub take to be cave in up before being murder to a dumpster . Often the demolition means the walls need to be rebuild and retiled , the floor needs to be replace , and sometimes even the back up studs underneath the tub pauperism repair or replacement . In other words , a quick john face - lift can quickly flex into a full - scale remodel that was n’t in the plan or the budget . The purchase , livery , and instalment of a unexampled tub are expensive as well .
Older tub — especially sturdy cast - branding iron 1 — are capable to be refinished . Essentially , the tub is either trace or compensate , reglazed , and sealed to face like newfangled . While a refinish wo n’t needfully last as long as the factory culture on a trade name - new bath , it ’s substantially less expensive than a replacement . According toAngiandHomeAdvisor , bath refinish generally costs between $ 335 and $ 628 , with an average monetary value of $ 481 . Refinishing can make the bathtub beautiful , sanitary , and safe until a full - scale rebuild of the lavatory is in the cards , so it ’s an alternative householder may call up is worth check out before committing to a bathing tub replacement . There are a number of consideration that go into determining bathtub refinishing costs , so learning about the option before making a decision can be helpful to homeowners seek to stick to a budget .
Factors in Calculating Bathtub Refinishing Cost
There are more options than one might expect when making selection on a refinish projection , and each has pros and yard bird and a different associated cost . Before consult a professional or adjudicate to DIYbathtub refinishing , homeowners will want to consider the following constituent as they found a reasonable budget .
Tub Material
Many elderly habitation feature cast - iron tubful glass with porcelain . More of late installed tub may also be steel coat with porcelain . Steel and mold - smoothing iron bath surface with porcelain are quite straight to refinish , and the covering can last for several 10 . It be between $ 300 and $ 700 to refinish a steel bathing tub and between $ 350 and $ 650 to refinish a plaster cast - Fe bath .
Very one-time bathtubs may be constructed completely from porcelain . All porcelain tubs will involve particularly trained professionals to resurface them because the porcelain is thicker and more fragile . resurface porcelain tubs price between $ 300 and $ 600 .
bath made of fibreglass involve a different process to annul cracking the cuticle of the tub during the cognitive process , and the reglazing technique is also dissimilar . refinish fibreglass takes more time and effort to achieve a placid , indestructible finish . Homeowners can gestate fiberglass refinishes to cost between $ 250 and $ 600 . Acrylic tub feel standardized to fibreglass ( in fact , they ’re ordinarily acrylic over fibreglass ) and will also need some special handling for the new Earth’s surface to properly adhere .
Photo: bobvila.com
Tub Type
The configuration and case of the bathtub will sham the cost . Larger surface areas cost more than smaller I . For example , a basic gusset bathtub that ’s 5 or 6 feet foresighted will be the least expensive type to refinish ; this is because only one side of the exterior needs to be finish , and the Department of the Interior is a reasonably modest size of it . If the bathtub is part of a bath - shower combination in which the tiles will also be refinish , the cost increase considerably because of the addition of the wall surface domain . bathtub - exhibitioner combination cost between $ 500 to $ 1,000 to refinish . Clawfoot and freestanding bathing tub are the most expensive type to refinish ( ranging from $ 500 to $ 1,200 ) because their deeper walls allow a magnanimous surface area , and their exteriors often command refinishing as well .
Tub Condition
If the live bathtub is in reasonably good condition — perhaps it has a few small scratch , world-wide wear , and a tiny chip or two — the toll is likely to stick around toward the lower range of the average for its sizing , type , and fabric . Conversely , a tub with significant cracks , ding , or chips will need to be repaired before the tub can be reglazed , which will increase the cost of materials and labor and crusade the repair higher in the average price range .
Refinishing Method
The most coarse and economic refinish method acting involves sand down the existing glaze , animate any sally or chips , painting or spray on the Modern cultivation , and seal off it . Other refinishing option are bath inlays and bathtub liners . Inlays are cheap and quick to install , and they will varnish the bottom of the bathtub whole so that any leaks that were present in the bottom of the bathing tub are permanently fixed . Inlays deal only the bottom of the tub , however , so while they ’re very functional , their enhancive appeal is circumscribed . A tub liner , on the other hand , is a custom detail designed to the exact specifications of the existing tub . The ocean liner drop off over the entire bathtub and seal in place as if it were always there . There are no crinkle and no drips — just the appearance of a new bathtub . Liners are n’t a quick fix ; they can take up to a month or two to be fabricated . They ’re the most expensive refinish pick , but they make the appearance of a brand - new tubful without the fuss of construction .
Materials and Supplies
In ecumenical , the stuff to refinish bathtub surface will make up just about $ 30 to $ 150 of the full cost . preserver will need to use acrylic urethane bathtub refinishing spray , which is a waterproof medium — almost like a bathtub pigment — that nearly resembles the finish of porcelain when it dries . They ’ll also need tools , primer and sandpaper , and putty for patching chip . Material costs for inlays or liners will motley based on the sizing and shape of the tub and open .
Labor
Refinishing bathtubs is a relatively quick job ; the time needed to reglaze bathtub surface is often 1 daylight or less . There are some exceptions , such as bath in which it ’s very difficult to maneuver or there ’s little breathing , but on the whole , the labor required is n’t likely to be for more than 1 to 2 daytime and will cost between $ 200 and $ 500 . inlay are similarly fleet task , and liners are a 1 - day install , but they do require significant preparation , measuring , and molding ahead of fourth dimension .
Refinishing Company
Bathtub refinishing caller may charge different prices based on their method and the location where they go . Miracle MethodandPerma Glazeare two of the most pop options . Miracle Method shoot down $ 400 to $ 600 and delicacy acrylic , clawfoot , fiberglass , marble , and porcelain tubs . Perma Glaze refinishes bathtubs as well as countertops , sinks , tile , and more . The fellowship uses a proprietary glaze that is made from synthetic porcelain . Bathtub refinishing from Perma Glaze cost is $ 250 to $ 650 .
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the basic element of materials , labor , and specifics of the method of bathtub refinishing , there are a few other things for householder to suppose about . While reading through these cost considerateness , some the great unwashed overwhelmed by the price may be wonder , “ Ca n’t I just buy a bucket of tub paint ? ” At the other oddment of the spectrum , some might retrieve , “ Maybe I should just substitute the whole affair — I want a tradition job . ” Still , others will be thinking , “ Where can I find tub refinish near me ? ” because refinishing sound like a happy mass medium . These are actually dandy questions . For some , the higher cost of replacement is satisfactory because they desire specific alteration or need major repairs . And while a bucketful of bathtub refinish blusher wo n’t help much without significant preparation , there are some DIY choice for bathtub refinish . These are just a few of the extra stop for homeowners to think about while making a determination about their tub .
Refinishing vs. Replacement
Why not just replace the vat ? For some multitude , that is the best option , especially if they ’re looking for a larger tub or a more modern chassis . If the tub has meaning impairment , large leaks , or damage bathymetry , replacing it may make more sense than refinishing . bathing tub transposition costsup to $ 13,000 with an ordinary price of $ 5,200 , and the cost can run higher if the pipes in the walls need to be exchange or there are problems let on during deconstruction . With an average cost of $ 481 , animate and refinishing the existing tub are often a better choice financially if there ’s no clean cause not to .
Refinishing vs. Reglazing
Reglazing refers to a summons by which the original Earth’s surface of the intact tubful is first remove via sandpaper or acidic etching . Chips and small cracks are then repaired and shine , and the tub is sprayed or painted with a particular urethane glaze that mimics the original porcelain finish . The tub can be reglazed in the original color or a unlike colouring material , and the finish will last up to 15 geezerhood when well maintained . However , this lifetime is only applicable to the first refinish — subsequent refinishes will not go for as well to the root material and will uncase or chip more well .
One caution for householder to consider : The chemicals and acid used to deglaze the original conclusion are extremely caustic and can be dangerous for people , pets , and pipes if not by rights vented and load . homeowner will want to verify the contractor has a design for respiration and chemical substance disposition . Other than that , reglazing is an first-class pick to preserve tub with beautiful detailing and attractive form or any tub that is minimally damaged .
Bathtub Liner Installation
If the surface of the tub is bad damage or leaking , a bathtub lining may be the answer . separately project to fit over the existing tub ( and sometimes the walls as well ) , a liner can change the color of the tub , add style and feature such as build up - in shelf or hangers , and does n’t take heavy sanding or tub removal . Installing a bathtub ocean liner costs between $ 2,500 and $ 9,400 . Lining the tub costs more than reglazing , but it ’s still substantially less than the construction and dumping charges that come along with supplant the whole tub . There can be some complications , however . If the liner does n’t fit tightly to the original tub , extra caulking and waterproofing may be necessary , and mold or mildew can produce between the original bathtub and the line drive . Liners can not be installed on freestanding tubs . But for homeowners attempt to freshen or repair a badly damaged bath without major construction , a lining is a great choice .
Bathtub Inlay Installation
The least expensive option , bathing tub inlays quicken the bottom of acrylic resin , fiberglass , or plastic tub . unremarkably installed after a cranny or a leakage has occurred , inlay for good repair leaks and can add a nonslip control surface to an existing tub . Installation is fast , and the inlay can be refinished along with the rest of the bathing tub for uniformity . Inlays are operable mending more than they are aesthetic change , but they can significantly keep up the aliveness of a fiberglass , acrylic fiber , or plastic tub that has nourish impairment to the bottom .
Bathtub Repair
If there is more than just aesthetic damage to the bathing tub that needs to be repaired , these costs average about $ 100 to $ 300 . The most common repairs let in reseal or caulking around the tub , which costs $ 50 to $ 200 . Costs could reach as much as $ 850 if there are plumbery outlet like leaky pipe that need to be addressed . Filling chips or cracks begin at $ 195 to $ 300 , but that price will increase to around $ 25 per chip after the first three chips have been replete .
Customizations
If a homeowner is concerned in add custom characteristic to the bathtub , they ’ll loosely give an overall higher terms . opt unusual colour may require usance mixing . Adding features to a tub liner that do n’t subsist on the original tub , such as shelves and niche , will add to the price , as will modify the edge shape of a liner . Some refinishers can even tot custom stone texture or the appearance of Harlan Fisk Stone for an extra fee .
Bathroom Refinishing Cost by Type of Bathtub
While the medium cost of bathtub refinishing is $ 480 , methods for refinish different tub materials can variegate , so cost will ultimately depend on the process that is used . Some materials call for only a pelage of refinishing paint , while the outgrowth for others may be more proletariat - intensive .
Acrylic
Acrylic bathing tub can become thudding and dirty after several years of usage , so refinishing can take them back to lifespan . Acrylic tub are usually hard to supplant because of the way they are instal , so refinishing can be a simpler and more affordable option . Homeowners can anticipate to pay between $ 400 and $ 700 to refinish an acrylic tub .
Cast Iron
mold - iron tubful must first be sandblast in gild to get rid of the former finale , then re - enameled . This cognitive process can be costly , but once the newfangled enamel is apply , it is likely to last up to a century . Cast - atomic number 26 bathtub refinishing costs between $ 350 and $ 650 .
Enamel
Enamel refinishing costs between $ 350 and $ 600 . While bathtub are not made all of enamel , it is used as a covering material for refinish cast - iron and steel tubs .
Fiberglass
Fiberglass bathing tub refinishing will be between $ 250 and $ 600 . This cognitive operation will relieve any crisp or scratches in the fiberglass surface . Since this material is prostrate to cracking , it may be necessary to stabilize the tub with an inlay before refinishing it , which could increase the cost .
Porcelain
While it used to be usual for tub to be made whole of porcelain , new porcelain tubs are often made with a blade or cast - iron base of operations . If the tub is over 100 years old , it is probably solid porcelain and will necessitate to be refinish carefully to avoid damage it . On ordinary , it costs $ 300 to $ 600 to refinish a porcelain tub .
Steel
Most steel bathtubs are finished with a coating such as enamel or porcelain . When this coating becomes cracked , chipped , or dull , it ’s a good idea to have the vat refinished . Refinishing a blade tub costs between $ 300 and $ 700 on norm .
Do I need to refinish my bathtub?
Sometimes it ’s open that a tub needs replacement . Those who have recently moved into a home that has older fixtures or has n’t been well maintained may encounter an quondam iron bathtub that ’s so chipped and cracked that rusting has bloomed , eating cursorily through the cast iron and creating leaks . If the tub has sustain significant structural price or the plumbing needs to be ripped out , a refinish might not be enough . However , many modest problem can be counterbalance with a good refinish , and these problems are indications that the tub could use refinish .
Discoloration
impenetrable mineral message in water can lead to pinkish or brown grunge left on the tub , and splashed chemicals , pilus dye , and other solutions can leave an old tub look less than inviting . Having permeated the outer coating on the original conclusion , these stains ca n’t be cleaned off , but the etch and sanding that take place before a reglaze can remove them and exchange them with a glistening new pelage , and a liner can simply cover them up .
Rust Stains
Rust stains in a cast - Fe tub may point that the original finish has been transgress significantly enough that urine has had sentence to create rusting on the underlying iron . This is unattractive , of path , but as the rust circulate , it may get the chipped spot in the finish to bubble and farm , make abrupt edges and passing water . refinish the tub before the rust spreads significantly will remove the rusting and reseal the iron safely underneath a urethane polish . Rust stains can also seem in bath as a result of older iron organ pipe in the piddle supply that convey atomic number 26 sedimentation to the tub and that then create unsightly stains on the tub wall and bottom . Although reglazing the tub itself wo n’t work out the job of the mineral deposits , a new seal off Earth’s surface will make it severe for the deposits to stain .
Water Marks
Water marks — gray-haired splotches and thudding or pallid spots on the bathing tub — are also an meter reading that the original finish has don down and water supply is able to go out spots or marks on the tubful . While weewee marks are n’t attractive , they ’re yet another indicant that water is ooze underneath the refinement of the tub , and rust or a eruct finis may before long observe .
Chips and Scratches
The episodic poker chip or scratch is inevitable in a bathtub that is on a regular basis used . Tools get dropped during plumbing work , a chalk bottle can collide with the tub edge at the wrong slant , and even sharp jewellery can leave a scratch if it catches the edge while the bather is getting into or out of the tub . Small chips and scratches probably are n’t a bountiful slew structurally , but they do n’t look nice , and they may harbor bacteria that ’s difficult to houseclean .
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
When water gets underneath the finish of a tub , it creates distance , so even after it evaporates , more water supply can take its place . finally , air and water will compact the infinite out to create bubbles that break open into peel . Once this happens , more water can get underneath the finish , causing more bubbles and more shedding . If the surface is exhibit signs that this has happen , it ’s time for the homeowner to consider refinishing the bath .
Dull Finish
A solid tub open should be shiny and uniform . This makes it wanton to keep clear and hygienic . A dull surface stand for that the shiny top level has worn off , which intend that the remaining finish is vulnerable . The dull finish is also more prostrate to sully and chipping , and it may scratch when smartly clean .
Benefits of Refinishing a Bathtub
There is a sealed prayer to renovation that has to do with everything being unfermented , clean , and novel . But by refinishing a bathtub instead , homeowner can achieve the sweet and new feeling in a means that benefits the customer , the bathtub , and the environment .
Aesthetics
A refinished tub is pretty ; french fries , scratches , and stains are go . The open is unvarying and attractive . The caulk is fresh and novel . Refinishing a tub can make it basically look newfangled , brightening up a lavatory and updating the color for a modern or traditional esthetic .
Cost-Effectiveness
refinish a tub , whether via reglazing or liner , is substantially less expensive and less clock time - consuming than supervene upon it . There is no destruction , reconstruction , replumbing , or electric pig fees . The tub can be reglazed or lined without removing the wall surrounding it . refinish provides a new - bathtub facial expression at a fraction of the price of an actual new tub . For those looking to give their bathroom a refresh but who do n’t have thecost of a bathroom remodelin their budget , tub refinishing can be an affordable choice .
Extended Tub Life
pan an onetime tub feels uneconomical , as does the expense that break down along with it , especially when the primary problems are esthetic . A refinish can extend the life of the tubful by a hearty 10 to 15 age , so homeowners can savor a novel look and novel finale without spending money on something they do n’t really require .
Reduced Landfill Waste
What happens to old bathtubs when they ’re removed ? normally they ’re broken up on - site and heaved into a dumpster , then carted to a landfill . Because of the compounding of atomic number 26 , blade , occasionally conduce , and porcelain , tubs ca n’t be reuse or used for combat , so they just sit in the landfill . This is , unfortunately , the only option if the tub is leaky or damage beyond repair . But if the bathtub itself is healthy and does n’t need to be removed , the pick to refinish is an environmentally levelheaded pick that still results in a same - new tub .
Bathtub Refinishing: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Can you paint a bathtub yourself ? Well , technically , yes — specially for a householder who know how to paint a bathtub from anterior experience with this labor . But paint a tub is n’t simply a matter of going out and buying a gal of paint and a honorable brush . The “ paint ” used to reglaze tub surface is n’t regular paint : In lodge to stick to well enough with the tub surface and be long-wearing enough to withstand regular use , tub key is usually an epoxy- or tooth enamel - ground paint or urethane . There are bathtub refinishing kit on the market that let in the materials necessary to do a ripe job — etching fabric to erupt through the existing surface , tack tatter and stir sticks , emery paper , foam rollers and emery paper , mitt , and either a spraying - on covering or pour- or rouge - on finish . The process requires extensive readiness , patience , and a steady hand to avoid streaks , sucker , and dribble . Then the homeowner will have to be patient while the vat fully curative before they can utilize it , which may be 4 or 5 daylight .
Using one of thebest tub refinishing kitscan certainly save homeowners some money . rate from $ 50 to $ 150 for DIY kits that can discharge two coats on a full tub , they ’re several hundred dollars less than professional reglazing . But there are other considerations . First , this is n’t a quick job ( even if the label enjoin it is ) . The existent glazing may be quick , but taping off the rest of the bathroom , prepping the surface , sanding and etch , then glazing , cleaning up , and curing take quite a while , and the bathroom will still be out of committee for a few days . secondly , this is n’t an unskilled process . While a ready to hand DIY householder can for sure reach good results , the program want some attainment that there ’s nowhere to do other than on the tub , so the results may not be as smooth or as durable as anticipate . The chemical substance that will be used are acrid , and some have strong fumes that can be dangerous in a space that is n’t sufficiently vented . lastly , it ’s important for homeowners to be prepared for surprises . disrobe off old caulking and scrub and sanding down the edge of the bathtub can unveil unexpected problems , such as rotted wall , easy tile ( or worse , tiles that drop off the wall when not supported by the caulking and shatter ) , or clay sculpture and leaks . This is also a consideration if homeowners are settle between a completeDIY bathroom remodel or hire a pro . Professional installers will recognise what they ’re looking for in these area and can take care to note them and alert the householder to the right track of activity for resort .
Professional refinishers know exactlyhow to paint a bathtubfor last results . They can mix custom colour to equalize live tilework ( there is an almost unimaginable figure of specter of white-hot ) and are practiced and smooth out in their prep and covering . They acknowledge how much deglazing needs to happen , and they recognize when the sanding is even enough , how much ground to apply , and how to apply the people of color equally for a perfect shine . Because of their expertness and the ranking products they use , professional reglazing hold out between 10 and 15 years , while DIY kits are typically a 2- to 3 - yr make-do . In add-on , if a professional does make a error , they ’re on the hook to rectify it by either applying an additional coat or stripping it off and start again . Although it ’s often tempt for homeowners to preserve extra money by tackle a project themselves , this particular business has a number of components that may contribute up to more than the householder expects , so paying a slight additional to get the smooth , professional results they require while saving themselves a fate of frustration may be worthwhile .
Photo: bobvila.com
How to Save Money on Bathtub Refinishing Cost
Choosing to refinish a bathtub is already saving money over a replacement , but it never ache to look for additional price savings .
Questions to Ask About Bathtub Refinishing
When hiring a professional to refinish a bathtub , the customer is rely on their experience and professionalism to ensure a quality , long - lasting cultivation . Because there are so many measure to this job , and because there ’s no way to check the durability of the finish in good order forth , there are of import question to ask of contractors before hire them .
FAQs
client encounter a lot of terminology when they are reading about tub refinishing and successor , and some of it is n’t entirely clear . For this cause , interpret up on the options will help homeowners make a careful and well - thought - out decision when they start talking to contractors . Plus , it will make it sturdy for any suspicious “ pro ” to take advantage of them .
Q. Is it worth it to refinish a bathtub?
The solvent to the question “ Is bathtub refinishing worth it ? ” will partially depend on the condition of the vat and the cost of the project . As long as the owner is well-chosen with the sizing and shape of the existing tub and the tub is in reasonably near consideration , refinish a tub can add 10 to 15 years to the life of the tub for a cost that wo n’t give way the camber — so yes , it ’s often deserving it .
Q. Is it cheaper to refinish a bathtub or replace it?
The monetary value of refinish a bathtub is importantly less than replacing one . shop for a substitute tub can often be misleading — shoppers will see pricing in the several - hundred - dollar mark mountain chain for a new tub and intend that ’s all it cost , but the wipeout , removal , and disposal of the old bathing tub and likely the wall of the bathroom , the replacement materials , and the Labour cause the actual price of a replacing to progress to much higher numbers . refinish rather than replacing the tub can write homeowners between 75 percent and 85 percent .
Q. What’s the difference between refinishing, reglazing, and resurfacing a bathtub?
Often these terms are used interchangeably to mean sanding and etch off the aerofoil of a bath and replacing it with a new coat of resin or urethane coating to mime the original porcelain or fibreglass control surface . However , refinishing and resurfacing can also refer to lend an inlay to the bottom of a credit card , acrylic , or fibreglass tub , or to adding a ocean liner to any vat that is n’t freestanding .
Q. How long does a bathtub reglazing last?
As long as it is care for according to the statement provide by the contractor , professional reglazing hold out between 10 and 15 geezerhood .
Sources : Angi , HomeAdvisor , Fixr , HomeGuide
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