Most people are unaware, but the majority of bathtubs can be resurfaced, regardless of their material — fiberglass, steel, cast iron, or acrylic. Refinishing a bathtub is essentially like adding a new layer to the tub, altering the entire look of the bathtub. According to Home Guide, professional tub resurfacing costs around 75% less than replacing the tub. As such, this is a good way to update a tub that simply needs a facelift or for those who want to renovate their bathroom space on a budget. Refinishing a tub is also a great way to keep tubs that are in relatively good condition out of landfills. Unfortunately, many homeowners have no idea that bathtub refinishing is a thing, and because of that, this may be the first time that you've heard this term. If that is the case, you may be wondering what the signs are that you need to hire a bathtub refinisher. Keep reading to learn eight of those signs.
 

1. The Bathtub Has Chips

One clear sign that your bathtub could benefit from refinishing is the presence of chips. These chips may vary in color, such as cream, brown, or black, and are typically dime-sized to quarter-sized. If you rub your hand over the affected area, you will feel a slight indent, letting you know that this is a chip. If the damage is chipped rather than a hole, a professional refinishing company can address it. Don't let the chips pile up!

2. Your Bathtub Has Surface-Level Cracks

Another reason why you may need to hire a bathtub refinisher to refinish your bathtub is because your bathtub has surface-level cracks. If there are small cracks in your tub, those cracks need to be filled in before the tub can be refinished. Once they are filled in and the filler has fully hardened or cured, refinishing can start. It is important to note that not all cracks can be repaired, and not all cracks can be covered with refinishing processes. If you have a deep crack, or a crack that you can fit your fingernail in, the crack is likely too deep to repair. You should call a professional company in to determine if the crack can be repaired and then have a refinisher determine if they can refinish your tub with the filled crack.

3. Your Bathtub Never Looks Clean

One of the lesser-known signs that you need to hire a bathtub refinisher is having a bathtub that never actually looks clean. You can spend hours cleaning your tub, only for hard water stains to remain or for your bathtub to look brown or discolored. Many of the enamels that bathtub paint is made from can absorb stains, just like your teeth. No matter how much time you try to spend removing these stains, they simply will not budge because they have seeped their way into the enamel or paint. At that point in time, you need to hire a professional to refinish your tub so it looks clean.

4. Your Bathtub Has Damage From Harsh Cleansers

It's highly recommended that you avoid using harsh cleansers and abrasive cleaning products to clean your bathtub. This is because these harsh cleansers or abrasive cleaning products can actually leave more small scratches behind. If you use a product like steel wool or an abrasive brush, you are actually scratching away the paint or enamel on your tub. When this happens, you may start to see cream, brown, or gray rubbing marks or fine lines. This is a key indication that your harsh cleansers or cleaning products have damaged the tub. Unfortunately, the only way to correct this problem is to have your bathtub resurfaced. Once that process is complete, it is important to be mindful of the products you use to clean your tub moving forward.

5. The Finish Has Been Scrubbed From Your Bathtub

As the paint or enamel on your tub ages, it can start to slowly dissipate. This can be worsened as you clean the tub. When you are cleaning, if you see that the finish on your tub is starting to lift or peel, this is a clear indication that the lifespan of the tub's paint or enamel has expired. If you continue to use the tub and continue to clean it, the problem will only worsen. Hiring a bathtub refinisher at this point in time is necessary to continue to use your tub without the paint peeling away and to keep your tub looking its best for years to come.

6. Your Bathtub Is Fading

Most people do not consider the fact that their bathtub can fade. This is because white is the most common color of tub that is sold today. However, this was not always the case. Colored tubs were very popular in the 1970s through the 1990s. While white was still the most popular color, it was not unheard of or uncommon to see black, beige, mauve, or cream tubs. Unfortunately, when colored tubs are placed in direct sunlight, they can start to fade. This does not affect the function of the tub in any way. However, it can affect the appearance of the tub and negatively impact the value of your home. Refinishing your tub can help solve this issue.

7. You Want to Change the Color of Your Bathtub

Speaking of colored tubs, another reason why you may want to hire a bathtub refinisher to refinish your tub is because you do have a colored tub. Colored tubs are having a resurgence in popularity! Fortunately, you do not have to discard an otherwise functional tub simply because you do not like the color of the tub. You can have the tub refinished, changing the color and the overall appearance of the tub. This can help you to update your bathroom and make it feel more modern.

8. You Want Your Bathtub to Look As Good As New

The final reason why you may want to have your bathtub refinished is because you simply want the bathtub to look as good as new. If you are planning on reselling your home, you may be completing home repairs or projects that can help you to maximize the value of your home. If your tub is looking a little dingy or the color is not bright white, refinishing the tub can alter the appearance of the tub and make it look its best. This can help make your home look more turn-key or move-in ready and help you to maximize the amount of money you get for your home.

Refinishing a bathtub is a great way to fix small chips or cracks in the tub and change the exterior appearance of a tub. If a tub has deep cracks, or holes, or is deformed, it may not be able to be refinished. However, if a tub is structurally sound and only has damage on the surface, stains, or discoloration, it's a great candidate for bathtub refinishing! If you are ready to learn more about refinishing your tub or whether it is a candidate to be refinished, reach out to us at Bath Magic today to learn more. We'll get your tub to look just the way you want it.