Bathtub refinishing: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering bathtub refinishing

Refinishing is mostly prep, and many failed jobs come from a surface that was not cleaned or sanded enough before the coat went on. The coating is only the last step.

What customers ask

  • How long will the new finish last?
  • Can I use bleach on it after?
  • Can you match the color of the old tub?
  • How long do I have to stay out of the bathroom?
  • Will the chips still show?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the tub material, the size, the color, the number of chips, and whether the surround or tile will be protected.
  • Bring a degreaser, sanding and etch supplies, filler, the bonding coat and finish, masking, and ventilation equipment to the first visit.
  • Test the surface with water and a degreaser before you start, so you know the prep is working.
  • Show the customer the prep before the coat goes on, and explain why it matters.
  • Quote the coating, the repairs, the masking and the cure time as separate lines.
  • Check the finish for runs, bubbles and dust before you leave, and give the cleaner list in writing.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of a refinished tub, with the finish and the repaired chips visible
  • List the coating types you use, and the cure times for each
  • Note the chip and crack repairs you do, and the color matches you can make
  • Show a before and after of a worn tub, with the prep steps listed

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a finish check after the first month of use
  • Recommend a cleaner list and a yearly check of the caulk at the tub edge
  • Suggest a touch-up kit for chips that appear later, with instructions for the customer

Licenses and permits

Bathtub refinishing is commonly done by specialty refinishers and is often not a plumbing license job, while drain or faucet work is commonly licensed plumbing work. Confirm the requirements with your state or local licensing agency before you take the work.

Questions

What do I say when the customer wants the refinish done without prep?

Explain that the prep is what makes the coating bond. Show the prep steps, and do not skip them to meet a timeline.

How do I handle a tub with a crack that goes through the base?

Stop and show the crack. A cracked base is a replacement, not a refinish, and the customer should hear that before work starts.

How do I handle a customer who wants the finish used the same day?

Explain the cure time and the risk to the finish. Set the schedule around the cure, and put the date in writing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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