Choosing Tub and Tile Refinishing

Anyone considering a bathroom remodel may want to consider a tub and tile refinishing instead of removing and installing a new system. Having your existing tub and tile surround refinished can save you money, time, and inconvenience. In no time at all, you will be showering in a new, fresh environment, free to move on to other home improvement projects.

What Is It?

Tub and tile refinishing is a process designed to restore your bathroom tub and tile. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and the shower is usually ready for use 4 to 5 hours after the process is finished. It is sometimes called re-glazing or resurfacing. Typically, tile is regrouted during the process as well as re-glazed. Some believe that re-glazing is an inaccurate term. In order to glaze, the tile must be fired, and this is not the case with a bathroom refinishing.

The refinishing includes the application of a thin, durable coating over the existing surface. If your tub is porcelain or ceramic, the surface will be covered in a stabilized etching solution designed to maximize the ability of the primer to bond to the original substrate. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are also treated to maximize adhesion.

Who Needs It?

Those who are remodeling their bathroom should consider a tub and tile refinishing. A bathroom remodel that includes fresh paint, a new sink or toilet, and new flooring should not end there. No one wants to shower or bathe in an old tub, surrounded by upgrades in the rest of their bathroom. However, installing a new tub and surround or tiling can be expensive. An efficient option is having the area refinished.

If your tub and shower area is old and moldy, it may be necessary to have it updated. If you are unwilling to make the time commitment to having a new tub and shower installed, a refinishing may be the best option. The growth of mold can be a dangerous toxin in the home. You may find after completing the updates your family will breathe easier and suffer from fewer allergies. The area will also smell fresher once the mold and mildew have been removed. Keep in mind that for a serious mold problem, you may need a specialist to complete the mold removal before the tub refinishing. Speak with your general contractor to determine your specific needs.

Benefits

Some believe that tub and tile refinishing offers the durability of brand new materials. With refinishing, you can double the life of the original tub and tile. Refinishing may also save you money. A new tub may cost $300 to 500, but when you include the removal and disposal fees, installation and plumbing of the new tub, and replacement tile work, you are looking at a sizeable bill. You may find that your $300 tub costs you over $2,000. Refinishing is a cheaper process than replacement once you have added the additional costs.

Refinishing companies claim that the refinishing will neither look nor smell like paint. The tub or shower can be used the same day, and if your original refinishing wears away over the years, subsequent refinishings can be done. The material comes in a wide variety of colors and the procedure is able to fix chips, scratches, and cracks. If your original tiling job was less than desirable, a refinisher can level and sand uneven work.