Frequently Asked Questions About Tub Refinishing in Portland, OR [2023 Update]

Frequently Asked Questions About Tub Refinishing in Portland, OR

There are a lot of frequently asked questions about tub refinishing in Portland, Oregon. So we compiled a list of them here and provided answers that will help you plan your projects. Have another question? Ask it here.

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Why Refinish Your Tub?

There are many reasons why you might want to refinish your bathtub. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

  1. To improve the appearance of your bathtub. If your bathtub is old and stained, refinishing can give it a new lease on life.
  2. To make your bathtub easier to clean. A refinished bathtub is smooth and non-porous, making it easier to keep clean. (Only use approved cleaners and never use abrasive cleaners on a refinished tub as it will void your warranty and could scratch or otherwise damage the surface. A refinished tub surface is not as hard as the original porcelain.)
  3. To extend the life of your bathtub. Refinishing can help to protect your bathtub from scratches, stains, and other damage.
  4. To save money. Refinishing your bathtub is usually much less expensive than buying a new one and having it installed.
  5. To get your house ready for sale without having to replace the tub.
  6. To get a property ready for a new tenant.

Is it Better to Buy a New Tub or Refinish It?

The decision of whether to buy a new tub or refinish an old one is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both options.

Pros of buying a new tub:

  1. A new tub will have a modern look and feel.
  2. A new tub will be free of scratches, stains, and other damage. (Unless the plumbers installing it create scratches or the drywall or tile installers decide to walk on the tub while working. It happens all the time.)
  3. A new tub will come with a warranty.

Cons of buying a new tub:

  1. Buying a new tub can be expensive to install once the old tub is removed.
  2. Installing a new tub can be disruptive, dirty and time consuming.
  3. You may have to replace other bathroom fixtures to match the new tub.

Pros of refinishing an old tub:

  1. Refinishing an old tub is less expensive than buying a new one. ($500-$1200 depending on your level of service and warranty.)
  2. Refinishing an old tub can be done in a single day and can be used in about 48 hours.
  3. Refinishing an old tub can give your bathroom a fresh new look.

Cons of refinishing an old tub:

  1. Refinished tubs may not last as long as new tubs. A refinished tub will need to be refinished again in the future. How far in the future depends on who does the work. Renew-It offers a 1 Year, 5 Year and a Lifetime Warranty option.
  2. Refinishing an old tub may not completely hide scratches and stains. (Renew-It ensures 100% Satisfaction and we spend a great deal of time prepping the surface before refinishing it to make sure it looks great when we are finished.)
  3. Refinishing an old tub will almost never be covered by the original tubs warranty.

How do I know if my tub needs resurfacing?

There are a few signs that your bathtub may need resurfacing. These signs include:

  1. The bathtub is old and stained.
  2. The bathtub is cracked or chipped.
  3. The bathtub is peeling or bubbling.
  4. The bathtub is difficult to clean.
  5. The bathtub is an outdated color and you want it to be a different color.

If you see any of these signs, it is a good idea to have your bathtub resurfaced by a professional.

What are the cons of reglazing a tub?

There could be a few potential cons to reglazing a bathtub depending on who does the tub refinishing. These include:

  1. Tub refinishing can peel over time if not done properly. (Ask you refinisher for details on his prep work to ensure a proper bond. Renew-It spends more time than most to prep the surface so as to ensure a proper and lasting bond.)
  2. The reglazing process can be messy leaving over spray in the room on walls and other surfaces. (Renew-It ensures that everything not being refinished is covered by plastic sheets and tape to prevent over spray. We also vent the room using a special fan and vent hose to move the fumes and over spray outside of the home.)
  3. The reglazing process can be time-consuming. (Renew-It usually takes one day to refinish your tub and then it is ready to use within 48 hours.)
  4. The reglazing process may not completely hide scratches and stains. (Renew-It does more prep work than most other tub refinishers in Portland to ensure a smooth finished product. We only use the best refinishing materials ensuring a brilliant finish.)
  5. The reglazing process is almost never covered by the original tubs warranty. (Homeowners insurance rarely, if ever, pays for tub refinishing but it is worth a try. Renew-It offers a 1 Year, 5 Year, and an Exclusive Lifetime Warranty on our tub refinishing.)

What are the side effects of bathtub refinishing?

There are no known side effects of bathtub refinishing for the end user. However, it is important to use a reputable refinishing company that uses high-quality materials and exhausts the fumes outside of the home.

Can you take a bath in a refinished tub? How long can you not use tub after reglazing?

Yes, you can take a bath in a refinished tub. However, it is important to wait at least 48 hours after the refinishing process is complete before using the tub. This will allow the refinishing material to fully cure. If you use the tub before the prescribed time, the surface may be compromised and peel prematurely or look dull.

How long does a tub last after Reglazing?

A refinished tub can last for many years and even decades with proper care. However, the exact lifespan of a refinished tub will vary depending on the quality of the refinishing job and the level of care that is taken in cleaning it. (Renew-It offers a 1 Year, 5 Year, and an Exclusive Lifetime Warranty on our tub refinishing in Portland, OR.) Read our blog article How long reglazing a tub lasts.

What is the difference between bathtub refinishing and reglazing? What is the difference between resurfacing and refinishing a bathtub?

The terms "refinishing", "reglazing" and "resurfacing" are often used interchangeably. Some say there is a subtle difference between them. They say "refinishing is the process of restoring the original finish of a bathtub and reglazing is the process of applying a new finish to a bathtub". They are actually the same process, just different terms. Some refinishers will tell you differently, but in reality, we are all applying a newly painted surface over your old tub. When a tub gets old, scratched, stained, or otherwise not so good looking, there are three choices to deal with it.

  1. Learn to live with it. This is usually not an option unless a super deep cleaning provides an acceptable result. (Caution! Do not use toilet bowel cleaner or very harsh cleaners on a tub as many of these contain hydrofluoric acid and it may permanently damage the tub.
  2. Refinishing, reglazing or resurfacing the tub will give you a like-new look at an affordable price. (Choose your company wisely as choosing wrong will lead to headaches, lost money and time. Renew-It offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and is the chosen tub refinisher in Portland, OR.
  3. Replacing the tub with a new tub or shower. This is the longest lasting solution but comes with a price much larger than refinishing. Learn how much tub refinishing costs in our blog article.

The choice is yours. If you choose to refinish your tub in Portland, OR, contact Renew-It for a free estimate and ask about our Lifetime Warranty option.

How often does a tub need to be refinished?

A properly refinished bathtub can last for many years or even decades with proper care. Some say "it is a good idea to have your bathtub refinished every 5-10 years. This will help to keep your bathtub looking its best and extending its lifespan." Renew-It says to refinish your tub as often as it needs it. Choose a warranty option that fits your needs.

Does refinishing a bathtub last long?

A refinished bathtub can last for many years with proper care. However, the exact lifespan of a refinished bathtub will vary depending on the quality of the refinishing job and the level of care that is taken. Read more about How long reglazing a tub lasts in our blog.

Is it worth it to refinish my tub? Is Reglazing tub a good idea?

Bathtubs are a major investment, so it's important to take care of them. But even with regular care, bathtubs can start to look worn and faded over time. If your bathtub is starting to show its age, you may be wondering if it's worth it to refinish it. Is refinishing my tub a good idea or should other methods be considered? Read more in our blog article Is it worth it to refinish a tub?

How much does tub refinishing cost?

Tub refinishing in Portland, OR costs anywhere from $400-$1200 depending on your level of service and the warranty you choose. Read our blog article How much is tub reglazing to learn more.

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