Bathtub
Refinishing, Can Save Time and Money
By Heber Nelson
 |
| Colored
tubs from the ’40s through the ’70s can be refinished
to match the color scheme that will tie-in your bathroom remodel
without removing the tub or tile. Tile can be refinished too. |
 |
| After |
 |
| The
finish of this tub was worn down to the metal and at first glance
one would think that it was beyond help, but as you see below
refinishing gave new life to this tub for years to come. |
 |
| After |
Bathtubs, no matter
who made them, eventually have their surfaces worn off through use,
interaction with water deposits, standing water, but mostly the surfaces
are worn off from harsh cleansers. No matter how hard you try, if
you have an old worn-out tub, there is no way to get rid of the yellowing,
or to get the dirt out of the cracks. This is where bathtub refinishing
comes in.
Bathtub refinishing
is a serious trade and those who are good at it have had extensive
training and practice. Your fixtures will have a new look that is
easy to maintain and will last a long time, keeping a beautiful finish
when properly cared for.
Many homeowners
choose to refinish instead of buying a new tub because in order to
replace a tub you have to remove the tub, any tile, sheetrock overhanging
the tub lips, disconnect the water supplies, and possibly damage the
floor, plus they are heavy and bulky. In addition, many tubs were
installed years ago before the bathroom was finished, and may not
fit through the door. Once removed you will also need to find a way
to dispose of it.
The cost of refinishing
is usually much less than installing a new tub, be it with acrylic
or with a cast iron type. A typical tub refinishing job runs $300
to $400.
The process of
refinishing begins with a very thorough cleaning job, followed by
repairing any damage and then bonding so that the new finish will
stick to the old surface. With the spot repair, a chip, small crack,
or blister is repaired to blend into the surrounding surface. Professional
bathtub refinishers take about half a day per tub, in your home, to
do this job. Generally you can begin using the tub again within one
to two days. Most tub refinishing companies also repair countertops,
sinks, tile, and acrylic tubs.
Most people go
with a white finish, but the color selection is limitless. The popular
harvest golds and turquoise of a couple decades ago can really date
your home. Updating the bathroom with modern colors is another reason
to resurface. For example, if you have a sink in a beauty shop that
you want refinished, you might go with a stylish black. Or a guest
bathroom might work well with a red sink — it’s possible.
Clawfoot bathtubs
can also be refinished as they are generally not built in and both
the interior and exterior of the tub can be resurfaced. This provides
an excellent way to gain some additional color appeal in updating
your fixtures. The pedestal feet can also be customized with chrome,
polished, or brushed nickel or even gilded with 24-carat gold.
If you are refinishing
the interior of your tub, a slip-resistant surface can be applied.
This type of surface is easy to clean and increases safety. Avoid
using rubber decals, which collect dirt and allow water to sit on
the surface underneath. And when using rubber mats, these need to
be removed after every use or the water trapped underneath them will
damage the finish of your tub.
Foam cleaners
work well on refinished tubs, but mild soap and water will also do
the job quite well. Abrasive cleaners will damage the new finish and
should never be used.
Of the many remodeling
jobs that you can do to update your home, having a professional tub
refinisher apply his expertise is an easy fix that is cost effective,
color coordinated, and can be finished in no time at all. |
