Things to Know When Reglazing Bathtubs

If your old cast iron tub is an eyesore, reglazing it may be the best option. Consider these factors when planning the project.

1. Condition of Bathtub

Most bathtubs can be reglazed. Rust spots, scratches, and discoloration can be quickly repaired with a reglaze. If you have a vintage tub of unusual design or a claw foot tub that is difficult or impossible to replace, then reglazing is your only hope. Reglazing the tub yourself can save up to 90% of the cost of professional reglazing or replacing the tub.

2. Work Involved

Reglazing a bathtub is a great deal of work. The tub must be sanded, smoothed, and coated. Some finishes require heat to set the new glaze. Get advice from your local home improvement store so that you can understand the methods used to reglaze tubs. There are wipe-on products and spray-on products. The quality between them is vastly different.

3. Repair or Replace

Cast iron bathtubs are expensive to replace; they are also heavy to deliver. The doorways may not be wide enough to fit the tub, in which case, reglazing is the only answer. That is especially true in many older homes. Keeping the iron tub also means deeper baths and warmer water.

4. Inconvenience

Reglazing takes your bathroom out of commission for several days. There is also the problem of dust from sanding and also the odor of the glaze. Only use the correct cleaners to clean the tub. Most cleaners can't be used on a reglazed tub. A reglazed tub will also scratch and chip more easily that the original finish.

5. Professional Reglaze

Professional reglazing can be very expensive. In many cases, it is more cost effective to replace the tub than it is to reglaze it. Professional reglazing usually comes with a warranty to protect against damage.