What is Bathtub Resurfacing and The Differences from Tub Refinishing?

With time, bathtubs tend to lose their sparkle. Even the most expensive ones or the cheap ones, with daily use, cleaning chemicals can leave them looking stained, dull, or chipped, losing the shine that they used to have when it was new. What most people think is that the only fix for these bathtubs is ripping them off and buying a new one. It is an expensive and time-consuming option, but luckily, there’s a more innovative way to bring your tub back to life. This method is called bathtub resurfacing and tub refinishing. In this article, we are going to dive into the details of these procedures so that it makes it easy for you to understand which method is suitable for you or if you need a replacement or not.

Introduction: A New Lease on Life for Your Bathtub

Bathtubs age over time, and they do when they are used for years. If your bathtub is stained, chipped around the edges, and has lost its glossy shine, you are now starting to miss the new look when you bought it. Solution? Replacement options that are costly drain your wallet. Look for alternate solutions such as bathtub resurfacing and tub refinishing. These are the techniques that offer innovative and budget-friendly solutions that can restore your bathtub without the replacement cost, mess, or downtime of a complete replacement.

You might hear that some professionals may be using terms resurfacing and tub refinishing interchangeably, but having knowledge about the key differences makes it crucial to understand so you can make a decision wisely. Generally, resurfacing means applying a new coating over the existing surface, while refinishing is often more detailed and is focused on repair work before the coating is applied. In this article, we will discuss the significant differences, walk you through the process of resurfacing and refinishing, compare it with replacements, and provide you with facts to help you make the right decision.

Demystifying the Terminology: Resurfacing vs. Refinishing

Resurfacing and refinishing are the two terms that you will encounter the most when it comes to restoring a bathtub. They may sound familiar, but there are subtle differences worth knowing before making a decision.

▪ What is Resurfacing?

As the name suggests, mainly resurfacing involves applying a brand new coating over the surface of the damaged or worn-out bathtub. It is like your bathtub having a fresh new skin covering stains, scratches, and discoloration, giving your bathtub a new and fresh feel. The core idea behind resurfacing is to do a simple restoration of your old bathtub and convert it to look newer, as well as extend its lifetime. This could be said to be the best cost-effective method alternative to replacement that focuses primarily on the surface finish.

▪ What is Refinishing?

Consider refinishing a step further from resurfacing. It is a much more detailed process that begins with repairing chips, cracks, or any other damage on the original surface, then a new durable coating is applied once the repairs are completed. This is an approach that not only makes the tub look fresh but also fixes any structural deficiencies and damages that a simple resurfacing can not achieve. It is always better to ask the professionals what services they offer if they use these terms interchangeably to avoid any future mishaps.

The Step-by-Step Process of Bathtub Resurfacing

Resurfacing might feel like a simple process, but the quality and durability are accomplished when the steps are done right and a process is followed. Below, we have mentioned the process and steps taken to ensure the results are long-lasting.

1. Preparation is Key

Before the work starts, proper preparation is key to ensuring quality. A professional will start by deep cleaning your bathtub and removing any impurities, mineral deposits, soap scums, and any traces of previous coatings. The next step under preparation is repairing any chips, cracks, or scratches on your bathtub to make the surface even and smooth. Then the surface of the tub is etched and lightly sanded to ensure the surface is rough and even on all sides so that the new coating is bonded securely. Skipping this step or rushing might make the base of resurfacing weaker, hence affecting the overall quality of work.

2. The Application

After properly prepping the surface, it's time to make a perfect base layer. A primer is applied with a durable topcoat sprayed or rolled on with precision. It ensures that the layers of multiple high-quality, durable, high-gloss coatings applied transform your old tub with a dull surface into something that looks a lot more glossy with a comparatively smooth finish, just like it came fresh out of the showroom. Depending upon your preference, you can choose a custom color to give your bathtub a fresh new look and feel.

3. Curing and Final Touches

Once the final coating is completed with the final touches, it’s time for the coating to dry up and bond perfectly. This curing time may take 24 to 48 hours, all depending upon the type of materials used and the environment the tub is kept in. During the period, the tub must not be touched or used in any way to ensure the bonds become hardened and the finish starts to give its shine. Once cured, make sure you get the final inspection done to ensure everything is a planned, smooth, even, and blemish-free surface. The result? A bathtub that looks like it just came from the workshop, fresh and new, without breaking your wallet.

Choosing the Right Solution: Resurfacing vs. Replacement

Resurfacing and replacement are the two options that come to mind when it comes to dealing with old bathtubs. This section of the article is designed to help you choose the right solution. 

♦ Resurfacing for Homeowners

If your bathtub is structurally solid and hard while having some minor deficiencies, such as it is worn, stained, or the surface has dated over the years of usage, resurfacing could be the best choice you can make. Chipped surfaces, minor cracks, or dull surfaces can be easily fixed by resurfacing, but going towards replacement options can pull you into high replacement costs of a new tub with a lot of mess that could be time-consuming for homeowners who are on a budget.

♦ The Commercial Perspective

For commercial properties such as hotels, motels, or apartment complexes, budget is considered but not taken into priority, but what matters to commercial businesses is time. Replacement options amongst multiple bathrooms can be time-consuming in a commercial setting and can take weeks for replacements to be completed. The best alternative? Resurfacing is cheap, less messy, quiet, and gets bathtubs ready in no time, making bathrooms get a guest-ready appearance with no compromises on profits while extending the life span of existing fixtures.

A Head-to-Head Comparison: Resurfacing vs. Replacement

When it comes to upgrading your bathtub, resurfacing and replacement tend to offer very different experiences in terms of cost, time, and environmental impact. 

▪ Cost Analysis

Resurfacing can be a lot cheaper and more cost-effective when compared to replacement. You will be spending less on repairing the tub's surface and making it look and feel like new, avoiding hefty charges of plumbing, demolition, and structural repairs that are common when considering replacement.

▪ Time and Disruption

Resurfacing is quick and is usually done in a day or two, while the curing period can take up to 48 hours. So your tub is ready within 4 days, making the whole process a lot quicker and less time-consuming. On the other hand, replacement of bathtubs can take weeks to complete while creating a lot of disruptions, noise, and dirt.

▪ Environmental Impact

Resurfacing a tub is like reusing it. Professionals repair it to give it a new feel. On the other hand, if you go towards replacement, your old tub is gonna end up in landfills, generating a lot more waste.

The Cost of a Fresh Look: What to Expect

There are multiple factors that can affect the resurfacing cost of a bathtub, but a clear understanding of the key factors will help you realistically plan your budget for a fresh look. Firstly, the material from which a bathtub is made can vary in cost by a significant factor. Fiberglass and acrylic are generally easier and cheaper to refinish, while heavy cast iron or clawfoot tubs require specialized labor and material, hence drastically increasing the overall cost.

Secondly, if the extent of damage is greater, such as deep cracks or chips, it can cost you more, while on the other hand, if your bathtub is maintained or has minor scratches or just a dull color, the cost can be lower for bathtub resurfacing. Lastly, the location where you want resurfacing does matter. In some areas, the cost of materials and labor is high, while in other places, the rates are comparatively cheaper and affordable. The best solution is to get a professional to look at your bathtub and get a quote to understand how much it is going to cost you for a fresh look.

FAQ

1. How long do I have to wait before using the bathtub after resurfacing?

Professionals typically recommend a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours after the completion of resurfacing and final touches to ensure that the bonds are hardened, coatings are placed firmly, and a smooth finish is achieved.

2. Can I change the color of my bathtub during resurfacing?

Yes! One of the significant benefits resurfacing offers is that you can change the color of your bathtub to give it a new look as well as a great, smooth feel.

3. What are the main advantages of resurfacing a bathtub over replacing it?

Resurfacing is cheaper, less time-consuming, and with a lot less disruption and mess. With resurfacing, you can avoid the additional cost of plumbing, demolition, and reusing the old bathtub avoids landfills, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

4. How long does a resurfaced bathtub last?

With proper care, resurfaced bathtubs can last between 5 and 15 years. To ensure longevity, avoid abrasive cleaners and use gentle sponges to keep the finish looking fresh, smooth, and glossy for more extended periods.

5. Are there any fumes during the resurfacing process?

Yes, during the process of resurfacing, fumes are released, but with proper ventilation systems and low-VOC products used by professionals, they can help minimize them. Make sure to keep the windows open and fans running to help with ventilation and air flow.