What is the better option to making my bathtub look better? Vinyl covering or glazing? What are the advantages and disadvantages to both and are there other options.

 

JiClipper,

You better read this,

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=209556

My choice - replace the tub!

Good luck!

 

Please do not let one persons misfortune taint your opinion of the refinishing industry. It is not the norm, more like the exeption. Please take a look at this site [advertises on this website] and view the long movie. It is more representative of what is more likely to happen when you get your tub refinished. Although their process is unique it is very similar to other methods. They have a special primer that they use otherwise it is pretty much the same.

http://www.miraclemethod.com/

Tub liners are way over priced. They only cost about $200.00[delivered] to the dealer and they charge you like $800 for the job. Well over $100 an hr. Reglazing isn't quite so profiable. Usually takes up to 7 hrs to do the job right and can cost $300 + or - materials are in the $30 range[ not that it is cheap just that you dont use much].

A refinished tub should last 10 yrs and maybe 20, and can be buffed out like in the video at a future date to shine it up[you can do this yourself]. Ask the refinisher to add a non slip surface to the mix and forget about the mats. There is no bathtub I know of refinished or new that will pay you if you leave a bottle on the tub and it leaves a mark or rusts---which can be fixed on a refinished tub by the way not on a percelain tub. It is not reccomended that you leave soap on the tub, although many tests have produced no adverse effect from doing so, but again it is repairable if it should happen. If you decide to wash your dog in the tub and it gets scratched that is also fixable, but only on a refinished tub or maybe a plastic liner as you can sand and polish them. Problem is they are very limited in color unlike refinishing which is done in virtually any color and should not add much more than $20.00 to the pricetag.It is up to you to screen the refinisher. Please do your homework.

 

Joneq,

Good points. I personally have not seen a unit that has been reglazed last over 3-5 years before issues arise with the finish. That is not to say that there are none out there but I personally do not know of any. Those that I have seen, cannot take the punishment of a family household let alone washing the dog and yes, there are those that do that in the tub.

However, even with the link you provided as well as others that I have talked to, the bottom line is this, they normally offer

"a five-year warranty against peeling or other failure of adhesion for bathtubs, wall tile, and fiberglass. Sinks, counter tops, floors, chip repairs, and all other surfaces are warranted for a period of one year."

I have seen warranties as little as 3 years. You do make a good point that one must check out these companies before considering such a choice but that may not prevent spending more money down the line for a re-do or new install.

Flip side is that warranties from major companies, for example,

KOHLER CAST IRON - LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY but Kohler warrants the cast iron components of this product manufactured after February 10, 2000, to be free of defects in material and workmanship during normal residential use for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his/her home. Gloss reduction, scratching, staining and alkaline etching, of the finish over time due to use, cleaning practices or water or atmospheric conditions are not manufacturing defects but are indicative of normal wear and tear.

As the one member posted, here is what they received upon cmpletion of the process,

"Care and Maintenance Form for Tubs and Showers

Due to the non-porous surface of the finish, there is no need to use abrasive cleaners. Any household liquid detergent will give excellent results. To remove mineral stains, use a mild acid solution such as a liquid bowl cleaner.

All organic coatings must cure. They start to cure from the time of application for a total of several weeks.

DON'T
1. Do not use the surface for 24 hours from the time of refinishing.
2. Do not leave soap, bottles, or any objects on the finish at any time.
3. Do not use abrasive cleaners. No S-O-S pads, Comet, or Soft Scrub.
4. Do not use bath mats with suction cups.
5. Leaky faucets must be repaired.
6. Any surface dust will dissipate in 3-4 weeks with normal cleaning. Do not pick surface dust with your fingers.

DO
1. The best way to keep your tub clean is to wipe it down with a towel after use.
2. Good cleaners to use: Simple Green, Lysol Basin & Tile, Dow, Mr Clean liquid and Fantastic.
3. Recommended that you polish tub five days after refinishing.

Warranty
XXXX gives warranty for your tub against peeling or lifting for 5 years from 4-6-05.
Warranty does not cover abuse to your tub such as scratching or chipping."

So, it always comes down to dollars and what we don't want to spend. We take shortcuts and usually in the end, the good deal isn't one.

Each person must decide the best way for them. Make the right decision.

Just added thoughts based on experience in the trade

 

FWIW

My folks had their tub reglazed about 10 years ago.

No problems.

For 5 years, my brother was still at home, now he's moved out and it's just the two of them.
I know they are careful with the tub, but not extra-careful.