Are you looking to have your bathroom remodeled? One of the most popular ways to update a bathtub is by reglazing it. This process involves stripping off any old layers of paint, sanding down rough areas, and filling scratches or dents before applying a protective coating on top. If you are considering this option for your bathroom renovation, then this blog post will talk about reglazing bathtub pros and cons.
Most people choose to hire professionals when they want their bathtubs reglazed because there are many different aspects that need to be done correctly.
For this reason, they don’t realize that there are many pros and cons to reglazing a bathtub. In this article, we shall outline both sides so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to go through with the process.
Reglazing Bathtub Pros and Cons
The benefits (Pros) of bathtub reglazing or refinishing
1. Fresh new look
Reglazing a tub restores some of the beauty that has been lost over time due to wear and tear or damage from exposure to water.
This is because the process involves removing all the old, peeling paint from your tub and replacing it with a new coating.
When sanding, hard water stains are removed from your tub in order to give it a fresh new look. If there is any chipping in the enamel, it is repaired during this process as well.
2. Eliminates and prevents mold growth
Mold is not just gross, it can also be dangerous.
Over time, mold growth in a bathtub will cause the porcelain to break down and release harmful spores into your home’s air.
A professional reglazing service fixes this problem. Applying a new surface layer of enamel ensures that no more water gets trapped underneath the cracks which prevent future mold from forming.
See also: How to clean a reglazed tub
3. Less expensive than replacing the tub
If you’re looking for a quick, easy way to update your bathtub then reglazing is the best option. The process is affordable and often less expensive than replacing a tub with a new one.
In addition, refinishing prevents costly renovations down the road by fixing minor damage on your tub now.
4. Protect against wear and tear
You may be surprised to learn that a reglazed bathtub can last for decades.
This is because the process of applying a new coating provides protection against wear and tear, which means your investment in a quality bathroom renovation will never go down with time.
And if you’re looking for more reasons why it might make sense to consider getting your old tub resurfaced; it enhances your home’s property value.
See also: Best refinished bathtub mats without suction cups
5. It’s a chance to change the color of your tub
Bathtub refinishing is a great way to change the color of your tub if you want to.
Instead of having to buy a new bathtub, you can make it look like you have an entirely new one with just some sandpaper and paint!
Bathtub reglazing problems (Cons)
It is important to know the cons and problems of bathtub reglazing before you decide to go ahead with this project. This will give you a better idea as to whether or not it’s for you. Some of the problems include;
1. Safety concerns
We all want to save money and have our bathtubs look like new. But sometimes, there may be some safety concerns associated with the process of reglazing.
First, the products used to strip off the old paint might contain toxic substances. Second, some bathtub refinishing kits produce harmful fumes.
Therefore, it’s important to use the right type of paint and ensure proper ventilation when you’re reglazing your tub, or else you’ll be breathing in a lot more than just fresh air.
You can also turn to safer alternatives instead of using toxic refinishing kits. Some of these safer alternatives include applying an epoxy coating, resurfacing with porcelain enamel paint, or painting the tub with an acrylic undercoat and topcoat for more durability.
See also: Best safe bathtub refinishing products
2. It’s not an easy task
Bathtub refinishing is not an easy task to do yourself. You need to be careful with what type of finish you use on your tub because it can affect how well it looks in the long haul.
Thus, you might need professional help, especially when choosing the right refinishing products for your specific tub and surface material type.
3. You have to wait for hours to use the tub
When you have your bathtub refinished, you will need to wait a few hours before using it.
It is important to let the new finish cure and dry out completely so that there are no bubbles or stains on the surface of the tub.
The length of time for this curing process varies depending on many factors like humidity levels in the air (higher humidity means longer drying time). But typically people can use their refinished bathtubs within 24-48 hours after they’ve been resurfaced.
See also: How long does it take for a refinished tub to dry
4. Reglazed tubs tend to be very slippery
Reglazed bathtubs can become quite slippery if the process is not done right and with the right products.
Failing to add a non-skid coating during reglazing can make the tub extremely slippery once it cures.
If you don’t want to redo the reglazing, you should make sure to use a non-slip bath mat that does not have suction cups.
See also: Reasons for reglazed tub peelingÂ
Conclusion
Bathtubs are an important part of a home or apartment. They’re often the focal point and can create a relaxing atmosphere when used in conjunction with candles, bath salts, bubbles, etc. However, it’s not uncommon for them to get scratched up over time because they see so much wear and tear from day-to-day use.
There are many ways you can go about fixing this problem such as using polishing compounds on specific scratches that have been around long enough to collect dirt particles. But if your tub is severely scratched all over then you might want to hire someone who specializes in reglazing baths.
If this is the route you want to take, you need to first consider some of the common reglazing bathtub pros and cons as discussed above.
