Nothing beats a relaxing soak in a bathtub after a long day. But an old worn-out tub can look unappealing and detract from your bathroom style. Replacing the entire tub comes with a hefty price tag. Luckily, restoring and upgrading your existing bathtub can give it a brand-new lease on life with just a little effort. Read on to learn how to deep clean, repair chips and cracks, refinish surfaces, upgrade hardware and perform routine maintenance for a like-new bathtub on a budget. With some strategic elbow grease and DIY solutions, you can make your tired old tub look fresh, stylish and inviting again.
Things to Consider While Refreshing an Old Bathtub
Before diving into revitalization projects, evaluate your existing tub:
- Assess the current condition. Major chips or cracks might necessitate professional repairs or full replacement.
- Consider the age and material. Enameled steel or iron tubs can last 50+ years if well-maintained. Fiberglass or acrylic last 10-15 years. Know when replacement makes more sense than restoration.
- Review the style. Outdated colors like avocado green might justify a total makeover versus trying to match existing hues.
- Check for levelness and plumbing issues causing deteriorating conditions. Address underlying problems first.
- Set a budget for updates based on needed repairs, hardware upgrades and refinishing options.
With an assessment, you can determine if restoration fits your tub's condition, age and style.
Simple Yet Effective Steps to Give Your Old Bathtub a New Refreshing Look
Credits: Jaquar
Step 1: Deep Cleaning
Thorough cleaning removes built-up grime and stains:
- Scrub walls with abrasive cleanser and a stiff brush to lift soap scum and hard water deposits.
- For stubborn stains, apply gel stain remover and let dwell 15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Plug the drain and fill the tub with warm water and all-purpose cleaner. Let soak before scrubbing the entire tub surface.
- Rinse tub thoroughly removing all cleaner residues which can interfere with refinishing.
Deep cleaning lets fresh refinishing coatings or paints adhere properly.
Step 2: Repairing Chips and Cracks
Fix damage using bathtub repair kits:
- Drain and fully dry the tub before repairs.
- Wide cracks need patching with waterproof wood filler along the entire crevice length.
- For chips, gently scrape out damaged areas into a "V" shape using a razor blade.
- Fill chips and scratches with adhesive epoxy, smoothing until level. Allow curing 24 hours.
- Use fine sandpaper to gently sand repairs flush with the surrounding tub surface.
Seal damage properly before refinishing to prevent further deterioration.
Step 3: Refinishing the Surface
Credits: Jaquar
Options to refresh the appearance:
Reglazing – Special 2-part epoxy sprayed on forming glossy protective coating. Lasts 3-5 years.
Enameling – Applying powdered glass coating melted on with blowtorch. More durable but requires expertise.
Painting – Multi-part tub paint kits available. Ensure proper priming and compatibility with surface material.
Vinyl Wrap – Affix durable adhesive-backed vinyl film wrap over entire tub interior for temporary update.
Renew the tub surface with professional reglazing services or DIY paint kits.
Step 4: Upgrading Hardware
Replace fixtures and fittings for a stylish refresh:
- Matching updated tub spout.
- Coordinated bath accessories like upscale shower caddies.
- Sleek tub drawer organizers for bath salts, candles and more.
- Luxury freestanding tub filler faucet to use as accent piece.
Shiny new accessories revitalize the look.
Step 5: Maintaining Your Refreshed Bathtub
Keep your renewed tub damage-free:
- Use professional reglazing services offering multi-year warranty on applications.
- Wipe down the tub after every use to prevent soap scum buildup.
- Apply bathroom-grade silicone caulk at seams. Reapply annually.
- Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners which can damage finishes.
- Consider protective coverings or liners used only during bathing time.
With proper care, your tub makeover will last for years before needing restoration again.
DIY Bathtub Refinishing Techniques and Tips
Credits: Jaquar
Get a profreshional new look yourself with:
- High-adhesion multi-step tub paint kits for durability.
- Following preparation and application instructions precisely.
- Proper venting while painting to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Allowing specified curing times before use.
- Wearing gloves and masks to protect skin and lungs.
- Working in warm room temperatures for ideal coating performance.
- Lightly sanding between paint coats to help bonding.
- Applying multiple thin consistent coats versus thick uneven layers.
With some handy DIY tricks, even amateurs can achieve amazing tub makeovers.
Common Bathtub Materials Needing Different Refinishing Techniques
Porcelain enameled steel or cast iron – Reglazing or quality tub paints bond well.
Fiberglass or acrylic – Etch surface before painting for proper adhesion. Avoid reglazing epoxy.
PVD coatings – Difficult to bond to. Must fully strip the PVD layer first.
Copper – Requires special paints formulated for copper.
Wooden – Use marine varnish designed for wet areas.
Know surface properties to select compatible refreshing products.
How to Make DIY Bathtub Refinishing Last Longer
Extend results through:
- Proper surface prep like sanding and etching.
- Applying bonding primer before painting.
- Building adequate paint film thickness with multiple coats.
- Opting for slower drying oil-based versus quick latex paints.
- Allowing each coat to fully cure before adding the next.
- Limiting exposure to excessive moisture the first month.
- Using professional squeegees after each use to limit water pooling.
Careful preparation and gentler usage preserves the renewed finish.
Common Issues With DIY Bathtub Refinishing Projects
Credits: Jaquar
Chipping or peeling – Inadequate preparation and adhesion. Too few paint coats.
Discoloration – Chemical reaction with cleaning products. Bath additives causing stains.
Cracks - Normal aging and movement of original tub material. Improper filling of repairs.
Yellowing - Poor quality paint. Cheap single coat applications.
Blotchy appearance - Surface imperfections not properly smoothed and leveled before painting.
Prevent problems through meticulous prep and high-quality paints applied properly.
How to Choose the Best Professional Bathtub Reglazing Service
Seeking experienced specialists helps ensure results. Confirm:
- Years of refinishing experience and number of tubs completed.
- Reviews from past clients documenting quality and longevity of applications.
- Thickness of epoxy coatings used - at least 3 mm for durability.
- Extended warranty periods - minimum 5 years for residential applications.
- Respirator masks and other protective gear used during reglazing.
- Manufacturer certifications held by installers.
Investigate thoroughly before trusting your valuable bathroom project.
Questions to Ask Prospective Bathtub Refinishing Professionals
- What types of bathtub materials have you refinished successfully?
- Do you offer repairs for any chips and cracks prior to refinishing?
- How long should the reglazing last before needing to be redone?
- How soon can I use the bathtub after finishing application?
- Will I need to vacate my home during the refinishing due to fumes?
- Do you carry all necessary licenses and liability insurance?
Get all your questions answered upfront.
How to Make a Fiberglass Bathtub Look Like Porcelain
Fiberglass can mimic porcelain with:
- Sanding to roughen and degloss the surface.
- Chemical etching agents to further help paint adhesion.
- Quality oil-based tub refinishing paint for durability.
- Building up paint thickness with multiple coats.
- Matching original tub color or something brighter and bolder.
The right products and techniques transform plain fiberglass into dazzling faux porcelain.
Signs It May Be Time to Fully Replace Your Existing Bathtub
- Multiple patched chip repairs still show noticeable damage.
- Deep set stains that couldn't be removed even with harsh cleaners.
- Visible rust spots indicating corroded underlying metal.
- Chronic lingering mildew you can't get under control.
- Major cracks, especially signs of fiberglass delamination or blistering.
- Leaking seams or plumbing despite using caulk.
- Overall rough, degraded surface unable to hold paint.
Repairs become futile when underlying tub structure is fatally compromised.
Features to Consider When Shopping for a New Replacement Bathtub
Credits: Jaquar
- Material durability - enameled steel/cast iron, acrylic, porcelain, etc.
- Special therapeutic options like air-jet tubs.
- Custom sizes for perfect fit.
- Accessibility aids like grab bars.
- Comfort designs such as lumbar support.
- High-tech enhancements like mood lighting or digital controls.
- Easy maintenance needs.
If replacing, upgrade to your dream tub.
Tips for Preparing to Have a Bathtub Professionally Refinished
To allow for the smoothest process:
- Declutter the bathroom completely to allow full access to the tub.
- Plan for bathroom downtime up to 48 hours for refinishing and proper curing.
- Turn off pilot lights on water heaters and furnaces to prevent ignition of chemical fumes.
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and turning on fans.
- Cover bathroom surfaces not being refinished to protect from overspray.
- Arrange for pets or family members to vacate home if fumes are too strong.
Proper planning prevents problems and improves results.
Jaquar Bathtubs
Credits: Jaquar
At Jaquar, we provide the expertise to help customize your dream bathtub. Our designers will assess your space, recommend ideal dimensions, walk you through material choices, advise add-ons like hydrotherapy jets or mood lighting. From perfectly tailored built-in tubs to specialized accessibility features, count on our specialists for a custom bathtub catering to your needs and style. Contact us today to start creating your ideal relaxing retreat. Jaquar's custom bathtubs blend luxury, comfort and practicality for your home.
Conclusion
Don't send your beloved old bathtub prematurely to a landfill when a little TLC can give it renewed life. With some diligent scrubbing, careful structural repairs, fresh resurfacing and replacement of dated hardware, you can revive most tubs affordably. Take the time to properly clean, fix, paint and maintain your existing tub, and you'll reap the rewards of a revitalized fixture adding comfort and style back to your bathroom retreat for years before needing to replace. With just a modicum of effort, even DIYers can achieve showroom-worthy bathtub makeovers.