Bathtubs (check this site) are built to withstand a lot of punishment, but eventually, they will start to show their age. Refinishing can give your tired, old bathtub a fresh new look. Before investing in refinishing services in Portland OR, learn more about the process and figure out if refinishing is the right option for your worn-out bathtub.
The Refinishing Process
Bathtub refinishing gives an existing tub a fresh new look without replacing the unit. Depending on the practitioner and the condition of your existing tub, refinishing may involve:
- Thorough cleaning
- Minor repair
- Surface preparation
- Application of a durable, long-lasting finish
Bathtub refinishing also involves safety considerations, particularly when chemical stripping agents are used. Methylene chloride (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/publications/numbered/2013-110.html), a chemical found in some stripping products, can pose serious health risks when inhaled.
What Refinishing Can Fix
- Camouflage discoloration that won’t budge during cleaning
- Hide shallow scratches
- Cover minor chips
- Revive dulled or discolored enamel
- Cover minor rust around the drain
- Update an old or out-of-date color
Limits of Refinishing
- Address flex in the structure of the bathtub
- Mask rust or corrosion issues beyond a superficial level
- Disguise a crack in the bathtub that extends all the way through
- Extend the life of a failing bathtub
- Resolve water intrusion issues behind the walls or underneath the bathtub apron (instead, it can hide a repair that needs attention and cause the applied finish to fail prematurely)
- Provide the exact same finish you’d get with a new bathtub (the original finish is fired on at the factory)
Refinish or Replace
A cracked or failing tub will likely not benefit much from refinishing. If your bathtub has major rust issues, consistent leaking, noticeable flex when used, or other structural issues, it may be a better investment to replace the fixture instead of refinishing it. However, if your Portland OR bathtub is intact structurally but just tired-looking or scratched up, refinishing can breathe new life into the tub and save you the trouble and expense of replacement. Renew-It Refinishing can be considered when exploring options for restoring an existing bathtub rather than undertaking a full replacement.
Replacing a bathtub can be a large-scale project that can involve disturbing wall panels, floor tile, and/or trim around the unit, as well as disconnecting and reconnecting the water supply and drain lines. Older units can be built-in, making removal an even greater hassle. It’s important to get a handle on what it will take to remove and replace your existing unit before deciding to make the change.
If there’s nothing structurally wrong with your Portland OR bathtub and it fits the design aesthetic of your bathroom, the mess and hassle associated with replacing it may not be warranted. That said, if you plan on undertaking a larger-scale bathroom remodeling project anyway, it might make more sense to replace your Portland OR bathtub at that time. Once flooring, walls, and other surfaces are open for remodel, you’ll already be in the mode to replace a fixture.
Removing items such as toiletries, towels, storage cubes, and shower curtains will make room for the technician to do his/her job more easily. Also, it’s best to keep children and pets out of the working area, as this will also make prepping the surface easier.
Ask if there are other items that need to be taken down/masked before refinishing, such as: caulking, shower door, drain/overflow hardware, etc.
A refinished tub will certainly perk up a bathroom, however, if the caulking surrounding the tub is grimy or if the wall tiles around the tub are loose or if the faucets are tired, the whole effect will be less than stellar. Consider having those small repair jobs done at the same time to achieve more harmony in the finished product.
This is mostly important if you’re not planning on keeping the tub white. White is certainly the easiest color to decorate around. Some companies offer specialty colors that might be good matches if you’re trying to maintain the charm of an older/vintage home. If possible, try to see what the color would look like in your lighting or ask for a sample. Gloss level is also worth considering. Glossier coatings reflect more light, but if your bathroom has more toned-down/softer fixtures, you may want a lower sheen.
Questions Before Refinishing
- What surface prep do you perform before application of a new finish?
- How will chips and scratches be handled?
- How will existing rust around the drain be handled?
- How long should the tub stay dry and remain out-of-service after the job is complete (at least 24 hours but potentially more, depending on the product used)?
- Are there any cleaning products (e.g., abrasive powders, harsh chemicals) or methods (e.g., using rough scrubbers or sponges) to avoid post-treatment to maintain the longevity of the applied finish? (Cleaning should consist of a damp nonabrasive sponge, washcloth, or other soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleansers, rough sponges and scrubbers, or harsh chemical-based cleaners. Strong-suctioned rubber feet or grips on a bath rug might be rough on some finishes as well.)
The length of time your newly refinished Portland OR bathtub finish holds up will largely depend on the quality of the surface prep and refinishing work, as well as how well-ventilated the bathroom is during application, the quality of the coating applied, and how well the refinished surface is treated and maintained.