Bathtub refinishing costs an average of about $510.

Bathtub refinishing starts at around $300 and ranges up to $720.

Meet the Expert

James Harris is the principal at house rehab firmHW Buys Houses.

Bathtub in a bathroom

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Fiberglass is a common bathtub material.

Severely damaged fiberglass tubs are difficult to repair because the materials are fragile.

Cast-iron bathtubs can be more difficult to refinish than other materials due to iron’s propensity for rusting.

Sometimes, the cast-iron tub may need to be removed from the bathroom for sandblasting.

Steel Bathtub

Refinishing a steel bathtub costs an average of $500.

Steel bathtubs coated in porcelain (often called porcelain-on-steel) are common in older homes.

Though the steel base is hardy, the porcelain coating can crack and chip.

Solid Porcelain Bathtub

Refinishing a porcelain bathtub costs an average of $650.

Cost Factors

Permits

Permits are likely not required for bathtub refinishing.

However,plumbing permits are requiredfor activities related to the tub refinishing project.

Recaulk Bathtub

Professional tub refinishers will remove and reinstall the caulk on the bathtub.

Caulk is necessary for preventing water infiltration behind the tile and the bathtub.

Plus, fresh caulk gives the refinished bathtub a neat, bordered look.

High-quality bathroom-grade silicone caulk costs $10 to $15 per tube.

Two tubes of caulk are usually sufficient to recaulk the bathtub.

Repair Bathroom Flooring

Refinishing the bathtub may require bathroom flooring repair or completely new flooring.

Even if repainting is not required, it may be desired as part of an overall bathroom update.

Remove the Bathtub

A benefit of refinishing a bathtub is that it is usually refinished in place.

Some bathtubs, though, may need to be removed for refinishing.

You canremove a bathtub by yourselffor $50 to $100.

Due to the excessive weight,removing a cast iron tubis significantly more difficult and may require professional help.

Older cast-iron bathtubs can weigh over 400 pounds.

Refinishing a bathtub is noninvasive compared to a full tub replacement.

By refinishing the bathtub, you prevent the bathtub from being sent to the landfill.

Bathtub refinishing, though, is only a minor fix.

A finished bathtub surface is delicate and must be cleaned and used with care.

Abrasive materials and scouring powders cannot be used on a refinished tub.

you might also clean the tub with grease-cutting dish soap, warm water, and a sponge.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. “If you are doing a full bathroom gut,replace the bathtub.”

The municipal landfill is the only disposal option unless the removed bathtub can be donated.

Few recycling programs will accept old fiberglass, acrylic, and enameled steel materials.

Bathtub replacementlets you see and deal with bathroom-wide problems.

Alcove bathtubs in particular hide water damage because they are built into the alcove.

Replacing a bathtub extends its lifespan for the long term and generally returns more value than a refinished tub.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Liner

Bathtub refinishing costs less thanbathtub liner installation.

A bathtub liner starts at around $700 and ranges to $3,200.

On average, a liner costs about $2,000.

A bathtub liner is a single shell of acrylic or PVC that fits snugly into the existing bathtub.

It is designed to match up with the drain hole, walls, surround, and flooring.

After installation, a bathtub liner looks like a new bathtub or a refinished bathtub.

Replacement is the only option by that point.

As bathtub refinishing is an indoor project, it can be done at any time of the year.

Most do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits cost less than $200.

You must use a refinishing kit since standard latex house paint is not meant for bathtub surfaces.

A kit includes epoxy resin, hardener, etching powder, cleaning solutions, and sandpaper.

Refinishing a bathtub is a detail-oriented process.

The bathtub must be sanded, etched, and immaculately cleaned.

Even on the low end, bathtub replacement costs $1,565about three times the cost of bathtub refinishing.

A bathtub should be refinished around every five to 10 years.

Bathtubs that have been DIY-finished should be refinished around every five years.

Bathtub reglazing is a part of bathtub refinishing.

Bathtub reglazing means applying an epoxy coating to the tubnothing else.

The Ultimate Cost Guide to Bathtub Refinishing, Resurfacing, and Reglazing.

How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing And Reglazing Cost?Forbes Home.

How much does it cost to refinish a bathtub?Fixr.

How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost?HomeAdvisor.