theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. If you hire a tub reglazing professional, itll cost you $250-$800, depending on how bad the tub is. If you're using dish soap, pour some onto the surface and spread it with a sponge. Reglazing is a process of repairing and refinishing a porcelain or ceramic surface. Dry the tub with a cloth. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. Essential Bathtub Reglazing Safety Tips to Preserve Your Health Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. As a result, scratches, cracks, and stains start to take place on the surface of the tub. It's usually a temporary fix since bathtub reglazing is a purely cosmetic update. Reglazing a tub requires several stages, although the process can vary depending on the materials used. 5. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. Always remember to be safe and wear the proper personal protective equipment. Heres how to estimate what a renovation will cost. Bed Bath & Beyond bankruptcy: Store closings, final sales, coupons and If that doesnt work, you might need to apply a new coating on the tub. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Perhaps you wish to own a specific bathtub style or size but cannot afford it. It would also void the warranty on a professional refinishing job. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Installation typically takes only a day or two, but the whole process can take between one and two months since installers first need to take photos and precise measurements of the area before molding a liner out of acrylic. After knowing what bathroom reglazing is and its benefits, dont get too excited just yet. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Relaxing in a warm bath is a great way to unwind after a hectic day. Reglazing vs. Replacing a Bathtub | Home Guides | SF Gate For the most part, it depends on the person who has done the glazing. After it is cured, it is safe to bathe in the reglazed tub. Bed Bath & Beyond first started in 1971, and it eventually went public in 1992. What You Need to Know About Bathtub Reglazing - Our Guide Wondering whether you should reglaze your old bathtub? "[The problem area] now takes up about a third of the bottom of the tub, because every time the water runs, more comes off," she says. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Reglazing a bathtub is an inexpensive way to restore an old bathtub. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. One of the biggest reasons for this is some of the materials used to strip and reglaze bathtubs can be extremely toxic if accidentally swallowed. Required fields are marked *. Bed Bath & Beyond stakeholders who have questions can email BBBYInfo@ra.kroll.com or call at (833) 570-5355 or (646) 440-4806 if calling from outside the U.S. or Canada. It involves restoring the tub to its original look, giving it a fresh look, covering dents, chipping, and fading defects. It often involves these tips: The cost of reglazing a bathtub depends on whether you go DIY or hire a reglazing expert. Therefore, after reglazing is done, a sealer is applied on the surface so that the layers underneath stay intact. Fortunately, reglazing helps you eliminate them, leaving your tub looking spotless. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A refinished surface is easy to clean, resistant to mold and mildew, and makes the tub look like new. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Reglazing is a quick, affordable option for redoing your bathtub. Tub reglazing: What you need to know about this affordable but stinky ), Read more about me and my past home renovation projects here. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. How to Budget Accordingly, A Guide to the Best Chimney Repair Companies Across Several U.S. States, Buying a Granite Composite Sink? If you wear a mask, use the exhaust fan & additional portable fans, keep the door open, and open up any nearby windows, the room should be ventilated enough to complete the work and leave. Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. For example, a refinished bathtub: Can become worn over time: A reglazed tub will start to show wear eventually, usually after 10 to 15 years. Just as with anything involving strong fumes, people have died from too much exposure to stripping, paint, and primer fumes. How do you Reglaze a bathtub yourself? - remodelormove.com First, the technician strips off the old finish and sands the tub to create a smooth surface. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Most refinishing companies and DIY tub coating manufacturers seem to agree on a few commercial cleaners that are safe to use on refinished tubs, including: You can safely use gentle liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, Palmolive, or Ajax (Ajax dish soap, not cleaning powder) to clean a refinished tub. Bathtub refinishing is the entire process of restoring the bathtub to its former state. That way, you won't end up back with the pitted and discolored tub that you probably just refinished. As I briefly mentioned above, we used this DIY tub refinishing kit found at Amazon and it was perfect! If you decide to replace the tub, it can put your bathroom out of commission for days with a messed-up plumbing system. A reglazed bathtub must have 3 full days at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity to fully cure before use. Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. A cheap bathtub will cost at least $150 brand new (and that doesnt even include the surround). Then, give the bathtub reglazing curing time, maybe another 24 hours, as the curing takes extra time depending on the humidity level. If you wait until the tub is visibly dark and dirty, it's difficult to use these gentle methods. Consider using this Bathtub Wipe-On Refinishing Primer, which promises to improve the lifespan of your tub. Can change bathtub's color. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. However, if you decide to use vinegar to remove soap scum, always heavily dilute it with water, use a soft sponge or cloth to apply, and rinse thoroughly. As said before, bathtub reglazing is just one of many ways of renovating your old bathtub. It cannot be used on galvanized steel or flexible plastic. You have to hire professionals who can apply the coating properly and mix the right amount of materials for the coating. Stick to a strict cleaning schedule and non-abrasive cleansers to maintain a reglazed or refinished tub. On the other hand, if you choose to hire a tub reglazing professional, the project will cost you $250-$800, depending on the severity of the tub damage. Must follow proper safety protocols. But have you ever thought about what makes this renovation technique so popular among homeowners? Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. Bathtub refinishing kits make reglazing a bathtub an easy DIY project, but the tub must be free of major damage and instructions must be followed to avoid severe damage. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? Unless you have access to all the necessary protective clothing and equipment and are confident in your bathrooms ventilation system as well as your DIY capabilities, you should hire a professional to handle it. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Stay safe and enjoy the fruits of your handiwork! This is a much more long-term solution, rather than a Band-Aid fix. Also, any cleaner can damage a tub's finish if it's allowed to dry on the surface. Tub refinishing and relining are cosmetic fixes. Looking at reglazing bathtub pros and cons might help us find the answer. But like I mentioned, its not a good idea to reglaze the bathroom repetitively. The first drawback of reglazing a bathtub is that you likely can only reglaze once. It also gives a disinfectant cleaner time to disinfect. In fact, professionals install the liner on top of the existing bathtub, then permanently adhere it using a combination of two-sided tape and silicone acrylic. In addition to our rental bathtub being an ugly color, it had a few tiny knicks in it that we were able to reseal with the refinishing kit. Due to the wrong technique, these issues may appear almost immediately after you reglaze your bathtub: Here are some problems which may arise after years of using the bathtub: Here are your three options when it comes to fixing the above reglazing problems: The first fix is redoing the reglazing all over again but ensuring that you do it the right way this time around. Reglazed tub peeling happens if a chip on the surface pops off through the coatings. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. You get to choose the material of your tub, and can always opt for a less expensive option, like fiberglass or acrylic, and put more money towards the labor involved. Once the coating is dry, remove the tape, reattach hardware, and caulk around the tub. But picking one medicine cabinet among so many options in the market can be overwhelming. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. With proper care and cleaning, your bathtub's new finish can last this long or longer. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Avoid These Cleaning Methods for Reglazed Tubs, Tips for Maintaining a Reglazed or Refinished Bathtub, DIY Refinishing a Bathtub vs. Professional Finishing, 4 Solutions to Bathtub Reglazing Problems, How to Remove Grout, Mortar, and Drywall Mud From a Bathtub. So, knowing about the potential bathtub reglazing problems will give you a heads up and help you solve the problems. Kohler is a very well-known brand in the world of luxurious bath and kitchen collections. This option typically involves removing wall tile, which can then lead to sheetrock and/or plaster repairs as well. Here's how to calculate your real monthly rent, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. If that worries you, you can always have your tub professionally reglazed for a couple of hundred dollars (which is still cheaper and faster than a new tub installation). 2. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. Bathtub reglazing is the final step in the bathtub restoration process. Call 213-228-4882. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. You can avoid most issues and lengthen the lifespan of your bathtub by taking proper care of it. If you have the time and money to commit to a larger project like a total bathtub replacement, it makes sense to do so. The suction cups could damage the coating and void your warranty. If you want a permanent fix, you should get a new bathtub. Reglazing allows you to pick a color coat that inspires you and one thats warm. And when doing the reglazing, wear protective gear such as a gas mask and gloves to protect yourself from the toxic ingredients. For homeowners with antique claw-foot tubs made from heavy cast iron, its absolutely the way to go, said Dan DiClerico, a home expert for HomeAdvisor. Methylene chloride can cause serious health problems and can even stop breathing in large enough concentrations. A professional cleans the surface of the tub thoroughly, and then applies an acid to. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Cast-iron, steel, and fiberglass tubs and shower stalls can all be re-coated to match the original finish or in an entirely new color. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2023 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. Remove all metal drains, faucets, and hardware as needed. FAQs |Tub Reglazing |Bathtub Refinishing | Tub Resurfacing | Tub Repair It's important to note that these products don't use the same technology as the professionals, and the results are less durable and often look painted on rather than smooth. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Common Bathtub Reglazing Problems and Fixes! From me and this website, you can expect some useful tips on great ideas for a modern bathroom. Abrasives include harsh or gritty cleaners as well as rough sponges, like Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool soap pads, or sponges with an abrasive layer on one side. If your bathroom is long overdue for a makeover, what better way to change the entire aesthetic of the bathroom than changing the centerpiece of the room? Yes, if the reglazing is done properly. Ventilation is necessary and youll need a way to either ventilate the room with a sucker or push the air out and get it circulating until the curing process is complete and the fumes die down. I will definitely be using this brand on our next bathtub reglazing job! (Detailed Answer! You are able to employ a range of materials, including coatings, and relying on the brand, the result might last something between a few years for one DIY kit and a century upwards for a work life. The fumes and general exposure to the chemicals used during the glazing process can be dangerous. Minor exposure to methylene chloride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, numbness, headaches, or throat irritation. However, minor damage and disrepair are much more suitable for a reglazing job. The first step of reglazing involves sanding the whole bathtub to get rid of chips and scratches. Reglazing is just painting. Basically, the finish will be exactly like enamel, both in color and texture. There's no consensus on whether or not to use vinegar to clean a refinished tub. Contractors who handle bathtub refinishing or reglazing are well-versed in the health risks and OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association) guidelines for risky jobs like these, making it an easy choice to bring in an expert for the task. Instead, if the surface feels unpolished and rough, that indicates a potential problem in reglazing. Is Bathtub Refinishing Safe? | Tub Reglazing Fumes & Safety - Angi