Numerous scientific studies have shown that having a bath can improve both one’s physical and mental well-being.
However, if you’re sitting in an unsightly tub that’s chipped, stained, or otherwise unappealing, your bath will be anything but relaxing. Despite this, you should not rush out and get a replacement.
This data has been prepared to help you decide whether it is more cost-effective to replace your bathtub rather than refinish it.
So, let’s get started!
What Exactly Is "Bathtub Reglazing"?
Reglazing a bathtub, often known as recoating or refinishing, is purely cosmetic. It will make your tub look brand new by removing any small surface flaws.
The operation is as follows:
Sanding down the surface of the bathtub is the first step that a skilled and experienced specialist in bathtub repair will take. This removes any flaws or light scratches from the surface. They will then fill any remaining cracks or chips. The bathtub will next be primed and painted. Depending on the sort of tub you have, they may have to apply a variety of treatments.
They will finish with a final buffing after the painting is completed.
A worn-out bathtub can be given new life by reglazing; however, some bathtubs require more substantial repairs than reglazing. Continue reading to learn when it is appropriate to save your tub and when it is time to replace it.
How Often Should You Reglaze Your Tub?
If your bathtub is in good condition, it may be worth retaining. Reglazing may turn unattractive flaws into a gorgeous, smooth surface.
However, your tub can’t be in too poor a shape. Here’s how to tell if reglazing is the best option for your bathtub.
Stains
Your bathtub will ultimately grow stained as a result of use. Even if you clean it on a regular basis, the surface will ultimately develop a weird discoloration that appears to have a yellowish hue to it.
This isn’t rare, but it stinking up the place.
Even if the stains are very dark, the refinishing technique can restore your tub’s natural white appearance. Sanding and repainting will either completely remove the stains or cover them up so that they are no longer apparent after the process is completed.
Surface Scratches
Small and superficial scratches on your tub will be hidden once it has been reglazed. You may also fill in most of the cracks.
You should not, however, reglaze a tub that has one or more large cracks in it. These flaws may jeopardize the structural integrity of your tub or cause leaks. Bathtubs with substantial cracks should be replaced.
In that instance, your bathtub has the potential to become a flood zone with little to no warning.
Budget Restriction
In many circumstances, reglazing is less expensive than buying a new tub.
In addition to the purchasing price, you will have to hire someone to remove the old bathtub from your home. In most circumstances, this entails paying a specialist to remove and dispose of it for you.
As a result, the price may rise.
If you have a restricted budget, reglazing your bathtub might help extend its life at a lesser cost. As a result, you won’t have to empty your money account to obtain a “new” bathtub.
How Often Should You Replace Your Bathtub?
Although reglazing can improve the appearance of your tub and give it new vitality, some tubs are too damaged to be reglazed. The following are some indicators that it is time to replace your bathtub
Your bathtub is showing its age
A bathtub has a typical lifespan of 25 years. If your current tub is approaching or is already older than that age, you should carefully consider replacing it.
Even if it is now operating normally, there is a potential that it will fail in the not-too-distant future. Even while reglazing your tub is less expensive than acquiring a new one, it is not worthwhile if you plan on replacing the tub in the near future.
It is constantly in need of upkeep and repairs
If your bathtub is constantly breaking down and requiring repairs, you might think about replacing it with a brand-new model. If you have to keep spending money on repairs, reglazing a broken tub is a waste of money because you will have to do it again and again.
However, this is a small fix, and nothing to worry about.
After you have fixed the problem and reglazed the surface, you will have a bathtub that will last for a long time. On the other hand, devoting money, time, and effort to maintaining a bathtub that requires numerous repairs each year is not something that should be done.
Time is a constraint
The reglazing operation may require more than one visit to finish. After all, the expert will be unable to buff your bathtub while it is still covered in wet paint, and they will have to wait for the primer to dry before doing any form of painting on the tub.
As a result, you may have to wait a week or two before your bathtub is finished.
If you do not have the luxury of waiting, purchasing a brand-new bathtub is likely to be the most expedient solution. It is likely that you will be able to purchase and install your new tub on the same day.
Major Breach
When a bathtub begins to leak, you should start shopping for a replacement as soon as feasible. Fixing large leaks in a bathtub can be difficult and only provide a temporary remedy. Instead of spending money on a costly repair that may or may not address the problem, it would be better to invest in a new bathtub.
Mold and mildew
If mold or mildew is growing within your tub, you should get rid of it as quickly as possible. Reglazing the surface may conceal the mold, but it will not solve the problem fully. Using a moldy bathtub for an extended period of time might cause serious health complications.
Mold exposure can produce a wide range of symptoms, including the following:
- respiratory issues
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
- Fatigue
- Itchy, red eyes, and so on.
- Mold exposure can also cause more serious health concerns, such as anxiety and depression if left untreated. When mold is discovered in a bathtub, it is critical that it be replaced very away.
Recognizing When Bathtub Refinishing Is Worth It
It will be money well spent if your tub remains in good working order once it has been refinished. Surface imperfections such as scratches, tiny cracks, and stains can be removed with the reglazing procedure.
However, reglazing your bathtub is a complete costly waste if it is old, has leaks, or is covered in mold. You will be forced to buy a new bathtub very soon.
Is your bathtub showing signs of wear and tear?
Simply click this link to learn more about the bathtub repair services we provide and how we might be able to help you.
