A stained or chipped bathtub can negatively impact on your mood every time you walk into the bathroom. Since this is a place where you enjoy a relaxing bath at the end of a stressful day, you have to consider a clean and safe space to sink into. It can be quite difficult to make the decision as to whether you should replace or reglaze a bathtub, considering the costs involved in getting a new one and the risks associated with reglazing. Before we go into many details on the best choice to go for, it is important to understand the process of reglazing and replacing a bathtub.
Reglazing a Bathtub
Reglazing is a process that involves sanding down the surface of the tub and filling in cracks and other areas that are worn out. It is a type of bathtub renovation that is also referred to as refinishing, recoating, or resurfacing. After the filling process, several coats of primer are applied on the tub’s surface before the final buffing. Reglazing is considered a temporary fix because it will require regular maintenance to keep the tub in good condition.
Reglazing is a good option if your bathtub is covered with surface imperfections such as scratches or minor stains. If your acrylic bathtub does not have any major issues, you can make the choice of reglazing as it works best types of bathtubs.
Benefits of Reglazing
It acts as a quick fix because it only takes a day to complete the renovation project.
It is an affordable option especially when your existing bathtub is still in good condition but has minor scratches.
It gives a new life to other bath features as you can change the color with a shiny new finish.
It offers protection against lead found in old tubs
It helps to extend the life of your bathtub
Disadvantages of Reglazing
The material used to reglaze a bathtub can be very toxic and thus creating a negative impact on your health.
If reglazing is done poorly and the surface starts peeling after a while, you will need to consider a replacement
The finishing coat usually takes a long time to dry and the weather plays a major role in how well the coat will bond to the surface.
It requires regular maintenance to keep the cracks sealed and prevent the coating from peeling off
Replacing a Bathtub
If you want a fresh start or you don’t want to go through the inconveniences of refinishing or resurfacing, you can choose to replace your bathtub. This involves removing the existing bathtub and installing a new one. Although it is an expensive and time-intensive option, you have the choice of picking a new design or color based on your desires and preferences.
A total bathtub replacement is a large project that requires the commitment of time and money to get the job done. If you don’t like the location, shape or size of your bathtub, then a replacement will give you another chance of customizing the new space.
Benefits of Replacing a Bathtub
It gives you the choice of customizing your bathtub according to your needs and preferences
It is a long-term solution that serves you throughout the lifetime of the bathtub
It adds value to your home when selling the property
It is easier to maintain and cheaper in the long run
Disadvantages of Replacing a Bathtub
It is quite an expensive option factoring in the costs of initial purchase, installation and the labor involved
It is time consuming especially if a homeowner opts for a custom unit
Making a Decision between Replacing and Reglazing a Bathtub
The decision as to whether you need to replace or reglaze your bathtub will be influenced by several factors such as cost, labor, quality, time and uncertainty. If the costs involved in reglazing a bathtub is the same as installing a new one, there is no need for reglazing. Instead, you can choose to install a new bathtub because it is easier to customize according to your needs and specifications.
Reglazing is a good option if your bathtub is covered with surface imperfections such as scratches or minor stains. However, if you are spending more on maintaining your old bathtub, then you should consider replacing it with a new one.
Most homeowners usually prefer replacing their old bathtubs if they want to have a fresh start. This option is best for those who have enough money to handle the initial costs of installation. Reglazing is considered as a temporary fix because it requires regular maintenance to keep the cracks sealed or prevent the surface from peeling off. Regardless of the choice you make, always consider the safety of use and costs involves in maintaining your bathtub.