Bath Remodel Tips: Think Twice Before Having Your Tub Reglazed
Is tub reglazing worth it? When it comes time for a bath remodel, many homeowners are tempted by the idea of reglazing rather than replacing their tubs. It seems easy enough—the tub’s already in place, so why not just apply a new layer of glaze? It’s just like slapping on a fresh coat of paint, right? Actually, no… it’s not that simple. Reglazing a bathtub requires extensive cleaning, sanding, and patching, in addition to working with some pretty serious chemicals. So, if you’re toying with the idea of reglazing your tub, here are some reasons why you might want to reconsider.
It’s Just a Band-Aid
Bathtub reglazing can offer a cosmetic solution that will cover up minor stains, light scratches, and superficial imperfections, but it won’t remedy underlying issues such as cracks and craters. If not properly filled in or repaired prior to reglazing, these problem areas will likely continue to worsen beneath the surface and could pose a bigger problem down the road.
As mentioned earlier, reglazing a bathtub is not like slapping on a coat of paint. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that at least 14 people have died from exposure to stripping agents commonly used to refinish bathtubs. These agents contain high percentages of methylene chloride, which emits a sweet, pleasant smell during exposure, but can be lethal if too much is inhaled.
Is Tub Reglazing Worth It? It Can Be Dangerous And Costly
Moreover, bathtub reglazing can be a tricky job. If the chemicals are applied incorrectly, they can cause cratering, bubbling, and cracking to occur. Many overzealous DIY warriors who attempt to reglaze their own tubs end up having to call in a professional to fix the botched job, which ultimately costs more than it would have to just have a new bathtub installed in the first place.
Since tub reglazing chemicals aren’t anything you or your loved ones should be breathing in, when you reglaze a tub, you typically have to vacate your home for at least 24 to 48 hours to allow the harmful vapors to dissipate. Instead of paying for a hotel for two nights, you could just as easily put that money toward a new bathtub and save yourself the hassle. And, in warmer climates such as in Florida and throughout the Southeast, reglazing may take as much as a week to complete as the humid conditions significantly impact the rate at which the primer and paint dry.
And Bathtub Liners Aren’t Much Better
Much like reglazing, installing a bath or shower liner really only provides a superficial quick fix. While a liner may make your tub or shower look better at first glance, if improperly installed, they can bubble and bow. Or even worse, water can seep between the liner and the wall, causing structural damage and mold and mildew growth.
West Shore Home – Home Improvement for Today’s World
Here at West Shore Home, we don’t believe in band-aid fixes. We know that homeowners love their homes and take a lot of pride in them, so when it’s time to make an upgrade, it should be done the right way. That’s why we’ve developed a super-fast one-day bathroom remodeling system designed to give homeowners a beautiful new bathtub, shower, or shower-tub-combo in just one day. No bath liners, no refinishing, no quick fixes, but rather, a brand-new, high-quality tub or shower customized to your personal preferences, installed in a single day. Interested in learning more? Contact the home improvement experts at West Shore Home to schedule a free consultation.