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I was wondering if it is worth refinishing my bath tub or if I should just replace it with a new one ? What are the pros and cons?
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Matt,
I've had one experience with a "painted" tub in my 30 years of remodeling kitchens and baths. As I turned the tub drain in, the paint started coming off. Tub refinishing costs a little more than a new cast tub. But you have to add the cost of installing the tub and the surround.
Mark Daniels
*For fiberglass or acyric, it is probably not worth it. Those tubs are so inexpensive it is not worth it.For cast iron, it is only worth it if you like the tub. I do a lot of historical restoration, and many folks like the appeal of a cast iron footed tub, with brass feet and old fashioned faucets. Expect to pay fairly big bucks for a decent quality job, and the best jobs like to remove the tub and apply the re-surface material in their shop.The stuff will come off, so get a guaranty. Expect them to last between 3-8 years, more if you don't use a rubber non slip mat.
*In most cases, refinishing (done the right way by an experienced pride oriented company with a good track record) is by far the best way to go. The tub will never be quite as tuff as factory (Tile setters do need to be extra careful on these refinish jobs), but plenty good enough if treated with a bit of care. Retile or regrout first and get all that bottom caulk out of there -- that's in your best interest.Oh yeah, the alternative --- probably having to tear out and replace (match that texture and paint) that wall in the hallway, maybe some minor stairway modifications. Oh no Mr Bill another 24" doorway to dismantle! -- maybe we can pop that 4' x 6' window and get it out that way -- Oops. That old rent a helicopter hole in the roof trick works every time. Where there is a will there is a way and it may not be quite that bad, but a good refinisher will most certainly be better.Good Building,Jim Malone
*Matt,I started out as a painting contractor -- for a time I checked out getting into the tub refinishing business and ultimately decided not to. To do a quality job takes fanatical prep work and the end result is still much more fragile than original baked enamel. There is no way to guarantee anything past 3-5 years. SO unless you are moving next year or have an historical tub or oddball 56" length or quality ceramic surround in seafoam green & pink that you cant bear to part with, replacement will get you 15-50 years down the road instead.
*Had my tub refinished 1.5 years ago. The contractor used "American Standard white" to match the new toilet and sink. It saved me a lot of hassle and so far it looks great. Maybe I'll change my tune five years from now, but as it stands I'm very happy with it.
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I was wondering if it is worth refinishing my bath tub or if I should just replace it with a new one ? What are the pros and cons?