Is Tub Refinishing Worth It in Portland OR? 

Bathtub refinishing (also referred to as tub resurfacing) can refresh a dated or scratched surface. But sometimes replacing your Portland OR bathtub makes more sense than refinishing. Here are some things to think about before you make your decision.

What Tub Refinishing Actually Changes

Bathtub refinishing adds a new layer on top of the existing surface. Your technician will prep the surface (removing minor flaws and repairing damage) and add a new coating that’ll leave it looking refreshed. The average bathtub refinishing cost is $300-$700.

• Size or layout
• Depth
• Shape
• Accessibility features

When Is Refinishing a Smart Choice?

• Your budget is limited. Refinishing is much less costly than replacement.
• You like your tub layout, size and shape. If your existing fixture works for your lifestyle, Renew-It Refinishing can help give it a refreshed look and feel without the cost of replacement.
• Your existing fixture is made of cast iron or steel. Cast-iron and steel bathtubs are long-lasting fixtures that can sometimes use a new finish. Lightweight bathtubs might be better replacement candidates, particularly if you can feel any movement in the basin or notice any damage around the drain.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

• You want to change the layout. If the size and shape of your current fixture isn’t working for your needs, replacing it with a new model can help you get more enjoyment out of your space.
• You’re planning a bigger project. If you’re gutting and renovating a bathroom all the way down to the studs, tub replacement can make sense, especially if you’ll be changing out wall tile, plumbing and/or other fixtures. Removing a tub can lead to other unexpected repairs or replacements, so if you’re going to be digging in elsewhere in the space, it could make sense to consider a new fixture at the same time.
• Your current fixture is falling apart. Refinishing can make an otherwise healthy-looking fixture feel like new. However, refinishing is a surface solution; it’s not going to resolve more significant issues with an older or neglected bathtub.
• Your current fixture needs constant repair. If you’ve been making repairs to the same issue time after time, replacement could save you grief and money in the long run.

Signs and Timing That Affect the Decision

• Spreading cracks
• Deep or extensive rust
• Movement/flex in the tub
• Ongoing drain issues

Before choosing to refinish your bathtub, make sure your fixture is structurally sound and up to snuff. During your free estimate, we’ll check for things that would complicate refinishing your bathtub:

• Extensive damage that can’t be repaired prior to refinishing
• Previous refinishing coats that are lifting/peeling or otherwise in poor condition
• Signs of water damage/moisture under previous refinishing coats

After refinishing, your new coating will need time to cure before the surface can be used. Ask your refinishing technician how soon the surface can be used again, and consider whether this would create a hardship, particularly if your home only has one bathroom.

If you’re in Portland, you may need to get a permit for any changes to plumbing locations for a replacement.

The refinishing process doesn’t require demolition, hauling, or any potential wall or sub-floor damage after the tub is removed.

Plan for ventilation while you work. Because refinishing products often have strong smells as they are being applied and cured, it’s helpful to open windows, run exhaust fans, and keep kids and pets out of the bathroom.

Before You Choose a Direction

Take a moment to look closely at your current fixture. Get down on your hands and knees, turn on some lights, and really scrutinize its condition. Here are a few more considerations as you determine if refinishing can deliver the solution you’re looking for:

• Is your complaint mostly aesthetic? If you simply don’t love how it looks, refinishing could be a good solution.
• Are you noticing cracks, chips, rust and other signs of damage? If so, take note of the kind and extent of damage so that you can share your concerns during an in-person assessment.
• Have you noticed issues with the drain? If water has a hard time making its way down the drain, this could be a sign of other issues in the basin that should be looked at before refinishing.
• Do you notice that your drain catches hair and gunk out of proportion to the other drains in your home?
• Has the fixture been refinished before? If the finish has begun to lift, this will be important for your technician to know ahead of time.
• Once refinished, would you be able to properly care for the surface? Refinished fixtures should be treated with care; harsh scrubbing, abrasive cleaners and suction-cup-style bath mats can all shorten the life of your refinishing investment.

If your tub passes these checks, book a free estimate and we’ll get a closer look. We can tell you if refinishing is an option for your tub or helps you explore your other options.