Bathtub refinishing

14 years ago

We have a lovely old GREEN bathtub - about 30 years old that is in good shape and I'd like to remodel the bathroom and change the color of fixtures. I know baths can be refinished - but how long does it last? I have seen DIY products but (assuming I read and follow the instructions), is there any difference between the longevity of DIY applied and professional products?

As an aside, I want to retile the wall to get rid of the green accented wall tile so I assume I should tile the wall BEFORE having the bath refinished and then just caulk the joint between the tile and bath when the refinishing is dry. That would minimize the chances of tiles etc. dropping and scratching the newly painted tub.

Thanks

Michael

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Comments (2)

remodella
14 years ago
i'm having my tub (and the surrounding tile) refinished in a couple weeks after other renovations are (hopefully) complete - will let you know how it goes!
jakkom
14 years ago
Yes, do your tiling first.

We had our (also green) tub professionally done in 2003. My MIL is very careful with it and it was in perfect condition until recently, when we had to have some touchup done because the floor installer nicked the painted finish.

Frankly, I can't believe DIY would be as durable as a good pro job. They sealed everything off and even took out the window screen. They said the paint is similar to high-gloss auto paint and the spray mist is so fine it will clog a window screen completely.

The grinding off of the porcelain finish on the tub was like fingernails screeching on a chalkboard, only it went on for almost an hour. Without proper prep, no paint job ever can be durable.

Drying time was 3 days, but we were warned to be careful with it for the next 30 days until curing was complete. The drainhole is the most critical; any water that leaks underneath will 'lift up' the paint and cause it to peel off.
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