What Is Bathtub Refinishing?

If you’re a homeowner, then your house is something in which you ought to be able to take pride. If a lackluster bathroom is dragging down the image of your house on a whole, then it might be time to take action – especially if the problem has to do with an old, grungy bathtub.

It’s not uncommon for a bathtub to be a source of homeowner discontent. After all, most household tubs are generally subjected to a fair degree of wear and tear over time, from soap scum to cleaning products to a host of other factors that can result in a dull, dingy bathtub appearance. Of course, the older your house is, the more discolored and grimy your bathtub is likely to be.

If an unappealing bathtub is a definite sore spot within your home, then bathtub refinishing might be a good solution for you. Mario Rappa is the owner of A-Z Nassau Construction Corp., a family-owned general contracting company that has been serving Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City since 1999, and according to him, bathtub refinishing can be a good option for homeowners who don’t have a lot of money to spend on bathroom renovations.

Bathtub refinishing involves taking an old, worn-looking bathtub and improving it’s appearance on the surface. The process generally involves bringing in a contractor to repair any visible nicks, scratches, and holes that a bathtub happens to be sporting. In addition to these types of surface repair, a contractor will generally spray on a layer of protective paint to cover old stains and revive an otherwise tattered-looking tub.

One primary benefit of bathtub refinishing is that it is cheaper than replacing your tub altogether. Since tub replacement involves tricky aspects of remodeling such as demolition and plumbing, it can be an awfully expensive project to tackle. Bathtub refinishing, on the other hand, is a lot less complex, and therefore won’t cost you nearly as much. Additionally, bathtub refinishing is a good option if you don’t want to have to deal with a drawn-out remodeling project. While bathtub replacement can take awhile between all of the various elements involved, bathtub refinishing is a relatively short process that won’t disrupt your normal routine for more than a day.

So when does bathtub refinishing make the most sense? According to Rappa, as long as your bathtub tiles are in good condition, bathtub refinishing can be an economical method of improving the look of your bathroom on a whole. However, if the tub in question has reached a truly horrible state, then salvaging something that is already so far gone might not be such a logical move – especially if tub leaks are part of the equation. Additionally, if you’re planning to splurge for a total bathroom remodel, then it makes a lot more sense to just replace an old tub rather than sink your hard-earned money into something that is already in bad shape.

If your old, yucky bathtub has been bugging you to the point where you’re ready to take action, then bring in a contractor to see if bathtub refinishing is a good idea for you. Remember, your house, on a whole, is a reflection of you, and by having your grungy bathtub refinished, you’ll be doing wonders for both your home and your pride.