Solutions to Bathtub Reglazing Problems

Introduction

Bathtub reglazing can give an old, worn out bathtub a brand new look for a fraction of the cost of full replacement. However, while reglazing is an affordable solution, it does come with its own set of potential problems. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common issues that can arise with DIY and professional bathtub reglazing projects and provide solutions on how to avoid or fix them. Read on to learn the tips and tricks from experts in the reglazing business so you can get a long-lasting, beautiful new finish on your tub!

What is Bathtub Reglazing?

Bathtub reglazing is the process of resurfacing an old, damaged bathtub by applying a new coat of enamel paint to the existing surface. Reglazing essentially gives the tub a fresh “face lift” at a much lower cost compared to a full bathtub replacement.

The reglazing process involves thoroughly cleaning and sanding down the original tub surface, applying special bonding agents, and spraying on multiple coats of durable enamel paint. A professional reglazing job typically costs between $300-$1000, compared to $2000 or more for a complete new bathtub installation.

Reglazing can cover chips and cracks, remove stains, restore discoloration, and provide a shiny, like-new finish. With proper prep work and application, a reglazed surface can last 5-10 years or more. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to update outdated or damaged bathtubs on a budget.

Reasons to Reglaze Your Bathtub

There are several advantages that make reglazing an appealing bathtub renewal solution:

Cost savings – As mentioned above, reglazing costs significantly less than replacing the entire tub.
Convenience – Reglazing is much faster than replacing a tub, usually taking just 1-2 days. This results in minimal disruption to your household.
Customization – You can choose any color enamel paint to match your bathroom decor.
Preserves tile – Avoid costly tile removal/replacement by keeping your existing tub and tile intact.
Eco-friendly – Reglazing extends the tub’s lifespan rather than sending it to the landfill.

If your tub has become an eyesore from chips, cracks, staining, or just general wear-and-tear, reglazing it can quickly and affordably get it looking fresh and clean again. Contacting professional reglazers for an estimate is recommended if you want long-lasting results.

Common Bathtub Reglazing Problems and Solutions

While bathtub reglazing can seemingly work magic in revitalizing an old tub, it does not come without some challenges. Below are some of the most common reglazing problems homeowners encounter, along with tips on how to prevent or troubleshoot them:

Peeling or Chipping New Finish

This frustrating issue manifests as cracks, chips, or peeling in the new reglazing coating, sometimes even after just a few uses of the tub. It is often caused by:

Inadequate surface prep – Not thoroughly cleaning and scuff-sanding the original tub surface can result in poor adhesion of the new paint.
Contamination – Oil, soap residue, or other contaminants left on the surface prior to painting can lead to peeling.
Rushing the job – Insufficient curing time for the paint between coats or before using the tub usually causes chipping.
Poor quality materials – Inferior enamel paint or bonding agents that cannot withstand humidity and temperature changes may fail prematurely.

Solutions:

Proper scrubbing, degreasing, and sanding of the original tub are vital prep work.
Allow sufficient drying time of at least 24 hours between paint coats.
Let the final coat cure for a minimum of 3-5 days before taking a bath.
Invest in commercial-grade bonding agents and enamel paints tested specifically for bathtub applications.

Visible Scratching in New Finish

Faint or pronounced scratches marring the glossy reglazed surface are another common complaint. The likely reasons are:

Aggressive scrubbing with abrasive scouring pads or powders.
Failure to properly buff and polish the final paint coat.
Foreign debris falling on surface during application or curing.
Hard water mineral deposits abrading the enamel over time.

Solutions:

Use only soft sponges, cloths, and non-abrasive liquid soaps when cleaning a reglazed tub.
Carefully buff the cured paint with progressively finer grit sandpaper up to 600 grit, then polish.
Tack cloth the surface between coats to pick up any dust or particles.
Consider installing a water softener if you have highly mineralized hard water.
Apply a maintenance wax coating 1-2 times per year.

Discoloration, Staining, Yellowing

A reglazed bathtub may seem to “revert” back to a yellowed, stained appearance over time after the initial brighter white finish. Causes include:

Remaining traces of old deposits leaching through the new paint.
Chemical reaction with cleaning products. Harsh ones can stain and damage enamel.
UV exposure from natural and artificial light degrading the paint.
Accumulation of bathtub ring and soap scum.

Solutions:

Use a tub & tile cleaner and etch solution if stains persist after reglazing.
Test cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first. Stick to gentle, non-acidic cleaners.
Wipe down the tub after each use and clean regularly to minimize buildup.
Consider adding a UV protectant coating.
Apply a yearly wax coating for added stain protection.

Surface Showing Through Paint

You may notice the old tub surface or repairs becoming visible underneath the new paint in spots. Causes include:

Incomplete prep work leaving residue, soap scum, rust, or other debris on surface.
Applying paint too thinly over repairs or discoloration.
Failure to properly feather and smooth repairs before painting.

Solutions:

Thoroughly clean, degrease, etch, and sand tub prior to painting.
Check for any remaining rough areas or flaws in original surface before applying paint.
Use a bleaching agent on stubborn stains.
Apply paint generously in 4-5 wet coats allowing proper curing time between coats.

Hazy Film on Reglazed Surface

A cloudy, hazy white film that develops on the curing or cured paint surface is another common frustration with DIY reglazing jobs. The likely culprits are:

Too much moisture exposure from bathing before the paint has fully cured.
Humidity interacting with the curing paint coats.
Incompatible bonding agent or paint layers chemically reacting.
Dust settling on the surface between coats.

Solutions:

Ensure tub is fully dried initially before painting.
Allow at least 72 hours curing time before first use.
Maintain proper ventilation when applying paint.
Carefully clean surface of any dust or particles between coats.
Use paint products from same manufacturer designed to work together.

Pinholes or Cratering in Finish

Tiny pockmark-like holes or craters marring the reglazed surface are normally caused by:

Air bubbles in the liquid paint working up through the coats.
Specks of contamination on the surface when painted.
Applying enamel paint too thickly, especially with a roller.

Solutions:

Carefully strain enamel through paint filter to remove any globs.
Use tack cloth on surface just before painting each coat.
Apply thin coats of paint using high volume low pressure sprayer.
Lightly sand surface between coats to smooth and fill any craters.

DIY Bathtub Reglazing Tips

While hiring a professional will help avoid many issues, homeowners can successfully DIY reglaze a bathtub with proper preparation and care. Here are handy tips for your own reglazing project:

Completely clean tub surface of all dirt, stains, soap scum, and residue with a strong degreaser. Consider using a buffer for scrubbing.
Lightly sand surface with 150-220 grit sandpaper, then wipe clean. This scuffs up the gloss for better paint adhesion.
Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off the surrounding tile, walls, and fixtures.
Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of bonding agent primer allowing drying time between coats.
Shake or stir enamel thoroughly before pouring into paint sprayer cup. Carefully strain for globs.
Keep spray nozzle 6-8 inches from tub surface and overlap strokes. Apply 4-5 wet coats allowing proper curing time between coats.
Let final coat cure fully 3-5 days before use. Gently buff with 600 grit sandpaper and polish for a glossy finish.
Consider applying a maintenance wax or UV blocking sealer 1-2 weeks after painting for added protection.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, opting for soft sponges and non-acidic cleaners to maintain the finish.

Hiring a Professional Reglazer

While an ambitious DIYer can certainly tackle a bathtub reglazing project, hiring professional reglazers is highly recommended to get the best results. Trained and experienced companies use commercial equipment and high-grade materials to deliver a more durable finish. They also properly prepare the surface and expertly apply the multiple coats of enamel paint.

The average cost of professional reglazing is typically $300-$1000 depending on tub size and local labor rates. While definitely more costly than a DIY job, you benefit from an expert service with proven techniques that will maximize the life and quality of your new finish. The small extra investment helps avoid frustrations like chipping, clouding, cratering, and premature failure.

When getting quotes, look for licensed and insured reglazing companies that have been in business for a long time. They should be able to provide references and examples of their work. Also ensure they use top enamels like POR-15 or KOLORscapes that offer longer warranties.

Maintaining a Reglazed Bathtub Finish

To maximize the longevity and appearance of a freshly reglazed tub, proper maintenance and cleaning methods are key. Here are some tips:

Allow the full 3-5 day curing time before first use to prevent surface damage.
Fill the tub with plain water and drain a few times to condition before bathing.
Avoid abrasive scrub brushes, pads, and chemical cleaners which can dull the finish.
Use non-acidic liquid soaps and soft sponges or microfiber cloths only.
Rinse soap residue thoroughly after each use and wipe down.
For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive tub & tile cleaner and stiff nylon brush.
Apply a protective wax coating 1-2 times per year.
Consider adding a UV protectant sealant for extra stain protection.
Attach tub “bumper” pads to the bottom of shampoo bottles to avoid chipping.
Keep the bathroom well-ventilated to minimize humidity exposure.

FAQs About Reglazing Bathtubs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about bathtub reglazing:

Is the reglazing process safe?

Reglazing uses industrial-grade enamel paints that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other harsh chemicals. Professional reglazers take safety precautions by wearing respirators and ventilating work areas. Once the paint cures fully, the tub is safe to use. Still, you may want to avoid the fumes and stay out of the bathroom for a couple days during and after application.

How long does a reglazed bathtub last?

With proper surface prep and application, a professionally reglazed bathtub can last anywhere from 5-10 years. DIY jobs may start showing wear sooner than that depending on skill level. Factors like cleaning methods and mineral content in water also affect longevity. Applying maintenance wax helps prolong the finish.

Can you change a tub’s color when reglazing?

Yes, one benefit of reglazing is that you can choose nearly any color enamel paint to get the exact tub color you want. Bold colors like blue, green, red, and black are popular options nowadays along with classic crisp white. Just keep in mind darker colors show soap scum and wear more noticeably.

Does the tub have to be drained and completely dry?

Proper drying is essential for success when reglazing. The tub should be fully drained and given several days to dry thoroughly before attempting to paint. Using a dehumidifier in the bathroom speeds drying time if needed.

Is there a noticeable lip or slope after reglazing?

There should not be any lip, slope, or change in dimensions if done properly. The enamel paint coats are very thin, so the reglazed surface remains flush with the rest of the tub. Careful edge feathering maintains a seamless transition.

Conclusion

While bathtub reglazing has its challenges, proper preparation, application, and maintenance can result in a dramatically revitalized tub on a budget. Following the solutions and tips above will help you avoid the most common reglazing problems. Hiring experienced professionals like those certified by the National Tile and Refinishing Association provides ideal results, but DIYers can also successfully refinish their old tubs. Just be patient during surface prep and painting. A little extra time and care yields a smooth, durable, and luxurious looking finish at a fraction of replacement cost.