The Basics of Reglazing Bathtubs

If you have a bathtub that is starting to look old and damaged, then you may want to attempt bathtub reglazing as an effective method of repairing it. If you think about it, you would never get rid of a car because it had some exterior damage, you would simply take it to a professional to have it refinished; the same method may work for your tub. This article will take a look at the basics of bathtub reglazing to help you decide if this is a viable option for you and your tub.

Before you begin a bathtub reglazing project, it is important to determine if your tub is a good candidate for this process. Most tubs do work well, such as those made out of fiberglass, cast iron, tile, and others. However, some models are a bit more difficult such as walk in tubs and those that are jetted. Also, it is a good idea to make sure that your plumbing and drains are all working properly. It is best to get these problems taken care of before you have to call in a plumber who may potentially damage your new tub.

After these preliminary steps have been taken care of you should be able to begin your tub reglazing process. It is of utmost importance that you are working in a room that is well ventilated because you will be dealing with some chemicals that can produce some noxious fumes. You may even have to rent some ventilation equipment just to make sure that you are safe. You can then start out by removing the trim from around your tub. Also remove any old caulk or grout. You then can move on to cleaning out the tub thoroughly with an industrial strength cleanser.

The next step to reglazing bathtub fixtures is to use masking tape on and around the different fixtures in order to keep them protected. You should definitely keep the entire floor covered with a drop cloth. Once this has been completed you can begin sanding the entire interior of the tub until it is smoothed off. An epoxy product can be used to prime the tub and then give it enough time to dry completely. Now take a tack cloth to the entire surface of the tub and apply enough glaze according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

You should give your newly glazed tub at least 12 hours to dry before touching it. Even so, make sure that you give it at least 48 hours before you attempt to use it again. You can then reapply the grout and caulking. Even though bathtub reglazing can be a complicated project, you will find that it is well worth it. If you are not comfortable performing this job by yourself then make sure to have someone who is experienced to help you out.