How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost?

Tub Reglazing Costs

Refinishing a bathtub costs $479 on average, with a typical range of $335 and $629. This includes $30 to $150 in materials and $200 to $500 in labor. Material and size can also affect the total.

Sometimes called "reglazing" or "resurfacing," this process gives your tub a fresh new look. It’s usually much less expensive than replacement, which means you can update your bathroom at a lower price.

This job involves sanding down the old finish on your bathtub and painting or spraying on a new one. This allows you to repair any scratches or dents, remove the old color and apply a fresh one with a glossy topcoat. Some homeowners DIY this project, but it’s tricky and you’ll be better off hiring a professional. Look at these cost factors as you plan your bathtub project.

Tub Resurfacing Costs by Material

Fiberglass Bathtub Refinishing Cost

Porcelain Tub Reglazing Cost

Reglazing a porcelain tub costs $475 on average. Most in this style have a cast iron or steel base with a thin layer of porcelain on top. You can tell by putting a magnet on it. If it sticks, you’ve got metal inside.

If you have a solid porcelain tub, it’s probably 100+ years old. In this case, you’ll want to hire a pro with experience handling antiques.

Cost to Refinish Cast Iron Tub

Refinishing a cast iron tub costs $350 to $600. This material usually has a surface layer of porcelain or enamel. If it chips or scratches, the metal may rust quickly.

Cast iron was the standard in bathtubs for decades until synthetic materials like fiberglass rose in popularity. Resurfacing and regular cleaning can keep this type in good condition for more than 100 years.

Re-Enamel Bath Cost

Fully re-enameling a bathtub is a completely different project that may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars more than refinishing. It involves:

• Removing the tub and disconnecting attached plumbing.

• Transporting it to a company for treatment.

• Baking the new enamel using a kiln.

• Delivering and re-installing it.

When you read about re-enameling a tub, most pros are talking about repainting it with enamel. This is a significantly less expensive alternative that takes much less time.

Enamel Bathtub Painting Cost

Painting enamel onto a bathtub costs $350 to $600. Most cast iron units have an enamel coating that can chip or crack. Much like reglazing, this process includes sanding the surface and applying paint in a color of your choice.

Cost to Refinish Tub by Type

The cost to refinish your bathtub will vary depending on what type of tub you have. Standalone bathtubs typically require you to refinish just the tub itself, while tub and shower combinations often require you to resurface the whole thing.  

Clawfoot Tub

Resurfacing a clawfoot tub ranges from $500 to $1,200. If you need to refinish the outside as well as the inside, you’ll pay closer to $1,200.

Most clawfoot styles have a porcelain layer on the inside of the tub and exposed cast iron on the outside, which makes them a good candidate for reglazing. This investment can help you keep an antique in usable condition for another 10 to 15 years.

Cost to Reglaze Tub and Tile

Refinishing ceramic tile costs $1,075 in addition to the $475 average to do the tub. If the tiles in the shower surround are cracked, chipped, or dull, this can give them a new life. Many pros can do both jobs at once.

Tub and Shower Refinishing Cost

Refinishing a tub and shower costs $500 to $1,000. Most combination units made of fiberglass or acrylic have no separation between top and bottom. This means that if you want to resurface one part, you’ll have to do the whole thing at once.

Resurfacing vs. Replacing a Bathtub

With an average price of $475, refinishing is usually the most budget-friendly choice. Your bathtub may be a good candidate for reglazing if:

• It’s in good condition with minimal scratching.

• You don’t need to change the plumbing.

• You like the style.

• It’s an antique you can’t easily replace.

If you’re not sure, ask a pro for an onsite consultation. They can inspect the tub and tell you if you need more than a surface treatment.

Bathtub Replacement

Installing a bathtub costs $3,400 on average, but ranges from $400, for the tub & installation, to over $13,000 for adding a high-end spa-type tub. Although the unit can run as low as $400, getting the old one out and putting in a new one adds to the total expense. You should consider replacing if:

• The old tub is cracked or seriously damaged.

• You don’t like the style.

• You need to fix the pipes behind the wall.

Keep in mind that this project can reach $5,000 or more depending on your plans. For example, the cost to install or replace plumbing ranges from $400 to $1,900, which you’d need to pay in addition to a new tub.

Bathtub Liners

The cost to install a bathtub liner ranges from $1,800 to $5,100. If you’re looking for a compromise between refinishing and replacement, a liner can be a good choice because it:

• Doesn’t require you to remove the tub.

• Takes less time to install, often done in one day.

• Covers large scratches or cracks.

• Comes in a variety of colors and styles.

DIY vs. Hire a Professional

You can save about $300 to $400 if you DIY this project, but most homeowners would be better off hiring a pro. Many remodelers can create custom colors to match what you already have or provide a completely different, fresher look. When you’re ready to locate bathroom contractors near you, remember to:

1. Read reviews from previous customers.

2. Request an onsite estimate.

3. Get quotes from at least three companies.

If you decide to DIY, you’ll need to pay $30 to $150 for a refinishing kit. These usually include epoxy or resin that you paint onto the surface after sanding it. Some adhesives begin to dry within a few minutes, so you must apply them quickly. If you’re not used to working with them, you may want to hire a professional just to make sure it’s done correctly the first time.

Additional Considerations

Although tub reglazing usually takes about 24 hours, these factors may affect the timing:

• High humidity takes longer to dry out.

• Cold weather makes the paint harder to apply.

• The finish won’t cure if the surface is lower than 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember that you can’t use the tub or shower until it’s cured, which can take up to 48 hours.

FAQs

What’s the difference between refinishing, reglazing, and resurfacing a bathtub?

Refinishing, reglazing, and resurfacing a bathtub describe essentially the same thing. Installing a liner is a different process.

Is it worth it to refinish a bathtub?

Refinishing a bathtub may save you about $3,000 on the price of replacement. If you take good care of it, you can extend its lifespan by many years.

How long does a bathtub reglazing last?

Reglazing a bathtub can last up to 15 years, depending on upkeep. You’ll get a better result if you clean it regularly with a non-abrasive cleanser.