The Benefits of Refinishing a Bathtub
The average bathtub has a lifespan of 10 to 30 years. If you played the budget stakes on a cheap fiberglass or acrylic model, you can expect just half of that lifespan. Porcelain-enameled cast iron is the superhero of bathroom fixtures, offering over five decades of durability. It won’t require replacement in your lifetime, but its surface can still become porous with wear and tear. Even the most robust tubs need regular refinishing to restore their glossy surface.
Refinishing offers two key benefits over a replacement:
It restores the appearance of your bathtub
A premium reglaze will make your tub look as though it just rolled off a production line. You’ll achieve that new-tub aesthetic, with all scratches and stains relegated to history. The surface will no longer be porous, so it’ll be as easy to clean as it was on the day you bought it.
It extends your tub’s lifespan.
Reglazed tubs are lasting tubs. While a DIY reglaze will only add a few years to your tub’s lifespan, a professional resurface will add 10 to 20 years. Quality counts, though. A skilled team will add five years to the lifespan of your new glaze, particularly if you take good care of your surface.
The bathtub refinishing process
Thorough cleaning and preparation
The better the adherence, the longer your new glaze will last, so your contractor will begin by preparing your tub’s surface for a lasting bond. We’ll remove contaminants like wax, grease, and mineral build-up. Silicone caulk can prevent successful bonding, so we’ll remove that as well. The more porous your tub is, the better it will cling to a new surface, so an acid wash will remove the gloss from the original surface. Finally, cracks will be repaired so that your tub can regain its integrity.
Expert application of high-quality refinishing products
It takes a lot of work to create a powerful bond, so we’re not finished yet. Next, we’ll apply a primer before spraying the refinishing product onto the prepared surface. Your finish will include several reglazing layers in your chosen palette.
Professional finishing touches for a seamless look
Once your surface has dried, we can replace metal parts like drains and faucets. If you’ve decided to customize your refinish, we’ll add additional features at this stage. Then we’ll place a new layer of caulk around your tub and leave your finished tub to cure.
There are enough refinishing techniques to confuse even the most fastidious of homeowners, but reglazing is well worth the trouble. It can take thousands of dollars off your repair bill, particularly if you’re working with a cast iron or clawfoot product.
Frequently asked questions
How long does bathtub refinishing last?
A professional refinish will add 15 to 20 years to your tub. With exceptional care, it could even last longer.
Is refinishing suitable for all types of bathtubs?
Today’s burgeoning innovations allow you to recoat almost any surface. Cast iron, fiberglass, and steel can all be successfully reglazed.
Need help with a bathtub or shower replacement? Contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.
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