The Art of Refinishing a Bathroom
Dan League is a consultant with Pronto Refinish, a leader in refinishing and reglazing services. Visit them online for detailed information about their bathroom refinishing services and request a free estimate or take advantage of their online promotion.
Rescue your tub and save your sink. Refinishing bath and kitchen fixtures can cost significantly less than a full replacement whether it’s a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional.
Bathroom refinishing is gaining popularity when comparing the cost and time for a remodel or replacement. Many homeowners like the idea of restoring the look and feel of their home’s original bathrooms or salvaging a better quality fixture. In fact, the National Kitchen & Bath Association estimates costs ranging from $2-3,000 for an average bathtub and replacement.
Can It Be Re-finished?
There’s no need to replace the fixture if it’s functioning properly. In the past, the process of restoring bathroom fixtures was referred to as re-glazing which many experts claim isn’t an accurate term. “Re-glazing” is the art of an original, firing process, which can only take place in a factory setting. Resurfacing or refinishing is a more accurate term. The ideal candidates for resurfacing, refinishing or restoration include porcelain, fiberglass and cast-iron fixtures. However, keep in mind that if these fixtures are pitted or have extremely rough surfaces may restrict the quality of refinishing and will have to be replaced. Otherwise, homeowners can take on the refinishing project or hire a professional. The primary steps for a basic refinishing project involve a cleaning process, sanding, priming, painting and then sealing the fixture.
Professional Refinishing
The cost for a professional restoration is between $300-$1000, depending on various factors such as whether the fixture can be restored in place or has to be taken to a workshop and if you select any color options. Pricing can also vary if the fixture is all one color or two-toned with bright colors becoming quite popular.
With the increased demand, there are a number of professional bathroom refinishing specialists available – some are independent contractors and others may be part of a national franchise. When hiring a pro, ask for references and what type of written guarantee is offered. Make sure the quote clearly reflects the project scope including details such as ventilation and cleanup.
Do-It-Yourself
Do-it-yourself (DIY) refinishing kits are available starting at about $175, but you’ll also need supplies that include:
* Gloves and eye protection
* Respirator (while working with chemicals and paint)
* High-volume/low-pressure spray gun
* High quality sander
* High quality paintbrushes
* Tarps and masking tape
* High-speed fan to blow fumes away from work area
The various DIY kits require various methods making it important to read the instructions before purchase and during application. Homeowners that have braved the DIY approach always mention how difficult it was, and the amount of patience and attention to safety was required (due to harsh chemicals). Proper ventilation and respirators are mandatory due to the fumes from the stripping compounds. It’s also extremely important to avoid hurrying this project since proper preparation is critical to ensure the longevity of this project. It’s important to use an industrial strength cleaner and thoroughly sand to remove calcium deposits, rust or peeling paint – otherwise, the refinishing will not last long.
Steps to do-it-yourself
1) Mask all surfaces that aren’t being refinished
2) Clean to remove all oils, soap scum, dirt from surface to achieve a neutral pH balance.
3) Repair all chips, scratches, or broken pieces.
4) Bond with a non-acidic bonding agent to make the coatings stick.
5) Apply 3-4 layers of acrylic topcoat. These coatings are specifically designed for bathtubs and are extremely durable. A properly bonded and refinished tub will last for many years.
6) Wait 24 hours to buff and polish. A professional refinisher uses special compounds and a buffing pad to deepen the gloss for a like-new feel to the surface. The buffing process removes microscopic ridges that may hold dirt and soap and eventually making the tub difficult to clean.
Most of the services reviewed by this website are available or may be accessed from Australia (see 