There's no doubt that resurfacing a bathtub is cost-effective and convenient, but can every type of tub benefit from this technique? The answer is yes ... almost. Bathtubs that are severely damaged may not be repairable.
Some bathtub styles are more well-suited to reglazing than others. If you have questions about reglazing your tub, speak with a professional. To help, we'll discuss the best styles for professional reglazing below.
1. Vintage Clawfoot Bathtub
There is a romance about an old clawfoot tub that some people simply can't resist. Sinking down into a deep, swoop-backed tub for a long hot soak may actually be a life goal. And what a good one! But no amount of bubbles or lavender-scented salts can hide the fact your antique dream tub is rusty, chipped, and dull-looking.
Bathtub reglazing is a great option for a vintage clawfoot tub for several reasons. First, these tubs are beautiful and worth preserving. What a shame it would be to take a clawfoot to the landfill just because it was looking its age.
Second, antique clawfoot tubs are expensive when you can find them. Even in the glamorous Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles areas, they are hard to find. And new reproductions can cost thousands of dollars.
If you're fortunate enough to have a treasure like this, it's worth investing a small amount to restore it to its original glory.
Lastly, this style of vintage tub is made from cast iron. They are heavy! The cost of having a clawfoot removed can be high. Even if you have a group of strong and willing friends, getting one of these monsters up or down the stairs, through narrow hallways and doorways is nearly a Herculean feat. There's no need to go through all that trouble when a professional bathtub refinishing service can transform a worn tub into a showpiece.
2. Walk-In Tub
A walk-in tub is an investment in your safety and future independence. Homeowners that use wheelchairs or who have disabled family members may opt for a walk-in because of the accessibility they offer.
Some people simply enjoy the convenience of being able to sit up comfortably while they enjoy a nice hot bath. Whatever the reason, a walk-in bathtub plays an important role for some families. It is worth the nominal cost to keep it looking stylish and feeling comfortable for years to come.
3. Acrylic Bathtub
Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight and durable. They are intended to last for many years. The flexible material allows for a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs that aren't often available with other types of bathtubs. They also tend to be less expensive than fiberglass tubs.
For all of these reasons, if you've got a great acrylic tub, you probably want to keep it as long as possible. Tub refinishing is the perfect way to keep an acrylic fixture looking bright and inviting, no matter how old it gets.
4. Tile-Surround Bathtub
Replacing a tub that's surrounded with tile instead of an acrylic or fiberglass surround usually means a major demolition job. Even if you want to save the tile, it may be necessary to remove at least some of it in order to get the old tub out and the new one fitted.
Bathtub reglazing not only leaves your tile safely in place -- the tile itself can also be refinished if you'd like! Tile refinishing allows you to revive vintage tiles you love or change the color and sheen of tile you're not exactly crazy about.
Tile reglazing is durable enough to withstand everyday use, making it practical for the main bathroom or the rarely used guest bath.
In fact, with bathroom sink reglazing, you can create a completely new look throughout your entire bathroom—tub, tile, and sink! Talk to a professional reglazer to learn about custom color and sheen options.
5. Rental Property Bathtubs
If you need a quick and easy fix for bathtubs in your rental property, refinishing is the answer. It costs less and takes less time than replacing bathtubs that have seen better days.
With refinishing, there's no need to leave the property empty for weeks while demolition and installation are completed. The newly finished bathtub will be ready to use in 48 hours.
A fresh, clean-looking bathroom can help to draw interest from potential renters and encourage occupants to take good care of your building. You don't have to live in Beverly Hills to care about your home. When you show pride in your property, tenants are more likely to do the same.
You can even consider refinishing to freshen the kitchen, too. A professional reglazer can refurbish countertops and appliances, as well as bathtubs and sinks.
Is Bathtub Refinishing Right for You?
If you want to keep your bathtub for any reason -- whether you want to save money or you like everything about your current tub except for its marred finish -- then bathtub reglazing is the answer. Almost any bathtub can be refinished. Even those that look far past their prime can find new life with porcelain reglazing.

