How Much Does It Cost To Reglaze A Bathtub?

Bathtub reglazing cost

The typical price for refinishing a tub costs between four and five hundred dollars — but that is when you hire someone to do it. This is how the cost of refinishing your tub is generally broken down (keep in mind these are approximate estimates): 

• The materials are around $300. 
• The labor probably will be somewhere between $200 to $500. 
• The size of your tub can affect the final cost. 

The resurfacing process will give your tub a fresh, new look, and it's usually much less expensive than a complete replacement; reglazing allows you to upgrade or make a nice update to your bathroom for much less than if you were to install a brand-new tub.

What is bathtub reglazing?

Bathtub reglazing is an easy, effective way to give your tub a beautiful new look. Depending on your DIY skills, you can do it yourself or hire someone to come in and do the job for you. 

The process begins by sanding down the surface of your tub and filling in any cracks or worn-down spots. Several coats of primer and paint are applied, and a final buffing is done to give the surface a smooth finish. 

In general, tub reglazing is a cosmetic process that will make your bathtub look and feel brand new. If your tub only has a few minor scratches, stains, and imperfections, reglazing is a wise choice. 

Here are some pro tips for other cases:

• Refinishing is recommended for those with antique cast iron tubs. 
• Tubs made of certain materials may require a more intense reglazing process
• Acrylic tubs can only be reglazed if the imperfections are minor.

Tub reglazing cost by material

The cost to reglaze a tub depends on what your bathtub is made of. Different types of material require different processes and finishing products to ensure a beautiful look. Here are the most common tub material types and the costs associated with reglazing them:

Fiberglass

Reglazing can cover chips and cracks, but it's more labor-intensive if you have a fiberglass tub. The average refinishing tub cost for fiberglass ranges between $300 and $1,000. Due to the larger surface area, a one-piece combo fiberglass tub will cost more.

Porcelain

It costs approximately $475 to reglaze a porcelain tub. These tubs typically have a cast iron or steel base with a thin layer of porcelain over them. Solid porcelain tubs are extremely old, and we recommend hiring an antique restorer if you want to refinish them.

Cast iron

Prepare to pay between $350 and $600 to reglaze or refinish a cast iron tub. Most tubs have a surface layer of enamel or porcelain that can cause cast iron tubs to rust if the surface becomes chipped or scratched.

Miracle method

Miracle Method is a company that specializes in tub refinishing. On average, the cost to use this service is $500 to $650 for a single coat of white over a standard bathtub.

Perma-glaze

Perma-glaze is a synthetic porcelain product used for tub refinishing and features a blend of polymer resins. Prices will vary, but average tub reglazing costs with this service/product range between $250 to $650, and you can choose a custom finish.

Labor cost to reglaze a tub

So, how much does it cost to reglaze a tub? The bathtub reglazing cost is less than a full tub installation because it is a fairly quick process. It takes two to four hours to resurface a bathtub. Depending on the contractor’s experience and skills, reglazing your bathtub may cost from $60 to $100 an hour. It is usually between $200 and $400 for labor to refinish a standard tub; if the job is complex or requires more than one full day to complete, your labor costs will be higher. 

The labor cost to reglaze a tub may also be more if it is severely damaged or requires special treatment to fill in cracks and dents.

Cost to refinish clawfoot tub

A clawfoot tub is typically made of heavy-duty cast iron and can face a variety of issues like rust, corrosion, chips, scarring, and pinholes. The average cost to refinish a clawfoot tub ranges between $300 and $650. This price depends on the size and condition of the tub, as well as how long it will take to complete the job. Generally, it takes between four and five hours to refinish a clawfoot tub. Professional refinishing typically includes a 3 to 10-year warranty, so ask if a warranty on the work is available before you commit to hiring a professional.

Cost to reglaze tub and tile

If you have tile in your bathroom, this material can also be reglazed to create a cohesive look. It costs approximately $54.29 per square foot for the materials to reglaze tile, with averages ranging between $31.61 to $76.97 per square foot. An average 300-square foot project to reglaze bathroom tile should cost approximately $1,852, but this cost can be higher or lower depending on location and the finish you choose. Add the cost to reglaze a tub, and you may pay approximately $2,250 to $3,800 to have your tub and all tile reglazed.

Refinish, reglaze or replace?

Reglazing isn't always the best option to renew your tub, as it depends on your budget and the severity of the damage. While refinishing is essentially the same as reglazing, the cost will often vary based on the material of the bathtub and how extensive the damage is. Replacing a tub completely is a great choice for some homeowners, but it will generally cost you more. Prices vary depending on the cost of demolishing and removing the old tub, any modifications that may be needed for plumbing, framing the new tub, and installing it along with the new tile.

DIY vs hire a pro

If you’re considering tackling the project on your own, there are a few things you’ll need to know in advance. DIY bathtub refinishing kits are available that cost anywhere from $30 to $200. These kits typically include a cleaning solution, sandpaper, primer, and refinishing paints. Some less expensive kits use epoxy, while more expensive options use a durable resin coating. A DIY refinishing kit won't be as durable as professional reglazing and might only last two years. 

You'll need to take a few safety precautions if you want to refinish your tub DIY, as the fumes are dangerous if inhaled. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and use a vapor respirator. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection, and never come into contact with the refinishing paint. Proper preparation is key to successful tub refinishing. Overall, hiring a professional to do the job may be better since the results will last longer, and you may have a warranty on the labor.

Final tips before you begin your bathtub reglaze

This is what you can expect when you reglaze your bathtub, especially if you get the job done professionally. 

• Your bathtub will look like new again, with all rust, cracks, chips, and discoloration eliminated, leaving behind a smooth finish. 
• You can expect your newly refinished bathtub to last between 10 and 15 years once it resurfaces. 
• Reglazing your tub is the most affordable option, even when you hire someone to do the work. It’s about a quarter of the cost of a full bathtub replacement. 
• You can customize your tub to be refinished in any color and style you like, so it’s an excellent option for when you are redecorating your bathroom.  
• It takes about half a work day to complete the project, and after the last coat is applied, the tub will be ready for use again in about 48 hours. 
• Most companies offer a warranty of at least three years, and sometimes up to ten years; this way you can make your investment knowing that you will be covered should there be any damage done to the reglaze.