What is Reglazing?
Reglazing, also called refinishing or resurfacing, is the process of applying a mixture of epoxy and other materials to the tub's surface to give it a clean, smooth finish.
During the reglazing process, the tub is thoroughly cleaned and sanded to remove any stubborn stains. Any chips or cracks in the finish get filled in. The end result is a bathtub that looks and feels as good as new!
The Difference in DIY and Professional Application
Home reglazing kits are available, but this should not be a DIY job. In fact, the chemicals used for reglazing are considered to be dangerous if not handled properly -- it is not a good idea to use them without the proper ventilation equipment.
Professional reglazing is done with attention to safety guidelines. Not only does a professional job look flawless, but the finish can last for a decade or more compared to the one or two years you get from a kit—if you're lucky.
In addition to the great look, there are many good reasons to choose tub refinishing over replacement. Let's explore these in-depth!
1. Bathtub Refinishing is Cost-Effective
It can cost thousands of dollars to replace a bathtub, and the price can go even higher if new flooring, new fixtures, or a new surround are necessary. The national average for professional reglazing is much lower! Costs may increase if the tub has been reglazed before or if the finish is severely damaged. But even the most expensive refinishing job costs a fraction of what a replacement would be.
The durability of refinishing adds to the cost-effectiveness of this procedure, though a reglazed bathtub does require a little extra care to ensure the longest possible life.
Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers. With proper cleaning, a refinished tub that's used daily should last a decade, while a tub in a less frequently used guest bathroom could last up to 30 years. That's a great return for an investment of a few hundred dollars!
2. You Love Your Existing Tub
You might have selected your bathtub because it was the perfect shape or size for the room or because you fell for its visual appeal. Maybe it was part of a set, along with your sink and toilet, and changing out the bathtub would throw off your thoughtful design. Or perhaps you're fortunate enough to have a stunning vintage bathtub that simply can't be replaced.
Whatever the reason, if you like everything about your bathtub except for its dull, scratched surface, reglazing is the perfect solution. With tub reglazing, you can keep the fixtures you love and enjoy a fresh, clean-looking bathroom.
3. There's No Demolition Required
Even minor demolition jobs can get messy. Dust gets everywhere and you may end up cleaning for days, no matter how careful the contractor tries to be. You also have to live with the inconvenience of a dumpster parked in your driveway for who knows how long!
With sink and tile reglazing, there is no loud, dirty demolition to deal with. Instead of waiting weeks for the project to be completed, your newly refinished bathtub can be ready to use in as little as 24 hours.
4. You Can Change Your Style
Porcelain reglazing allows you to refresh your entire bathroom, including the sink and tiles, or even change the color scheme. A professional reglazer can offer many options for tile refinishing and bathroom sink reglazing, too.
Reglazing is an economical and easy way to change out tile colors without all the challenges involved with demolition in a Beverly Hills neighborhood. A refinishing expert may need to remove old grout before reglazing tiles, but if that's necessary, they will complete the job with new grout suited to your new décor.
5. It's Environmentally Friendly
If the thought of taking perfectly good fixtures and tiles to the landfill is stopping you from remodeling your bathroom, you're in good company.
More homeowners in the Beverly Hills area are considering the environmental impact of remodeling before making their final plans. Choosing green products is a start, but reusing materials that can be brought back to life with reglazing is even better.
A professional refinisher has the expertise and materials necessary to reglaze a variety of fixtures in your home, including:
- Bathtubs
- Showers
- Tiles (floor and wall)
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Urinals
- Countertops
Before you sign that expensive contract to remodel your bathroom, consider the environmental impact of traditional construction. With the low cost of porcelain reglazing, you can bring a second life to tired old fixtures and help to keep the environment cleaner at the same time.
Bathtub reglazing is convenient and affordable. The versatility of reglazing gives homeowners the option to remodel an entire bathroom without the high costs or inconvenience of demolition or living in a construction zone for days or weeks.
Even homeowners in the West Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas, where property costs are high, are opting for refinishing, thanks to the many benefits that the process offers.