Updating kitchens and bathrooms are two of the best ways to reinvest in your home, but these types of renovations can be pricey, to say the least. If your tub is looking a little worse for the wear, you don’t have to replace it, though. You might want to consider resurfacing your tub instead.
For cast iron, porcelain, fiberglass, or acrylic tubs, refinishing is a quick and affordable alternative to replacement. Just consider that replacing a tub could mean not only pulling the tub out, but also replacing framing, tile, and even plumbing, which could entail great expense and a lengthy renovation process. You could save up to 75% over the cost of replacement and have a refinished tub in just 3-5 hours.
Resurfacing your tub allows you to improve the look of an antique tub while keeping the original fixture in the home, preserving the integrity of the design. If you want to take a green approach to home renovations, this option also means you don’t have to send your old tub to the landfill. Instead, you’ll extend its usable life.
Of course, you want to make sure you’re investing in a lasting solution. How long can you expect your resurfaced tub to last?
Resurfacing Your Tub; How long will it Last?
If your tub surface is scratched, chipped, cracked, stained, or otherwise damaged and unsightly, resurfacing can restore the original beauty and make it look brand new again. A typical warranty for this type of professional work could be up to five years, but you can reasonably expect the new finish on your tub to last significantly longer, especially with proper care.
Generally speaking, tub resurfacing can last 10-15 years or longer before you start to notice wear, but this longevity could be compromised by bad behaviors like leaving staining products on the edges of your tub or failing to clean it regularly, just for example.
Caring for Your Resurfaced Tub
To extend the lifespan of a resurfaced tub and ensure that it continues to look pristine and attractive for years to come, there are a few simple practices you’ll want to observe. Cleaning your tub regularly is essential, but you have to do it in the right way.
Avoid abrasive cleansers and cleaning products like steel wool pads that could scratch or erode the surface of your tub. Use only non-abrasive products designed for kitchen and bathroom use, and discuss with your tub resurfacing specialist whether or not you should use products containing bleach.
There are products like urethane polish that could help to protect the coating on your tub when applied twice annually, and your tub resurfacing specialist can advise you on the best products to use to extend the life of your tub. You may want to avoid tub mats that have suction cups, as well as those that stick to the bottom of the tub with adhesive, as they could damage the surface over time.
If you’re ready to refresh the look of your bathtub in just a few hours, at a fraction of the cost of replacement, contact the experts at Maryland Tub & Tile today at 877-717-TUBS (8827) or online to request a free estimate.
