Do DIY Bathtub Refinishing Kits Really Work?

In this article: DIY bathtub refinishing kits are certainly cheaper than paying for a professional job, but do they really work? We explore what the process entails and share experiences from our readers who have tried this approach.

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
We have had our house up for sale for over a year and have renewed our decluttering and fixing up efforts.

The tub is not in the best shape. We have done our best with it, but it just doesn’t look very good. I got an estimate to refinish it, and it’s money we don’t have.

I know there are DIY bathtub refinishing kits. I found them online, and we can do this ourselves.

Has anyone done this? How hard is it? Did it look nice afterwards? How did they do it? Any help would be very appreciated.
Aynne

What Is Bathtub Refinishing?

Bathtub refinishing and bathtub reglazing are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of restoring an old, worn or damaged bathtub to a like-new condition. This process involves repairing any imperfections, cleaning the surface thoroughly, and applying a new surface coating or finish to the bathtub. The aim is to improve the appearance, durability, and longevity of the bathtub without the need for a complete replacement.

Bathtub refinishing and reglazing offer several advantages, including cost savings compared to replacing the entire bathtub, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to retain the original bathtub design or features. However, the durability of a refinished bathtub may not be as long-lasting as that of a brand-new bathtub. And the durability of a DIY job won’t likely last as long as a professional job.

How Do Do-It-Yourself Bathtub Refinishing Kits Work?

DIY bathtub refinishing kits and bathtub reglazing kits can be a cost-effective way to restore a bathtub, but they do require some time and effort. Additionally, the results may not be as durable or long-lasting as a professional refinishing job.

Note: It’s important to work in a well-ventilated area and to follow all safety instructions, as the materials used in these kits can be harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin or eyes.

DIY bathtub refinishing kits provide you with the materials and instructions needed to restore an old or damaged bathtub. While the specific steps and materials can vary depending on the kit, the basic process typically involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning: The first step in refinishing a bathtub is to thoroughly clean it. This typically involves removing any caulking, soap residue, mineral deposits, and other dirt or debris from the surface of the tub. The kit usually includes a cleaning solution for this purpose.
2. Repairing: If there are chips, cracks, or other damage to the bathtub, these will need to be repaired before the tub can be refinished. This often involves applying a patching compound, which is usually included in the kit.
3. Sanding: Once the tub is clean and any damage has been repaired, the next step is to sand the surface of the tub. This helps to create a rough surface for the new finish to adhere to. The kit typically includes sandpaper or a sanding pad for this purpose.
4. Priming: After sanding, a primer is applied to the surface of the tub. This provides a base for the new finish to adhere to and can help to ensure a smooth, even finish. The primer is usually included in the kit and is applied with a brush or roller.
5. Refinishing: The final step is to apply the new finish to the tub. This is typically a two-part epoxy that needs to be mixed together before being applied. The finish is usually applied with a brush or roller and needs to dry for a specified amount of time before the tub can be used. Some kits may also include a topcoat or sealer to be applied after the finish.
6. Curing: After the final layer is applied, the tub will need to cure for a certain amount of time. This can vary but is typically between 24-72 hours. During this time, it’s important not to use the tub or expose it to moisture.

Do DIY Bathtub Refinishing Kits Work?

We asked our frugal readers whether this is a DIY task worth doing. Most did not like the end result. Read on for their comments and advice.

Tub Refinishing for Porcelain

Years ago, we bought a house with a ratty looking, but charming claw foot tub. Rather than give up the wonderful soaks afforded by its high sloping back, we painted it with an DIY reglazing kit made for refinishing porcelain. It smelled to high heaven (open the window!) and was hard to get smooth, but it worked.

Except we used a Rubbermaid bath math with a suction cup back, and it pulled some of the paint off the bottom of the tub. But overall, it was a frugal success.
Antonio

Professional Job Better Decision Than DIY Tub Refinishing

We went the cheap route and bought the bathtub refinishing kit to do it ourselves. What a mistake! It was far from the easy job that they made it sound or look in the directions. We were never happy with the way it turned out, even though we were very meticulous about doing it right.

After about two years, the entire bottom of the tub started peeling off like a bad sunburn. We eventually had the professionals come in to do it right, which cost us to refinish the tub, plus an additional $150 to remove the residue left by the kit repair!

Overall, I’d recommend staying away from the DIY kit. Find the money to do it right, or leave it as is and be willing to accept slightly less for the house based on the state of the tub. Chances are that the new owners will redo the bathroom eventually anyway.
Mary-Ann

Related: 10 Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom on a Budget

Give Paint Time To Cure When Refinishing a Tub

I’ve used the epoxy paint to refinish tubs many times.

At one point, I owned a small cottage resort and we had limited income with regular expenses. When a tub got looking less than ideal, I would paint it. The results were very nice, provided the paint was put on evenly and without brush streaks. You also need to follow the directions exactly and make sure to put a watertight bag over the spout before starting, as a drip will ruin your new finish and destroy your work.

Make sure you won’t need the tub for a while, so the paint has proper curing time. I believe, if I remember correctly, that I would wash the tub with TSP before painting it. Make sure it’s well rinsed so no phosphate is left on the surface either.
Cindy

Don’t Bother With Refinishing the Tub Yourself

We had a friend refinish our tub with a kit from Home Depot. It only lasted about three months.

If you can come up with the money to have it refinished, it would be money well spent. And your reputation with the buyer would be better.
Barb

Tub Refinishing Advice From a Real Estate Investor

My husband and I are investors in real estate. I would not advise refinishing a tub by yourself for several reasons.

1. It’s harder than it looks. If you do it incorrectly, it can look like the tub was painted and you can leave stroke marks on the tub. It takes awhile to do it also, and if you are still using the tub, you need to take that into account.
2. You want your house to show like a model home. If you aren’t sure what I mean, you can go through a neighborhood show house. It looks like it should be on or in a magazine. A tub done incorrectly could cost you more than the refinish if your house has to sit on the market an extra six months because of the tub. See also: Staging Your Home for Sale (Tips From a Pro Home Stager)

Deana

Consequences of DIY Tub Refinishing

Spend the money for the pro or wait until you have it.

We recently bought a home that had one of those cheap “refinishing” jobs done. It looked great, until we cleaned it. Off came the “paint.” It looks horrible. Not only are the old, yellow stains still there, but also the patchy paint that’s still coming off shows as well. It is embarrassing and I have to explain it to every guest.

Make sure you really research the process and get an iron clad guarantee. The previous owners of our house had a guarantee too, which was the kind that’s on the side of a paint can. Just try to collect on that!
Jill

Related:

• The $150 DIY Bathroom Redo
• How To Cover Tile Countertops Inexpensively
• Managing the Cost of Home Projects
• Make Over Any Room for $100 or Less
• DIY Home Staging for a Quick and Profitable Sale

Reviewed May 2023