Bath Tub Refinish

[tec71]

I have a bathroom with a tub from 1983. I'm considering tearing it out and putting something new in but I saw some refinishing kits at Home Depot and then found some youtube videos on it. It doesn't look terribly hard. it's your standard alcove style bathtub/shower combo. I think it's a one piece (tub and walls), fiberglass. It'd be a ton cheaper than putting in a new one. Anyone have any experience with that sort of thing?

 

[JM4CY]

Consult your wife. Always consult your wife.

 

[cyinne]

There is a company called Re-Bath there are commercials for the company on tv quite often. There is a local branch in Des Moines. Not sure of their costs, your budget and such, but may be a worth to look into.

 

[MNclone]

I used it once and was pretty happy with the results. I brushed it on which works alright but if I were to do it again I would see if I could spray it on.

 

[tec71]

I used it once and was pretty happy with the results. I brushed it on which works alright but if I were to do it again I would see if I could spray it on.

I saw both kinds, one that was a brush/roll on and the other that was aerosol cans. The brush looks like it might be a little higher quality but the spray looked to be much easier.

 

[MNclone]

I saw both kinds, one that was a brush/roll on and the other that was aerosol cans. The brush looks like it might be a little higher quality but the spray looked to be much easier.

What I used was a2 part epoxy. It starts out nice and thin but thickens up quickly. If I were to do it again I think I would get a couple cheap sprayers from harbor freight and trash them when done. I doubt that epoxy would clean out very well.
Make sure you wear a good mask and do it before you are leaving for a day or two. The fumes were pretty bad.

 

[Althetuna]

There is a guy out of Colfax that will do it for around $100.He sprayed my tub. It looks brand new. Its been about 1 year and has held up well. It took him a couple of hours. Highly recommend.

 

[justincl]

I've done this to several tubs with great success. The brush on system is self leveling so it does take more than 1 coat. Spend the time on cleaning the existing tub in advance. I found that after a few years I had to recoat and I used the spray on system. The 2 part epoxy system is pretty bad gassing off for a few days. You will want to have the vent fan running full time and even put a towel under the door to keep the smell contained. It does stop but the initial time does take a few days...I've done it before leaving for a long weekend to avoid the smell. Finally when you clean the tub after coating it pay attention to the chemicals you use. I found it was harder to clean than regular porcelain. Overall a decent product that is a lot easier than replacing a tub!

 

[ripvdub]

Not many sprayers would be able to spray 2 part epoxy, but not 100%.