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. With something heavy enough, it can even happen on a cured reglazed bathtub. If your tub is beyond reglazing and you cannot afford to get a new one, then you should invest in a bathtub liner and fit it. Sand the tub to roughen the surface, which helps the coating stick. Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. (And believe me, the fumes punch you in the nose.). Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. That means refinishing a tub could save you roughly $3,000 since the average price is $480 .Soaking bathtubs start at $10,800 and go up from there. Are you wondering if it is safe to bathe in a reglazed tub? Roth. Thatll help you understand from the start if you should consider it or not. But if you decide to get a reglazing kit and do it yourself, itll cost you about $50-$150, depending on the quality of the kit. The reglazed tub will be dry to the touch in 1 hour, can be recoated in 1-2 hours, and can be used after 3 days. (Airoldi'scontractor brought a fan and blew air out the bathroom window, and she was home during the job, but didn't find the smell intolerable.). Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. That will help this tub last for several more years longer now AND it looks and feels brand new! Refinishing a bathtub is a fraction of the cost to replace your bathtub (around $2,900), so if youre at all hesitant about your DIY skills, hiring a pro is a somewhat small price to pay for your health and safety. Homeowners who dont like the size, shape or location of an existing tub have the chance to totally customize their new space. Solution: The solution to this problem is pretty simple. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. An excellent permanent bathtub liner will cost you about $50-$200, while a disposable one will cost you under $20. The suction cups could damage the coating and void your warranty. Home; About. Fill a container like a kitchen measuring cup or a plastic bowl with water and use it to rinse all areas of the tub. For one, its more cost-effective than getting a new tub, and if well maintained, the reglazed bathtub could serve you for up to 10 years or even more, which is pretty okay. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. *, Last updated on February 20th, 2023 at 04:22 pm. To learn how to paint a bathtub yourself, check out my tutorial here. When we came back the next day, the fumes had pretty much disappeared. ), Advertising, sponsorship, and affiliate disclosure, Copyright 2023 I'll Just Fix It Myself | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. If the layers are not applier properly and there is air in between, bubbles start to pop up. Will insurance cover clean up costs and damages after a flood caused by an underground river? But have you ever thought about what makes this renovation technique so popular among homeowners? 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. Once the coating is dry, remove the tape, reattach hardware, and caulk around the tub. So, ensure you check the condition of the tub before doing it. I say likely because if a tub has never been reglazed or was properly reglazed the first time, then you can sand, repair, and refinish the tub rather easily. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. 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. The original tub almost always needs to be cut into pieces to fit through the bathroom door. Here's how to calculate your real monthly rent, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. this DIY tub refinishing kit found at Amazon, How To Choose The Trim Color Based Off Your Door Color (With Pictures! Spread or spray the cleaner all around to give it a chance to work on every area of the tub. Rust, grime and cracks can quickly turn your relaxing oasis into a gross nightmare, but many of us put off bathtub renovation projects because, well, they're kind of overwhelming. When dealing with an old and ugly bathtub, reglazing is always an option, more so if you cannot afford to replace it. Power washing a reglazed surface could easily lead to peeling or other damage to the coating. A liner is the least invasive option and fairly affordable. "This is the only option that truly enables a homeowner to have a tub or a bathroom that truly meets their specific needs," Rascoe said. Now that youve seen the full list, lets further break down each point so you can make the right decision for your situation. 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. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. DIY With Christines main focus is helping yourenovateanddecorateyour dream home without relying on others or paying a contractor outrageous fees. On top of that, even carrying the bathtubs in and out will require a workforce too. A 'maddening' Brooklyn market: Slower sales dont put a dent in prices, There's a semi-secret list of NYC co-op and condo buildings that are off limits to certain mortgage lenders, A newcomer from Georgia, life on City Island, & more, Leaving the Bay Area for Brooklyn, buying on City Island, & more, NYC foreclosures hit highest level in nearly three years but remain below pre-pandemic numbers, Have your eye on a NYC fixer-upper? 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. Replacing a bathtub costs an average of $3,400, and could cost as much as $13,000. While the walls are open is the time to upgrade the shower valve, install blocking for future grab bars and incorporate niches into the new tile walls, Lantz said. This is especially important when using dish soap, which can be dangerously slippery if left on a tub surface. Bathtubs can also be refinished using DIY bathtub refinishing kits that cost between $50 and $100. After putting on safety goggles and gloves, follow these DIY bathtub refinishing steps: After DIY bathtub refinishing, it's best to avoid using abrasive cleaners to protect the surface. On average, a bathtub liner can cost anywhere between $1,500-4,000. 2. And if you use one of the tub refinishing kits (like this one found at Amazon we used on our rental property), you can tackle this project yourself for less than $100. Also, if you're remodeling and want a larger tub or one with more modern features, such as jets, you'll need to demolish and replace the bathtub instead of refinishing it. How to break the lease for your NYC apartment, What does 'net effective rent' mean? If you opt for that, then you can reglaze partly or entirely. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. However, a severe case can lead to loss of consciousness, cancer, and sometimes death. And when doing the reglazing, wear protective gear such as a gas mask and gloves to protect yourself from the toxic ingredients. Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. To avoid problems and maintain the coating, refrain from adding a bath mat or appliques with suction cups to your tub's surface. Relaxing in a warm bath is a great way to unwind after a hectic day. Over the last 7 years, I have been blogging about home improvement and yes, I own ReliefInBath.com Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You might also now reglazing as refinishing or recoating too. Dumawall Shower Review: My Honest Opinion Of Our Dumawall Shower, How To Paint A Bathtub A Different Color (Easy Picture Tutorial! Refinishing is well-suited to very old tubs, which typically have more character and are made of higher-quality materials than what's available today. So how do you clean a reglazed or painted bathtub to keep the commercial coating sleek and shiny? For example, for a newer, low-quality tub, you'll typically get better results by replacing it with a higher-quality model. This is a much more long-term solution, rather than a Band-Aid fix. Here is a quick list of the pros and cons of reglazing a bathtub:Pros Of Refinishing A BathtubCons Of Refinishing A BathtubMore affordable than a new tub purchaseLikely can only reglaze once (tub can be severely damaged)Quick turn-around timeMust follow proper safety protocolsCan change bathtubs colorMight have to vacate your home for a day or twoRestores the original look of a tubAdds an extra layer of protectionCan be a DIY projectCan restore any bathtub so long as the damage is not too severe. Provided the paint cures well, and the reglazing is done fine, a reglazed bathtub usually is safe to bathe in. More affordable than a new tub purchase. Reglazing a bathtub is an inexpensive way to restore an old bathtub. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. Make sure your reglazing professional is preparing the surface properly before starting reglazing. 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). Must follow proper safety protocols. Also, if the coating is mixed incorrectly or applied in a thin layer, it tends to wear off after some time. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? 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. 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. The process is also otherwise referred to as refinishing, resurfacing, and recoating. Thoroughly rinse the tub, leaving no traces of cleaner. When you choose to reglaze an older cast iron or steel tub, you're giving your family a fresh layer of protection against this health issue. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. (Detailed Answer! Its an especially convenient job if you have two bathrooms because it means you wont be locked out of the bathroom all day longand possibly the next day as wellwhich makes the job a lot more doable. Two of the Why Is Kohler Purist So Expensive And Is It Worth It? Naturally, this is the most time-intensive and expensive option, and involves gutting your existing bathtub in order to install a new one. A cheap bathtub will cost at least $150 brand new (and that doesnt even include the surround). Reglazing can only be performed once. You don't need to buff the surface after every cleaning, but it's an easy way to restore the shine. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home? You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. The material used to etch and glaze is very toxic and the customer would need to leave their house for a day or two so the house could ventilate properly, said Vince Albachiaro, a merchant for Home Depots home services. The project can take up to several weeks or months if you opt for a custom unit. If your bathtubs color doesnt appeal to you anymore, reglaze it. Even if you go for the cheapest options on the market, itll cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Bathtub Reglazing Problems That Appear Almost Immediately, Bathtub Reglazing Problems That May Arise After Years, The Preventive Approach How to Save Your Bathroom Tub from Future Problems, People Also Ask About Tub Reglazing Pros and Cons. The simple fact of the matter is that it is cheaper to reglaze a bathtub than to buy a new one. Vapors from this liquid can collect in the bottom of the tub and cause the person refinishing the tub to asphyxiate or even suffer from a heart attack because methyl chloride turns to carbon monoxide in the body, cutting off oxygen supply. 10 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That You Can Do On A Major Budget! Waiting too long to clean soap scum means that you may need to resort to cleaning methods that might damage your tub. This period may make it seem like the same thing. Plus, there is minimal disturbance as you only need to leave the house a day. Rinse the tub with warm water to remove hair and excess soap residue. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. Jimmy White of Staten Island-based Custom Spraying and Reglazing, who has been doing it for more than 30 years and is considered the reglazer to the starsheworked on Faye Dunaway's and Candace Bergens bathroomssays it can be done in a few hours, plus 24 hours of dry time. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. Its not only unhealthy to breathe in the fumes when youre asleep, but youre also not going to be able to tell the difference between being asleep and unconscious. My name isChristine! You are free to use water (yes, hot water is perfectly fine). Check out our guide below for everything you need to know about bathtub refinishing. 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. Depending on the number and severity of the defects on the old one, it costs roughly $250 to $700 to reglaze a bathtub and restore it to its original look and even improve its aesthetics. 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. Most reglazed bathtubs last 6-10 years, some even up to 15 years, depending on maintenance. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? Bath liners are basically an acrylic replica of your existing bathtub except, you can change the color and skirt style if you want and they're relatively easy to install. But before you can change its color, you should check for cracks, dents, and other imperfections and sand them first. Pro: You Will Save Money. Bathtub reglazing problems are often due to poor installation and result in flaking, peeling, or bubbled coating. Tubs that are in bad disrepair might also not be suited for reglazing. So, yes, bathtub reglazing is worth it. That way, you won't end up back with the pitted and discolored tub that you probably just refinished. Theres nothing quite like a relaxing bubble bath at the end of a long hard day. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. Reglazing problems that occur years later are typically due to usage and may result in scratches, gouges . In this article, Ill talk about all the potential problems you can face after you reglazed your luxurious bathtub with solutions. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Otherwise, the chipping can further damage the rest of the reglazed areas. 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. It often involves these tips: The cost of reglazing a bathtub depends on whether you go DIY or hire a reglazing expert. What Is The Ideal Spray Paint Temperature? 11. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (read more about that here), and overall, is pleased with the results. Timing: Getting a bath liner installed typically only takes a day or two to complete! For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Thats a great deal, because an entire replacement cost, especially if you have it professionally done, can run well into the thousands of dollars. It is only normal to expect a polished feel when using the bathtub after reglazing. However, you may have to wait for a day or two before you can use the tub. Bed Bath & Beyond first started in 1971, and it eventually went public in 1992. So, without wasting any time, lets dive in. Solution: The solution to fading is pretty straightforward. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. Also, if the finishing coating is not applied properly, that can be another potential cause. However, more than 14 people have lost their lives since 2000 while working on reglazing various fixtures in bathrooms. I say most because it all depends on the severity of damage to your bathtub. You can also update your tub to a shower in some cases. Want to know more? The substances pros use to reglaze a tub can be a bit dangerous. Remove all metal drains, faucets, and hardware as needed. Also, any cleaner can damage a tub's finish if it's allowed to dry on the surface. (Hot & Cold Weather Tips), Why Do Farmers Spray Paint Cows? Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. The Importance of Ventilation We understand you want to do a tub repair for rust stains and damage. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. 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. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. Cons Of Refinishing A Bathtub. How to Budget Accordingly, A Guide to the Best Chimney Repair Companies Across Several U.S. States, Buying a Granite Composite Sink? If you have a tub that has seen better days, but you dont want to remove and replace it completely, then you may need to have it reglazed or refinished to restore it to its original state. Power washing old or original tile in a tub and shower can be done but it's not common and you should never attempt it on a reglazed surface. But like every other DIY project, bathtub reglazing has its advantages and drawbacks, and thats why this post talks about reglazing bathtub pros and cons. If done properly with professional refinishers, reglazing can make your bathtub look new again. Minor exposure to methylene chloride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, numbness, headaches, or throat irritation. Reglazing allows you to pick a color coat that inspires you and one thats warm. Pricing varies based on the material you choose and the level of customization (shelving and other accessories cost more). The best part is that you get to retain your bathtub style and color or upgrade it whichever way you want. After it is cured, it is safe to bathe in the reglazed tub. Manage Settings 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. The process isn't always the best solution, of course. 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. Yes, if the reglazing is done properly. As I briefly mentioned above, we used this DIY tub refinishing kit found at Amazon and it was perfect! Small levels can cause a lifetime of health damage. After ensuring you have proper ventilation, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the paint. Now we know that reglazing can retain the old look of your bathtub by removing all the scratches, cracks, and stains. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. Learn More. Solution: If the reglaze feels sticky, the first thing to do is not panic. Thank you for supporting my website! Bubbling is one of the most common problems you can face after reglazing a bathtub. The last drawback to reglazing a tub is that youll likely have to stay the night somewhere else until the fumes wear off. The third benefit of refinishing a bathtub is how easy it is to change the color of your tub. There might also be flooring, trim, surrounds, and plumbing that will need to be removed and replaced. Although this work is usually best left to a trained contractor, there are DIY bathtub refinishing kits ($80, The Home Depot) available at many home improvement stores. Well, look no further because Ive got your answer! 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. Provided the paint cures well, and the reglazing is done fine, a reglazed bathtub usually is safe to bathe in. The most you can get from it is 6-10 years, depending on the maintenance and if the reglazing was professionally done. Cons of Refinishing a Tub. Among different problems caused by thin layers of coating, fading is most likely to happen. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. The fumes from this kind of work are generally so heavy, that youll have to spend the nightand probably a full dayout of your home while everything cures and the fumes die down. *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. Does he owe me? You can totally transform your existing bathtub! However, when your bathtub is dingy or deteriorating, taking a bath can be a much less pleasant experience. New Yorkers moving out of state save more money on housing than taxes, 5 houses for sale in Margaretville, NY, a small town in the Catskills, 5 houses for sale in Sagaponack, the most expensive zip code in NY. But if some of the salt clumps together, it can clog your drain and leave you with a big mess. All we did was open up windows and doors, wear face masks (which certainly helped), and had a fan running to suck the fumes out of the room. If your tub has seen better days and reglazing just wont cut it, a liner might be the best option. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If that doesnt work, you might need to apply a new coating on the tub. As you can see here, poor preparation can turn into bigger issues and mess the whole thing up. Apply the primer with a roller and foam brush, and let it dry as directed. As mentioned earlier, reglazing needs layers of primer and paint. A refinished surface is easy to clean, resistant to mold and mildew, and makes the tub look like new. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Looking at reglazing bathtub pros and cons might help us find the answer. It's a common question, and the answer is yes, it's safe to bathe in a reglazed tub. Lets face it; its cheaper to reglaze a bathtub than get a new one. However, there are some bathtub reglazing problems too, that you should be aware of. This way, itll be easier for you to relate and understand the problems as we advance. It is an inexpensive and quick process to restore bathtubs by sanding down the surface, filling in the cracks and chipped areas, applying layers of primer and paint, and buffing the surface. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Its also undeniable that a few issues could arise due to wrong technique or usage. We Service Homes, Apartments, Motels and Hotels. If the work isnt done properly, the surface not prepared properly or if there are an pre-existing conditions (water having gotten in anywhere, for instance) you are basically just covering up a problem that will resurface again soon enough," said Dean F. Rascoe, sales and marketing director at remodeling company G.M. After knowing what bathroom reglazing is and its benefits, dont get too excited just yet. If you think reglazing your bathtub is permanent, then you are wrong.
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