Can fiberglass tubs REALLY be refinished well?
#1
10-14-16, 05:33 AM
Can fiberglass tubs REALLY be refinished well?
I am doing a bath remodel soon. The fiberglass tub/shower is in great condition, but the wrong color. I need it to be white. I have seen products to paint tubs. I might believe you can get the right paint, but I am having a hard time believing you can get a slick application with a brush or roller. I want the finish to look like it did brand new.
Does anyone have experience with refinishing a fiberglass tub or shower that they could share?
Does anyone have experience with refinishing a fiberglass tub or shower that they could share?
#2
10-14-16, 05:41 AM
Group Moderator
Yes, fiberglass tubs can be refinished. A professional can achieve results rivaling a new tub. Unfortunately I have never seen a DIY kit from a big box home center produce the same results. If you want to do it yourself I get my materials from Hawk Research Labs. It requires the tools, labor and skill but great results can be achieved but I think for most people you are better off hiring a professional.
#3
10-14-16, 06:18 AM
I would add that the main reason most diy tub reglazing jobs fail is lack of prep! They often peel around the drain because either it wasn't removed or cleaned up well enough. Some will get better looking results with a brush or roller than others but the best way to get a nice looking finish is to spray it on. I agree it's a job best left for a pro.
#4
10-14-16, 06:20 AM
Hi Pilot Dane,
Thanks for the response. Although I want to save money I know if I make a mess of it I would likely have to rip the tub out. I would likely hire a pro to do the job for me as long as I get a slick finish and a finish that lasts.
Have you heard any ballpark figures for refinishing a tub/show enclosure?
Thanks for the response. Although I want to save money I know if I make a mess of it I would likely have to rip the tub out. I would likely hire a pro to do the job for me as long as I get a slick finish and a finish that lasts.
Have you heard any ballpark figures for refinishing a tub/show enclosure?
#5
10-14-16, 11:56 AM
Group Moderator
You'll just have to call for estimates in your area. In some big city markets it can be more expensive than a new tub & surround, like with a comma in the price. In other areas it might be $300-$500. I would get prices from several people in your area. If there is one that's significantly lower than the others there is probably a reason.
#6
10-14-16, 02:42 PM
Is there something I should be looking for? Some specific type of paint they will use or process that would be an indicator of someone who will do a quality job?
#7
10-14-16, 02:44 PM
After all the prep work is done they'll seal off the bath room and spray on the coating. I'm not sure what coating they use but it isn't the typical tub/tile paint that is available to diyers.
#9
10-17-16, 10:24 AM
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There's a few franchise places that do this like Miracle Method at https://www.miraclemethod.com/fiberg...efinishing.htm, or if you want to try it yourself there's still options even if they're not going to be flawless. You need a gel-based paint since it's the only kind that would adhere to fiberglass in these situations, but it isn't impossible.
#11
10-17-16, 02:07 PM
So far I got one estimate at $679. No repairs are needed. Just want it changed to white. Does this sound reasonable?
