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Bathtub Reglazing Cost

Rohini Mohan
The first thing that strikes us, when planning to reglaze our bathtub is the cost. The expenses vary according the quality of the products used and the level of damage to be rectified.
The definition of a clean bathtub is one that is clean, glossy, no soap scum, no ugly watermarks, devoid of mineral deposit, cracks, and chipping. This is a bathtub that all of us want and desire. Unfortunately, due to constant use, they often lose their glossy look and we end up calling the expert for refinishing them.
You can refinish your tub on your own, but some things are best left to the expert. while reglazing the bathtub, the first question that strikes them is about its actual cost. So, here is an information about the cost of bathtub refinishing, which will give you an idea about how much you have to shell out.
While going for bathtub reglazing, don't go penny wise pound foolish. There will be some refinishing industry who will charge you less but will not give you proper service in return. They will either use cheap quality products or skip one or two steps. This is a time-consuming process, and will take nearly 4 to 5 hours for any individual.
The first step includes cleaning the whole tub and getting rid of all the stains,residue, and so on. The time taken to do this, depends on how bad the stains are. Let's find out more about the actual procedure involved and which method is the best suited for a better looking bathtub.

Procedures Used for Reglazing

⇨ Method 1 - Using Acid

Some companies use acid to clean the tub and then the areas which does not need to be reglazed are covered, so that while working on the tub they do not get any paint or acid on them. After which they use a spray-on epoxy primer to give a fresh coat of color, and thereafter coat it with an acrylic glossy coat.
However, the biggest disadvantage of using acid is that the chemical continues to eat into the surface even after the primer is applied. Therefore, using acid to clean the tub is a very bad idea.

⇨ Method 2 - Using Adhesive Primer

While some cleaners, use a good quality industrial cleanser to wipe the surface of the tub, before applying an adhesive primer. The primer is applied manually and does not include the spray-on epoxy primer. Thus the long-term results are not as efficient and require a new revamp every 5-7 year.
The reason being that, the use of warm to hot water eat into the adhesive primer coat, eventually destroying the gloss as well as the paint. If you still wish to go in for the primer, make sure that a good quality primer is being used and not a cheap one, otherwise it will peel off pretty fast, thus sending all your money 'down the drain'.
The time taken by the expert, depends on how bad the situation is. It also depends on the number of labors who are working on the tub and the experience of the finisher. However, 4 to 5 hours is the maximum time that will be taken for finishing the tub.

⇨ Method 3 - Bonding Primer

The best option is to use primer that contain Silane, as it has the ultimate adhesion properties. This primer takes only 15-30 minutes to dry up. Once the tub has been cleansed with a top of the line industrial cleanser, such a primer should be used for the first coat. Thereafter, the process must be completed with an acrylic topcoat.

Anticipated Expenditure

Do not go for all those industries where they charge you less but use poor quality products. It's better to spend a good amount on proper reglazing, and then you do not have to worry about it for the next few years. The cost of course varies from one industry to another and also on the time taken and the materials used.
The approximate cost might vary from $200 - $650, while some people said that they had also shelled out approximately $100 - $200 for reglazing their bathtub. The end result of reglazing your bathtub, will be just like a new bathtub. It will have a glossy look, with no chip or cracks, and also no stain.
You seriously will love the difference that you notice when you compare the bathtub that you had previously and the one that you have now. It will be as good as new.

Aftercare and Precautions

Never use bleach or acid to clean the tub, as these chemicals eat into the paint and cause irreparable damage.

Never clean your bathtub with abrasive soaps or detergent.

Keep razors, scissors and nail clippers away from the tub, as these can causes scratches on the surface.

Never clean your tub with steel wool, or a hard cleaning brush.
You may use a soft sponge to wipe the tub.

Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt and rinse off with running water.

Use a soft non-abrasive liquid soap to clean the tub.

You must try to coat the tub with a good protective polish (polymer) twice a year, to prevent damage and extend longevity.
The result will be worth your money and you will simply love to dip yourself in the glossy, stain free bathtub and will be glad that you spend so much on it.