Anyone tried a bathtub refinishing kit?


  #1  
Old 02-02-06, 04:29 PM
I
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: US
Posts: 108
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Anyone tried a bathtub refinishing kit?

I found one called "Rustoleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit".

It was $20.

Just wondering if anyone has tried something like this before?


Thanks.
 
  #2  
Old 02-02-06, 04:46 PM
majakdragon's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: N.E. Arkansas
Posts: 7,475
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
We get lots of questions about tub refinishing by DIYers. It is not always a pleasant job and the results vary. I have included a link to another post. It may help you make a desision as to whether you want to try it. Remember, it may look worse after you are done. Good luck.

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=251897
 
  #3  
Old 02-03-06, 06:05 AM
M
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 46
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Iowa,

Having just had my tub re-glazed by a contractor -- I cannot imagine doing this job myself (and I'm usually willing to tackle almost anything). I watched the contractor off & on for most of the day. It is basically like having someone paint an entire car, in your bathroom. The guy used an HVLP gun & compressor, breathing apparatus, big exhaust fan for the fumes, etc. I doubt whether all this is included in the $20 kit.

I've painted cars before, enough to know that applying a nice even coat of paint to a complex curved surface isn't easy.

The going price for professional re-glazing is about $350 in my area. I felt that was a reasonable value versus the alternatives. I would not want to be learning a new trade while training on my own tub.

If you're determined to give this DIY kit a try, I'd suggest going to your local dump or bldg matl recycler, buy a junk tub, and try your skills on that first -- in your garage or outside. If you like the results you can achieve, then maybe do your own tub.

Be aware that a professional refinisher will have to charge more to re-glaze a tub that has already been re-glazed -- so if the Rustoleum kit makes a mess, you're looking at more than $350 to fix it.

Look, I'm all for DIY'ers for many tasks. This just isn't one of them, in my experience.

Mikaman (decidedly non-professional DIY'er)
 
  #4  
Old 02-03-06, 06:56 AM
I
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: US
Posts: 108
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Isn't a new tub less than $350?
 
  #5  
Old 02-03-06, 07:26 AM
Doug Aleshire's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: United States
Posts: 4,455
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
iowa,

Tubs may cost less than $350 but what about removal and installation costs? This is the reason that tub re-glazing was considered a more economical option as the dollars do add up!

I'm not a fan of this process, even when professionals do it. It is not considered a DIY project if you are looking for better than average results. The need for the right equipment, chemicals and how-to-do knowledge is something that I don't even have nor want to do.

Issues that make me not desire this nor recommend it is based on the following,

1. Water serves as a catalyst for a peeling reaction.

2. The smallest gap between the drain flange and the beginning of the porcelain will start a peeling reaction.
NOTE: It is impossible to mask the drain perfectly and consistently every time. Those professionals that really care about their work do this very well!

3. The drain is the most vulnerable part of the bathtub because of water activity.

4. Any object that falls in the tub, i.e., razors, shampoo bottles, hair brush, can cause chips or cracks in the epidermal or outside layer and start a peeling reaction. There are precautions that must be taken after this process is done.

5. If any residue is present after the etching process and is not wiped out, it will cause a break down in the chemical adhesion process thus starting a peeling reaction.

6. Temperature conditions play a big part in the success of refinishing. A tub should be at room temperature when painting. If a tub is too cold or too hot it will not allow the paint to adhere properly, thus causing a peeling reaction.

7. When applying the paint, if there are any bubbles or air pockets on the surface of the tub it will not allow the paint to maintain a constant chemical reaction, thus causing a breakdown and a peeling reaction.

8. Once a bathtub has been refinished it is very difficult to successfully refinish again. This is because of a major inconsistency with the surface of the tub.

9. When refinishing a bathtub, especially one in poor condition, a refinisher will have to apply generous amounts of paint over a damaged tub to hide its condition. This makes the bathtub extremely slippery.
NOTE: This is not the case every time. But most common with polyurethane base paint.

10. Refinishing is very sensitive to the slightest amount of abrasive and if used will cause a peeling reaction.

As most things are based on money, even trying to do this yourself will be costly and when done professionally, it does not last near as long as a new tub. When all is said and done, replacement is the best option if your budget allows.

Hope this helps!
 
  #6  
Old 02-03-06, 10:42 AM
daswede's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 2,176
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
My son went the refinishing route awhile back. Being exceptionally careful and dilligent,as another member posted,the D... thing peeled in about a 1 1/2
month around the drain and tub handle. What a mess.
Not really a DIY project in my opinion.
His removed the tub and bought a new one and installed it. Installation is a story for another time.
 
  #7  
Old 02-03-06, 12:51 PM
M
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: allen park, mi
Posts: 184
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I asked the refinisher guy...

He told me that the kits at home people and other places are to clean up the tub b4 you sell and what not. Says they last maybe 2 weeks with regular use and most just do it when they show their houses.
 
  #8  
Old 02-03-06, 12:55 PM
I
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: US
Posts: 108
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I do agree that they probably don't last very long. But I would put money on them lasting longer than two weeks.
 
  #9  
Old 02-04-06, 06:13 AM
M
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: allen park, mi
Posts: 184
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
i wouldnt...

heard nothing but bad about these. His son was exceptionally dilligent and it still only lasted 6 weeks. Most people trying to remodel a bathroom for $20 are trying to take the easy way (not trying to be mean, I know we cant all afford a remodel, my upstairs bathroom needs one but my 1st kid should be here any day, so that is on hold, for a while) so they probably dont feel like cleaning and prepping the surface really well so it doesnt hold as long as his did. Also, you get a mom, dad, and 2 or 3 kids showering everyday (I hope) then it is gonna get some real use.
 
  #10  
Old 04-25-09, 08:43 AM
D
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Great Bath epoxy refinishing

We own some rental units, and finally found a great product. Been using for over 3 yrs now and the tubs and tile and showers look like almost new. We found this kit by the 'For Dummies' brand that is made by ........com

A bit more expensive than the cheaper home center kits, but WELL worth the $$.
 

Last edited by Shadeladie; 04-25-09 at 10:40 AM. Reason: Link removed
  #11  
Old 04-25-09, 09:58 AM
E
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,826
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Do you do it yourself? Can you tell us more how it all works and how it looks when done?, in all honesty? And it all has held up? Price?
 
  #12  
Old 06-23-09, 02:22 PM
P
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Exclamation Tub reglazng

This is not a job for the inexperienced in 95% of the cases it fails within a week or a month. If you do your research about reglazing , there is much more involved to reglaze a tub then what is sold in the kit. If it is a cast iron tub you should etch the surface with a special type of material , you should be using a 2 part top coat and a 2 part primer , most kits just come with a top coat material. Proper ventalation to get rid of the HAZARDOUS FUMES , if u put a normal fan to exhaust out a window it could BLOW UP because its not a combustable proof fan , these products are extremley FLAMABLE , You should also use the proper FULL FACE mask to protect your lungs and eyes as well as a tyvex suit to protect your skin , , I can go on and on on . Its a bad idea....but you can always try and be safe when doing it and if it fails call a profesional and he can redo it and will charge you anywhere from $50 - 100.00 to strip it off , Check out **********they have some usefull info that could help you with your project...remember preparation before application prevents agravation ! GOOD LUCK
 

Last edited by Shadeladie; 06-23-09 at 02:41 PM. Reason: Advertising not allowed
  #13  
Old 06-26-09, 06:54 AM
D
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southern CA
Posts: 7
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I tried one of these about 6 mos a ago, but for the kitchen sink (same product as for bath). Like some of the other posters, I was extremely diligent in my effort (washing out the sink 3 times w/ tsp, buffing w/ steel wool, applying recommended amount of coats etc). I was very happy with the result...for about 2 months. Then it started coming off around the drains, and spread from there. Having a baby, I didn't want the tiny paint partices in our dish water, so as a result, we now have a new sink.

The product was from Homax and cost arount $45...a complete ripoff

Thanks,
 
  #14  
Old 06-29-09, 06:06 PM
P
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 34
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I can vouch for all of the above. I knew the pitfalls but tried it anyway. I followed the instructions to the T. The whole process from etching to drying etc. took about 3 days and I was very careful. At first, I was very happy with the results. The job looked terrific. It really looked like a brand new tub. That lasted 3 months, then it started peeling around the drain and kept spreading. It was a mess.
 
  #15  
Old 09-15-10, 03:34 PM
S
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: US
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Tub Refinishing

Has anyone else had good experiences with tub refinishing? I have rental units and have done 3 tubs (1 fiberglass and 2 iron) using an epoxy product from Rust-Oleum. I have had it on my own tub for well over two years and it still looks just like new, and the ones in the rentals seem to be holding up well also. And it's simple to put on... use only household cleaners to prepare it and apply with a small roller.

I did have a bad experience years ago with another product, which peeled in about a year. I can't remember what the product was, but the preparation process involved some kind of acid wash...
 
  #16  
Old 12-17-10, 09:13 AM
I
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
After reading this thread, I think I am going to give it a shot. I have an aweful looking pink bathroom, but the tile and tub are in great shape. I will be replacing the drain in the bathtub anyway, so I will apply the coating while the drain is out. That way there will not be any exposed seams in the coating.
 
  #17  
Old 03-02-11, 12:50 AM
J
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: usa
Posts: 3
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
How did your bathtub repair go? I've been looking around to figure out if I will do it myself or if I'll have somebody do it for me. They have a good amount of information on this, so you might want to check it out. Some of the quotes I got in my area by professionals made it seem like it's not worth refinishing. At some of the quotes prices, I might as well just replace the bathtub altogether.


"I can't remember what the product was, but the preparation process involved some kind of acid wash..."


I think that was to etch the surface so that everything you put over the tub sticks. I could be wrong on that though.
 

Last edited by Shadeladie; 03-02-11 at 12:29 PM. Reason: Link removed.
  #18  
Old 03-02-11, 09:41 AM
R
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 24
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Exclamation Stop!

This is a very specialized trade and requires products you can't purchase off a shelf. These kits always fail, even with the best "do it yourselfers" using them.

Trust me, I've seen it all in 23 years.

Ask yourself this - would you repaint your own car? Do you have the equipment / products needed?

You want this done right so it will look good, won't peel off and won't overwhelm your house with chemical odor - call a professional!
 
  #19  
Old 03-04-11, 12:29 PM
M
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Do it yourself

I had my bathtub reglased by professionals. It took about 4 hours and stank! The tub looks beautiful! HOWEVER. the glaze lasted 6 weeks and then peeled off. I'm going to use a diy kit and do it myself. I can't do use than these guys. I'm sure there are better pros out there, I just didn't get one.
 
  #20  
Old 03-05-11, 11:24 AM
L
Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Arlington, WA
Posts: 8,670
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
mjdrage,

Welcome to the forums.

I've seen quite a few DIY reglazing attempts, and none of them have been pretty. I've seen some done by pros, and you're right -- some are good, some aren't.

Best bet is to get several estimates, get references, and CHECK THEM OUT!! You want names of previous customers so you can actually go look at the job that was done and see the results.
 
  #21  
Old 03-18-11, 05:21 PM
A
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 204
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
bathtub refinishing

I also vote for hiring a pro. The chemicals are strong and messy and it just looks much nicer when a professional does it. We did ours and I think it cost $350. Has lasted for 4 years so far.
 
  #22  
Old 12-13-11, 05:09 PM
R
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
BathWorks Tub Refinishing Kit Worked Well

I agree with Allison1888 and suggest hiring a pro if you don't feel comfortable doing the job. BUT as far as kits go, my father and I just refinished the 20 year old tub and wall surround in his master bathroom, with a [LINK REMOVED]bathtub refinishing kit from BUSINESS NAME REMOVED[/URL].

They claim that it's a "professional grade" kit (doesn't everyone? ), but from what I could tell it appears to do a really good job. As good as a professional? Probably not, but definitely better than any other do-it-yourself kit out there by a mile. We tried a few years ago with the Rustoleum kit, but that didn't last, and it was a pretty thin spray-on product.

This was triple the cost (we paid $79, but shipping was free, which was nice, because the box it came in was a decent weight, so shipping would have cost a bit), but it's a roll-on product, which seems much thicker than the spray can stuff. There was a decent amount of prep work (we had to sand/scrape off the old spray stuff), but we took our time and when we were done the stuff seemed to lay down nicely. Once it dried, it was like a coat of armor though. It seems like it's the kind of thing that will hold up for a while, but who knows! I guess this is truly a case of "only time will tell."

Lastly, we had to call them because we spilled one of the products. They were super helpful, and answered the phone on the first ring. It was nice to get an actual person on the phone and not a computer system.

Good Luck!
 

Last edited by the_tow_guy; 12-27-11 at 03:57 AM.
  #23  
Old 12-26-11, 06:06 PM
S
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 9
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I have a nasty-looking, very old tub. I has chips and a great deal of staining. I considered trying to re-finish it myself but I'm just not sure I want to attempt it. Does anyone have a suggestion for a Los Angeles bathtub refinishing specialist? I could sure use a referral.
 
  #24  
Old 12-26-11, 07:11 PM
chandler's Avatar
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 36,607
Upvotes: 0
Received 9 Upvotes on 8 Posts
Why would you want a Los Angeles based refinisher for a job in Indiana??? We do look, it's our job.
 
  #25  
Old 12-27-11, 04:00 AM
the_tow_guy's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: SW Fla USA
Posts: 12,236
Received 249 Upvotes on 201 Posts
Good question.

Methinks this is one those threads that's just about run its course, but will leave it open to see the answer.
 
  #26  
Old 12-27-11, 06:14 AM
Shadeladie's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: PA - USA
Posts: 4,905
Received 391 Upvotes on 319 Posts
Just to add, this is NOT a referral site :NO NO NO: , it's a how-to site. SO....anyone that may answer, will most likely get banned and the post deleted.

Don't you have a newspaper or phone book with classified's where you live? Why do you think anyone here would know someone from a particular city anyways?
 
  #27  
Old 12-14-12, 06:30 PM
R
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
"Rustoleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit".
I just put my first coat on my bathroom sink 4 hours ago.
Now I am waiting for it to dry enough to sand.
I expect it to be as hard as epoxy coat for fiberglass that I pu in my shower stall several years ago..
Evidently there was dust as I have some little bumps + some runs as I put it on really thick.
However as time goes by it seems to actually be self leveling.
I will lightly sand it with 300 grit in the morning before the second coat.
 
  #28  
Old 12-15-12, 03:42 AM
chandler's Avatar
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 36,607
Upvotes: 0
Received 9 Upvotes on 8 Posts
Roger, welcome to the forums. Glad you got yours going, and hope the forum was of some help to you. Since this is a 6 year old thread, I am going to close it. If we can be of further service to you, please start a separate thread.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: