Bathroom, along with kitchen remodels, are two of the most common home renovation projects completed by both DIY-ers and contractors each year? Why? Well, these are the two rooms in a home where the most time is spent. However, you shouldn’t be spending too much time rub-a-dub-dubbin’ in an old bathtub that has a chipped, scratched, or worn surface. These nicks and dents are not only unsightly, but they’re the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs that can cause infection.
However, before you get too gung-ho about your bathroom remodel and decide to purchase a completely new bathtub, you may want to consider a simple bathtub refinish. Refinishing a bathtub, also commonly referred to as bathtub resurfacing, gives you the best of both worlds: the look and feel of brand new bathtub for a fraction of the cost.
Bathtub refinishing is a cost-effective alternative to total bathtub replacement that yields similar results. In fact, you might even consider the end result better than if you were replacing a bathtub. In fact, replacing a bathtub can turn into one, big, hot, expensive mess.
Sure, the cost of an average-sized brand new bathtub is only a few hundred dollars, however, this cost does not include labor or disposal fees. In addition, it’s common for contractors to discover hidden electrical or plumbing problems when installing a new bathtub, especially in older houses. This can drive the cost of what you thought was a simple bathtub remodel to a figure much higher than you expected.
So what does bathtub refinishing involve? Professional bathtub refinishers will first fill any surface dents, nicks, or scratches with a polyester putty, such as Bondo, which is then sanded to a satiny smooth finish. From there, a final top coat or glaze is applied, which will then cure hard and shiny. A properly refinished bathtub can last for an additional ten years, which saves you both time and money.
