What is the lifespan of a reglazed bathtub?

With more than 20 years of practical experience in renovating, repairing, and enhancing residences, Lee has been offering home improvement guidance for many years.

Reglazing or refinishing is a suitable solution for bathtubs that appear worn, dull, or exhibit surface issues. However, it is important to note that reglazing will not address underlying problems that extend beyond the surface, such as issues with studs, insulation, cement board, or drywall. Nonetheless, for problems that are confined to the surface of the tub, reglazing is a practical choice.

Bathtub reglazing is not a permanent solution. It serves as a cost-effective, less intrusive, and cleaner option compared to a complete tub replacement. However, it is important to note that it is not a lasting fix. When undertaking a reglazing project, it is understood that it will eventually need to be redone. With that in consideration, what is the typical lifespan of a reglazed tub?

The Lifespan of a Reglazed Bathtub

From our observations, a resurfaced bathtub typically endures for three to four years. Nevertheless, its lifespan can extend beyond that if you consistently adhere to all maintenance guidelines.

Initially, we adhered to the guidelines as well. We handled the reglazed bathtub with the care it deserved, avoiding any abrasive cleaning products. We made it a point to clean the tub promptly whenever dirt and soap residue showed up, understanding that delaying the cleaning process would lead to the need for intense scrubbing.

Ultimately, we ceased adhering strictly to all the guidelines and started to regard the reglazed tub as if it were a solid, uncoated tub. Surprisingly, we discovered that using abrasive cleaners had minimal impact on the reglazed surface. The most significant damage occurred when a heavy item was accidentally dropped into the tub, resulting in a chip in the glaze and prompting the surrounding glaze to begin to peel off.

Chronology of a Refinished Bathtub

• In the first year, the bathtub underwent a professional refinishing, resulting in a pleasing off-white hue. The surface was firm and resilient. Throughout this time, we adhered to the cleaning guidelines, avoiding any abrasive cleaners or pads. Our cleaning routine consisted solely of using SoftScrub or 409. This proved to be a labor-intensive task, as the gentle cleaners necessitated more vigorous scrubbing.
• Year Two: Throughout this period, the cleaning routine began to falter. From time to time, we noticed dirt rings accumulating around the edges of the tub, along with black footprints on the floor. The gentle cleaning products were proving ineffective. Gradually, we started to incorporate bleach-based abrasive cleaners for the tub. To our surprise, there were no adverse effects initially. In fact, the same was true for the following months. Comet was effective in cleaning the bathtub without damaging the coating. If there was any dulling of the surface, it was imperceptible to us.
• Third Year: Then, an unforeseen incident occurred. A shampoo bottle was accidentally dropped onto the sloped rear of the tub. The drop was only about 3 feet. The bottle’s soft bottom was the part that made contact with the tub, yet it managed to leave a small mark. This mark was minimal, measuring just a 1/4-inch in diameter, revealing the tub’s original surface. The edges of the mark were uneven. Over the months, water gradually enlarged the mark, eventually reaching dimensions of about 3 inches by 1 inch. We chose not to repair this mark, and it continued to grow. In retrospect, it would have been wise to either patch the mark or conceal it.
• Fourth Year: While patching was a possible solution, we opted to completely refinish the bathtub instead. We utilized a DIY kit to revamp the tub over the course of a weekend.

Tips for Extending the Lifespan of a Reglazed Bathtub

Is it possible to prolong the life of your reglazed bathtub? Definitely. By following careful maintenance practices, you can enhance its durability to five years or potentially even longer.

Steer clear of harsh cleaning products to maintain the shine. Although abrasive cleaners may not appear to diminish the gloss immediately, they are gradually damaging the glossy finish. A shiny surface is simpler to clean compared to a porous one.

Ultimately, we discovered that Scrubbing Bubbles was the most effective cleaner for the glazed tub. Although it is a chemical cleaner, it was highly effective at removing grime from the tub, minimizing the need for manual scrubbing. Additionally, kitchen dish soap is frequently suggested for glazed tubs, and we tried it a few times with satisfactory results.

To further protect your tub, try to prevent any items from falling into it. Metal razors and shaving mirrors can easily scratch the tub’s finish. Opt for smaller containers of shampoo and body wash, as they are less likely to cause damage if they happen to fall.

Address nicks in the glaze right away. This is clearly the most significant error. It’s unfortunate when the glaze is damaged, but nicks in the glaze tend to lead to further issues. Ensure you have a patching kit available, or acquire one as soon as possible. If you have access to another tub or shower, consider using it until you can repair the damaged glaze.