Numerous scientific studies have shown that having a bath can improve one’s physical and mental well-being.
However, if you’re sitting in an unsightly tub that’s chipped, stained, or otherwise unappealing, your bath will be everything but enjoyable. Despite this, it does not follow that you should go out and buy a replacement right away.
This information has been prepared to aid you in assessing whether it is more cost-effective for you to replace your bathtub rather than refinish it.
So let’s get started!
What Exactly Does "Bathtub Reglazing" Mean?
Reglazing a bathtub, which is also called recoating or refinishing, is a repair that has nothing to do with how it works. It will get rid of any small flaws on the surface of your tub, making it look as good as new.
Here’s how the process works:
The first thing a trained and experienced bathtub repair expert will do is sand down the surface of the tub. This gets rid of any spots or small scratches on the surface. After that, they will fill in any remaining cracks or chips. Then, they will put a coat of primer on the bathtub and then paint it. Depending on the kind of tub you have, they may have to use more than one product.
After the painting is done, they will give it one last buffing to finish.
The reglazing process can give a worn-out bathtub a new lease on life. However, some bathtubs need more extensive repairs than just reglazing. Read on to learn when it’s a good idea to keep your tub and when it’s time to get a new one.
How Frequently Should You Reglaze Your Bathtub?
If your bathtub is in a state that is considered to be fairly outstanding in terms of maintenance, it may be worth preserving. Reglazing can make unattractive flaws disappear and reveal a gorgeous, smooth surface.
However, your tub cannot be in disrepair. Here’s how you can tell if reglazing is the best choice for your bathtub.
Stains
Because of use, your bathtub will ultimately become stained. Even if you clean it often, the surface will ultimately develop a weird discoloration with a yellowish hue to it.
This is not rare, but it does foul up the place.
Even if the stains are very dark, the refinishing technique can restore the original white color of your tub. Sanding and repainting will either completely remove the stains or cover them up so that they are no longer apparent after the process is finished.
The Surface Has Scratches
Small and superficial scratches on your tub will be hidden after it has been reglazed. You can also fill up the majority of the cracks.
However, you should not reglaze a tub that has one or more large cracks in it. These flaws could jeopardize the structural integrity of your tub or cause leaks. Bathtubs with substantial cracks should be replaced as soon as possible.
In that instance, your bathtub could quickly become a flood zone with little to no warning.
Budget Limitation
In many circumstances, reglazing is less expensive than purchasing a new tub.
You will need to hire someone to remove the old bathtub from your property in addition to making a financial commitment in the acquisition. In most circumstances, this entails paying a professional to remove and dispose of it for you.
As a result, the price may end up being greater.
If you only have a small amount of wiggle room in your budget, reglazing your bathtub can assist extend its life at a lesser cost. As a result, you won’t have to empty your savings account to acquire a “new” bathtub.
How Often Should Your Bathtub Be Replaced?
The reglazing process can improve the appearance of your tub and give it new vitality, however, some tubs are too damaged to be reglazed. The following are some indicators that it might be time to replace your bathtub.
Your bathtub is beginning to show its age
A bathtub has a typical lifespan of about 25 years. If your tub is approaching or is currently older than that age, you should definitely consider replacing it.
Even if it is now operational, there is a potential that it will fail in the not-too-distant future. Even while reglazing your tub is less expensive than acquiring a new one, it is not worth it if you plan on replacing the tub in the near future.
It is constantly in need of maintenance and repairs
If your bathtub is constantly breaking down and requiring repairs, you might think about replacing it with a new model. If you have to keep spending money on repairs, reglazing a broken tub is a waste of money because you will have to do it repeatedly.
However, this is a small fix, and there is nothing to worry about.
After you have addressed the problem and reglazed the surface, you will have a bathtub that will last for a long time. Investing money, time, and effort into maintaining a bathtub that requires numerous repairs each year, on the other hand, is not something that should be done.
Time Restriction
The reglazing operation may necessitate more than one visit. After all, the expert won’t be able to buff your bathtub while it’s still wet, and they’ll have to wait for the primer to dry before they can do any painting on it.
As a result, it’s conceivable that you’ll have to wait a week or two before your bathtub is finished.
If you don’t have the luxury of waiting, purchasing a new bathtub is likely to be the most convenient solution. It’s possible you’ll be able to buy and install your new tub on the same day.
Significant Leaks
If your bathtub begins to leak, you should start shopping for a replacement as soon as possible. Fixing major leaks in a bathtub can be difficult and only provide a temporary remedy. Rather than spending money on a costly repair that may or may not address the problem, it would be better to invest in a new bathtub.
Mold and mildew are both present
If your tub has mold or mildew growing inside of it, you should get rid of it as quickly as possible. Reglazing the surface may conceal the mold, but it will not completely eliminate the problem. Using a moldy bathtub for an extended period of time might cause serious health issues.
Mold exposure can result in a number of symptoms, including the following:
- Respiratory issues
- Headaches
- Allergy-related reactions
- Fatigue
- Itchy and red eyes, for example.
- If left ignored, mold exposure can lead to more serious health issues such as anxiety and despair. When mold is discovered in a bathtub, it is critical that it be replaced quickly.
Recognizing the Times When Bathtub Refinishing Is Beneficial
It will be money well spent if your tub is still in good working order once it has been refinished. Surface imperfections such as scratches, tiny cracks, and stains can be removed with the reglazing procedure.
However, if your bathtub is ancient, has leaks, or is covered with mold, reglazing it is a complete expensive waste. You won’t have much of an option but to get a new bathtub shortly.
Is your bathtub beginning to show signs of wear and tear?
Simply click this link to learn more about our bathtub repair services and how we might be able to help you.
