welcome home repair advice do it yourselves type
home dividerline sitemap dividerline contact us
 
links
household-helper Plumbing Topics back
 

Topic :Tub and Tile Refinishing

We're considering having our bathroom remodeled. We have a beautiful old cast iron tub that we would like to keep. What can you tell me about refinishing of the old fixtures versus buying new ones and having them installed? Is this a DIY job?
First of all, to replace something you must first tear out the old items. When considering the cost of replacement you must consider tear out, cost of replacement item, labor for installation, not to mention the mess and time it will take. For example, normal costs for replacing a bathtub range from $1,500 - $3,000 and will usually take one and a half to two weeks to complete. Refinishing takes less than one day and will save at least 70% vs. replacement.

Almost any surface can be refinished. Here's a list of common ones: porcelain bathtubs, sinks, fiberglass shower enclosures, pedestal sinks, ceramic tile, Formica countertops, claw foot tubs, plastic tubs, oven doors, refrigerators, dishwashers, kitchen cabinets, cultured marble counter tops, shower pans, bathroom floors, and various fiberglass and acrylic surfaces.

If the job is completed properly, you probably will not be able to tell the difference between a new bathtub and refinished one. A bathroom or kitchen fixture properly refinished should easily last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

About the coatings: These coatings are two part coatings, base and catalyst, and are best applied with HVLP, high velocity low pressure, spray equipment. These coatings do NOT produce their best results when either 'rolled on' or 'sprayed through conventional spray equipment'. This equipment can be easily RENTED for around $35 for do-it-yourself, DIY, jobs.