Looking for a Spring Project? How to Refinish a Bathtub and Bathtub Refinishing Cost

If your tub gets a lot of use and is looking past its prime, it may be time for a quick refinishing makeover. Refinishing a bathtub in spring is a great way to make your tub look brand new. You can remove grime and improve its acrylic coating using a few tools and techniques. 

This technique works on antiques and even newer tubs that have had a lot of use. It uses easy-to-find materials and a little elbow grease to remove stains and improve your tub’s condition. It can improve your tub’s lifespan by many years. 

Below are the steps to refinish your bathtub. It’s easier than you think and you can do it without hiring a professional. 

Buy a Refinishing Kit

Refinishing kits are affordable and easy to buy online or at your favorite retailer. They run between $100 to $200. If you do it yourself, you’ll pay for this and any safety gear you need. 

Hiring a professional may cost between $500 and $1000. As far as home improvement jobs go, it’s not that difficult to do yourself. Hiring a professional may be necessary if you’re elderly or sensitive to chemicals. 

Prepare Your Bathroom Ventilation

You’ll have to use some chemicals for this job. Use a respirator on your face and place an exhaust fan in your bathroom window. This will remove the fumes and protect your lungs. 

This is the most important step in the whole process. If you don’t have these tools, you can rent them or buy them at your local hardware store. 

Clean Your Tub

Before you begin, give your bathtub a thorough cleaning. Use a heavy-duty cleaner to remove soap scum, mildew, and grime. 

Take out pieces such as cover plates, tub fixtures, and escutcheons. Take your time to reach crevices and hard-to-reach places. Use a knife, sharp tool, or caulk remover to remove all the caulk. 

Give it a deep clean with bleach or other heavy-duty cleaners. You may have to use a lime remover for pesky mineral buildups. 

Remove Debris

After cleaning, remove debris that came off. Wipe your tub down thoroughly to make sure there’s no scum or particles left over. 

Protect Your Bathroom

Prepare your surroundings by protecting your bathroom tiles, walls, and fixtures with plumber's tape. The resin from the refinishing kit will stain surfaces, so it’s important to protect your bathroom surfaces. Open your windows to let in plenty of air for ventilation. 

 

Begin Sanding

After preparing your bathroom, it’s time to sand your tub. All you’ll need is some sandpaper. 

Gently wipe down the tub surface with the sandpaper. Some kits give you etching powder and an abrasive scrubber instead. 

After you finish, rinse off your tub with water. Wipe it down with a cloth to remove leftover debris. It should be completely clean and dry before you begin. 

Apply the Coating

Put on your respirator and prepare your materials. Start by filling in cracks and chipped surfaces with the putty. 

Once the areas dry, prime the tub thoroughly. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to your kit’s directions. Be quick because you usually have a short window before the resin dries. 

Apply the coating to every section of your tub with a roller. Use even coats and get all the surfaces. Use a brush for the edges and harder-to-reach corners. 

Apply a Second Coating

After the first coating, apply a second coating. Some kits require you to wait in between coats. This is usually around 1 or 2 hours.  

Once the first coating starts to dry, cover the entire surface with the second coating. Make sure it’s as even as the first. 

Make sure you don’t add too much. This could cause a buildup of resin in some areas which will make your tub uneven. 

Let it Dry

After completing your job, it’s time to let it dry. This usually takes a couple of days. As you wait, the resin cures your tub and seals in the acrylic underneath. 

Keep your bathroom windows open and well-ventilated. Avoid entering without a respirator and keep children away from the toxic fumes. 

After around two days, the resin will be completely hard, and the fumes will be gone. It’s now safe to enter your bathroom. 

Finish the Job

Remove the plumber's tape from the surfaces. Apply caulk to the joints of the tub and some of the edges. Let the caulk dry overnight before continuing. 

Reinstall the faucets and fixtures. Remove the window ventilation and clean up your kit. 

Consider waiting another 2 or 3 days before using your newly refinished tub. This gives it extra time to cure. 

How Long Will It Last?

Refinishing takes the age off of a tub by removing scum and stains and covering it with a protective epoxy coating. If you follow your kit’s directions, it couple last 5 or maybe 10 years. 

Afterward, it may be time for a new tub. When this happens, look for the perfect upgrade. 

When to Buy a New Tub

If you don’t want to go through the refurbishing process or your tub is too outdated, it may be time for a new tub. 

New tubs greatly improve your bathroom and aesthetic. They look great and bring a new life to your home. 

If it’s time for a new style or you need more room and relaxing extras, it’s time to start shopping. These tubs may be more expensive than refinishing your old tub, but they will be worth the investment. 

Best New Tubs for Your Bathroom

Whether you’re looking for a simple and practical tub or an upgraded tub with extra features, Empava has you covered. 

Our tubs are made from long-lasting materials. They have extras such as high-powered jets and heating functions that keep the water warm through your bath or shower. 

They also have safety functions, such as non-slip floors and wider doors. If you have mobility concerns, these safety features can improve your life and well-being.

Final Thoughts

If you want a spring project and have an old bathtub that needs some work, try refinishing it yourself. However, it may be time for a new tub instead. 

Decide if it’s time for an upgrade. Ask yourself if your tub is functioning the way it needs to. It may be time for a new and improved bathing experience. 

Visit us today if you’re ready for a new tub. We have all the models you need. Contact our team of bathtub experts who can answer all your questions.