After our Master Bathroom Reveal we had so many questions about the bathtub reglazing. I want to share why we decided to choose reglazing and why we love the results. The finished product is so amazing that I want to share the 10 Reasons Why We Chose Bathtub Reglazing for Our Budget Bathroom Remodel.
It was my goal to update the bathroom without spending a fortune. I also hate throwing things away that still work. There really was nothing wrong with our tub structurally, it just was hideous and outdated. I looked into tub surrounds but found out they are incredibly expensive.
Then I found out about bathtub and tile reglazing. This is a process where enamel spray is applied to your tub. (It is not paint, so please don’t paint your bathtub!)This substance hardens and feels just like your original tub. I was so excited about this especially when I found out about the process and cost. This is one of the best decisions we made in our bathroom remodel.
Here are the 10 Reasons We Chose Bathtub Reglazing for our Budget Bathroom Makeover
Our Tub is In Good Condition
The tub and tile are in great condition. There were no structural issues. The only reason it needed to be replaced is the ugly, dated appearance.
Easy Estimate
I was able to get estimates from contractors via email. All of my estimates were in the same ballpark.
Cost
The cost was $450 for the tub and $450 for the tile. We chose to do both, but you can do one or the other. Fiberglass tub surrounds can be thousands of dollars and I really don’t like how they look.
Painless Prep
We didn’t have to do anything to prep the tub or bathroom.
Simple Scheduling
It only took the contractor four hours to finish the tub and tile.
No Demo
Getting a new tub would have required demo of the tub, tile and probably the wall. Not having to live through demo was a huge factor in us choosing the bathtub reglazing.
No Waste
Nothing went into a landfill!
Thoroughness
The contractor removed all of the faucets and hardware. He cleaned the tiles really well with special chemicals and removed any loose caulk. He re-grouted the tiles, sprayed the enamel and re-caulked. After the tub cured, my husband installed all new hardware which made everything look brand new.
Warranty
The reglazing has a 10 year warranty so if any of the new surface chips or wears off, they will reapply it for free.
Results
Can you believe this tub and tile is from 1986? It is original to the home and for $900 and four hours of our time, it looks sparkling and brand new!
There are over 30 colors available to choose for bathtub reglazing. The change was dramatic, we are so happy with the results.
A Word About Safety
We love DIY. We try to do as much as we can ourselves, but we leave anything dangerous to the pros. The spray that is used in this process generates a lot of really heavy fumes until it is dry. The professionals wear very special safety gear and have ventilation units. I would highly recommend that you hire a professional and leave the home for 24 hours with pets and kids. Once the tub is dry the fumes are gone!
Want to see how it’s done? Check out this video from a different contractor!
Want to See the Entire Master Bathroom Remodel? Click Here!
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My husband and I are remodeling our bathroom and as part of the process, are considering refinishing our bathtub. Because of this, your comment about how the refinishing service cost about $450 really helped. When we go looking for a refinishing service to help us out, we’ll have to keep that price in mind.
My home is starting to get pretty old now and I have been thinking about getting my bathtub refinished. I really appreciated how it talked about how it took very little prep and it only took the contractor four hours to finish the tub and tile. I will have to keep this in mind as I look for the right contractor to do the job.
We are getting ours reglazed soon. What did you do about the hardware? (The faucets, and knobs, drain)
If you replaced them was it difficult? Is a plumber needed?
We are comfortable with sink faucets and toilet replacement, but have never tried shower plumbing.
Thank you
Hi Sharon,
We replaced them, we didn’t need a plumber. There are replacement kits at home depot and lowes that come with pretty good instructions.
You might only need a plumber if you want to replace the internal pipes.
I like what you said about using a professional to reglaze your bathtub since it makes a lot of fumes. My brother has been telling me about how he wants to make sure that his bathtub is looking nice in the coming weeks. I’ll share this information with him so that he can look into his options for professionals who can help him with this.
This was an excellent post. Thank you for the clear information and recommendations, specially about safety the on a project such as this one. You’re exactly right, it’s not paint, and should be accomplished by a pro and not a DIY.