Bathtub refinishing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What bathtub refinishing is

Bathtub refinishing resurfaces a worn or stained tub by cleaning it, repairing chips, applying a bonding coat, and finishing it with a durable coating. It makes an old tub look new without removing it, and the result depends almost entirely on the prep.

Signs you need it

  • The finish is worn through to the base material, with dull or rough patches in the bottom of the tub
  • Stains around the drain or along the water line that cleaning does not remove
  • Chips or small cracks in the enamel, which can catch on skin and let water into the base
  • The tub is in good structural shape, but the color or finish no longer suits the bathroom
  • You want to avoid a tub removal and a new install, and the tub body is sound

What the pro does

  • Clean the tub with a degreaser and check the surface for old wax, soap film and mineral residue, which can stop the coating from bonding
  • Sand or etch the surface so the coating has tooth, and mask the walls, the drain and the fixtures
  • Repair chips and cracks with the correct filler, and sand the repairs smooth
  • Apply the bonding coat and the finish coat in thin layers, with the correct ventilation and cure time between coats
  • Let the finish cure fully before the tub is used, following the coating's cure schedule
  • Check the finish for runs, bubbles and dust nibs, and fix any defects before the tub is returned to use

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size and shape of the tub, and how many surfaces need to be coated
  • Extent of the damage: small chips are simple, while large cracks or a worn base add prep
  • Type of coating, such as an acrylic, epoxy or urethane finish, each with a different cure and durability
  • Color match and whether the finish needs a special tint or a specific texture
  • Access to the tub and whether the surround, tile or walls must be protected
  • Whether the drain, the overflow or the faucet are removed and replaced during the refinish

What a written quote should spell out

  • Coating type and the number of coats applied
  • Repair work on chips and cracks, and how they are finished
  • Masking and protection of the walls, tile, drain and fixtures
  • Cure time and when the tub can be used
  • Warranty on the finish, and what voids it, such as harsh cleaners

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How long will the finish last, and what cleaners can I use on it?
  • How do you prep the surface before the coating, and what does the prep involve?
  • What is the cure time, and when can I use the tub?
  • Will you repair the chips and cracks, and how will they look afterward?
  • Do you protect the surround and tile during the work?
  • Is the warranty in writing, and what does it cover?

Red flags

  • Pro who coats the tub without a degreaser or proper surface prep
  • Pro who does not ventilate the bathroom or does not protect the room from fumes
  • Pro who says the finish can be used the same day without a cure time
  • Pro who will not show the coating type or the warranty terms

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can clean a tub thoroughly with a non-abrasive cleaner and fix small chips with a product made for the tub. Do not use a full coating kit yourself without the ventilation and prep needed, since the fumes are strong and a poor prep fails within a short time. Call a pro for a full refinish or any large repair.

Licenses and permits

Bathtub refinishing is commonly done by specialty refinishers and is not always a plumbing license job, but a licensed plumber is commonly needed if the drain or faucet changes. Check with your state or local licensing agency about what applies.

Bathtub refinishing questions

How long does a refinished tub last?

A well-prepped and well-cured refinish can last for years with gentle cleaning. Harsh abrasives and acidic cleaners shorten its life, so ask the pro for the cleaning list before you start.

Can a refinished tub be used the same day?

Not usually. The coating needs a cure time, and using the tub too early can damage the finish. Ask the pro for the exact cure time for the coating used.

Why is my refinished tub peeling?

The most common cause is poor surface prep, such as soap film or wax left on the tub. A refinish that peels should be assessed by the refinisher who did the work, since the cause is usually in the prep.

Can chips be repaired before refinishing?

Yes. Chips are filled and sanded before the coating goes on. The repair should be smooth and match the surface before the finish is applied.

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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