Don’t stress about how to revamp your old tub. Bathtubs are for relaxation. There is nothing like a good bathtub to soak your worries away.
However, you will likely realize that your tub has seen better days at some point. Bathtubs will eventually get moldy, dirty, and stained. The fixtures and finish may also deteriorate over time. These can make your good old tub not just less appealing but also less comforting.
You might be thinking that there is nothing like the professionals in ensuring your tub look and feel good as new. This may be true if your tub has serious leaks, puddles, or serious molds and mildew issues. If your tub has critical problems that need addressing, think about whether it’s time to leave it to the pros or have it replaced.
Otherwise, if your bathtub is in excellent working condition, refurbishing will be worth every penny and effort.
Keeping it Simple with 5 Steps
One crucial deciding factor in replacing or refurbishing a bathtub is the expense. A new tub costs anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, while a refurbishing kit is about $30 to $200. However, make no mistake. While a refurbishing kit is significantly cheaper than a new one, it is more valuable as it entails your complete dedication, time, and effort.
Here comes the next big question, how do you refurbish the bathtub yourself? There are so many DIY materials online that deciding which to read or follow alone can create confusion or delay the process.
5-Step Ultimate Guide to Refurbishing Your Bathtub
- Be decided.
Bathtub rehabilitation could save you money. However, you also have to be prepared should there be an underlying issue that did not seem to be present at the onset. It is a smart move to ensure your tub’s condition before jumping to this decision.
- Remove hardware and caulking.
Take off the tub fixtures, faucets, and hardware. Make sure to clean it off completely by clearing the caulking around the edges and scrubbing off any soap residue and grime. Dry the tub.
- Get the area and yourself ready.
Before starting with the main task, have the area ready by masking off the parts that need to be covered from spills. Also, make sure that there is proper ventilation as some fumes will come off strong. More importantly, wear necessary protective clothing such as long pants and a shirt, a mask, breathing protection, or whatever the product manufacturer recommends.
- Prepare the tub surfaces.
If you had the chance to review other versions of the Tub Refurbishing DIYs, you would notice that this is one step that makes a difference. Others do not sand, etch or prime the surfaces. Most kits also do not include a primer or an etching powder.
However, you must know their purpose so that you can decide to do it or skip it. Sanding and etching the tub’s surface will both allow the glaze to adhere properly. Afterwhich, once properly scuffed, a primer can be applied as a bonding agent. A primer can be applied using a roller, a brush, or a paint sprayer.
- Apply the refinisher (reglazer).
Some refinishing kits have premixed reglazers, while some still have to be mixed. There are reglazer products that can be coated or spray painted. Follow the instructions that come with your kit. Each kind would have a different one, so read it well for optimum results. Know the proper drying and curing time before caulking and hardware reinstallation.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to know that, just like any DIY project, one has to understand the entire process of how to refurbish a bathtub. This way, you will know if your work is sufficient or needs a bit more. No matter how tedious it is, the one who will best soak in the rewards of your hard work would be you.
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