DREAM HOUSE

Bathtub refinishing has many options. A lot of people hear the phrase bathtub refinishing and they think complete bathtub repair and reglazing. Others may think of simply changing the color of the tub with fresh bathtub paint or repairing a small chip in the existing finish. And another person may think of installing a bathtub liner when they hear someone say bathtub refinishing. In reality a bathtub refinishing project can mean anyone of these things or even several of them in a single project depending on the individual’s requirements. With all these possibilities, how do you know where to start?

Let’s look at some scenarios. Say you moved into a house that needs some work and your bathtub has big chips, or even cracks, in its uneven surface with an outdated finish color. If you plan on living in this house for a significant time then a refinishing project will need to involve repairing those chips and cracks and reglazing the bathtub with a tough acrylic in a more modern color.

Another scenario may be that you are on a tighter budget or won’t be living in the house very long. Then your project may involve installing a bathtub liner and maybe even a tub surround.

What if you are someone that for whatever reason just needs something that will make the bathtub look better for a short time? Maybe you are a landlord, or you plan on selling your house soon. Then your project would most likely just be a simple paint job with some bathtub paint.

As you can see there are several possible requirements and outcomes possible for a bathtub refinishing project. It will be the reasons for your bathtub refinishing project that will help you decide what options you go with. Here is some information you will need to know.

Bathtub Repair: Repairing your bathtub, if required, is a very important step in bathtub refinishing. By repairing the current surface you create a good foundation to begin your bathtub refinishing job. This task can be as simple as filling in a gouge or a small chip, or as complex as repairing a long crack down the side of your tub. Regardless of the complexity of the repair the basic steps are similar. First you must bevel the edges of the repair site. This can be done with a sharp tool such as a putty knife or even a grinding tool. Then you need to fill the repair area. You should “over fill” the area slightly to make the blending process easier. And finally you need to blend the area to match the contour of your tub. Use progressively finer grades of sand paper to complete this. For more information on bathtub repair visit http://refinishingyourbathtub.com/bathtub-repair/.

Bathtub Paint: Bathtub paint can be a very inexpensive method to complete a bathtub refinishing project. However it must be pointed out that painting a tub is not a long term sollution. Because of the process and materials used with bathtub paint, the final result is not as strong as other refinishing options. This is not to say that you should avoid bathtub paint. If painting meets your refinishing needs, then it probably is the best choice for you. The basic steps for painting a tub are preparation and application of the paint. Preparation typically includes a thorough cleaning of the tub surface or maybe applying some sort of primer. Application of the paint can be brushed on, rolled on, or in some cases sprayed on.

Bathtub Reglazing: Bathtub reglazing is probably the most common choice when refinishing bathtubs. This is due to the impact it has. Reglazing has the ability to take an old rundown tub and make it appear like new again. Reglazing basically removes the old warn finish and replaces it with a new one. When done correctly reglazing can, and usually does, last a long time, unlike paint. The strength and durability of reglazing comes from the materials used and its application process. Depending on the product selected reglazing can include up to a five step process: stripping the old finish, sanding the surface, cleaning the tub, applying a primer coat, and applying either an acrylic or urethane coating. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and complete each step as directed. If the goal of your bathtub refinishing project is to create a nice looking finish the will stand the test of time, then reglazing is the choice for you. You can get more information on reglazing at http://refinishingyourbathtub.com/bathtub-reglazing/.

Bathtub Liners: Bathtub liners are quick and easy bathtub refinishing options that can give your bathtub a new look without much time or money. Bathtub liners are basically a drop-in “cover” for the existing bathtub. Liners are typically made from the same material that new bathtubs are made from. Many people choose this bathtub refinishing option because very little work is required to be done to the existing bathtub. Bathtub liners are one piece and are installed right on top of the existing bathtub (picture a tub inside of a tub). A couple things to consider when looking at bathtub liners as a bathtub refinishing choice would be look and feel. Liners always look smaller than the old bathtub. This is because they are. Remember the bathtub liner are required to fit inside the existing bathtub. Also, liners can feel hollow in places. If the liner doesn’t match up exactly to the existing bathtub then there will be spots that are not lying directly on the existing tub and you may feel the difference in these spots.

Whether you do the bathtub refinishing project yourself or hire a local professional to do it, it is important that you know your facts. Having the right information will help you decide what you need to do and decide what products you are going to need to complete your bathtub refinishing project, saving you time and money in the process.

Filed under: Bathroom Furniture