Hey AT! My parents have a terrible old shower stall in their downstairs bathroom. It's a nasty '70s yellow that really needs to be brought up to date, but they do not want to deal with the cost of replacing it. I've been doing a lot of research about reglazing, etc., and was wondering if any AT readers have used Rustoleum's Tub and Tile Refinish Kit. I'm curious to hear what others have to say and how labor intensive the process is (since I'm the one who will most likely take on the project!). Thanks!
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i don't have any experience with this product, but just FYI, our tub has been reglazed professionally and it hasn't lasted that long...and i've heard that's the case with most tubs.
view evamae's profile
my tub was refinished just a year ago (professionally also) and it's completely horrible. i have lived in my home for just over a year, and though i do shower daily, i have not abused or misused my tub in anyway (wink-wink) i dont think that it's lasted well at all. it's extremely hard to clean and never really looks clean when i do succeed.
view courtneya's profile
I tried using it on my tub and it came out horrible. It was really difficult to get it to spread consistently and withount lumps and its has scratched really easily.
view brujessica's profile
Yup, the tub in my prior condo was refinished (professionally), and the stuff was coming off after only two years. I would NOT recommend.
view SubwayKnitter's profile
The former owners of my house did this . . . I got to do the honor of SHAVING every inch of my tub clean of this nasty powder residue it created with a razor blade . . . what was underneath? A discolored and ugly tub bottom. But at least it's smooth and clean! Someday, a new tub. 'til then, a rubber bath mat hides all ills.
view NorNor's profile
I'm sticking fingers in my ears and singing Mary Had a Little Lamb since I don't want to know that re-glazing can go so badly! Yipes! The tub in my old apartment had been re-glazed before me and it did rather well, and I'm hoping to have mine re-glazed, but since I love the pinky-peach color it is now, I'm going to have it re-done in the same color.
Perhaps such a color as that won't show as badly as white when it gets kind of flawed? Please?
view Curtis's profile
I have not used that exact kit (mine was similar but a different brand) and ... well, it doesn't suck as bad as it could have. It's not great. But it's a year later and the tub is not flaking horribly or peeling or whatever. But it is flaking a little bit, and anytime I try to do any real elbow-grease scrubbing I create a new flaky spot. I think that stuff is ideal for coating your tub just before you try to sell the house... :)
view leenwebb's profile
I had a clawfoot tub professionally reglazed (smelled insane, so we cleared out for the rest of the day and left the windows open). We followed their advice (don't use it for 48 hours to ensure it fully cures, don't use abrasive cleaning products like comet, etc). The company that did ours had been in business for at least 10 years and provided 15 year warrenties.
I believe it cost about $500 (this was about 5 years ago in Minneapolis, so price would be higher in New York). I checked with the friends that bought our house. It is still in perfect condition.
I would not use a DIY solution, but I am planning on having it done to two tubs in my current home.
If the tub has been previously reglazed, they have to powersand it to get a good surface, which means taking it off site. If a new finish is done without the prep work, it won't last.
view siobhan.'s profile
wow thanks so much for the posts guys! was seriously considering it as an option... not now. :S
view venus_thames's profile
i used this in my last place. it was a beautiful victorian, but the sink & tub has really bad rust. it was the only renter option. it's hard to apply & takes FOREVER to dry. the fumes are really bad. also, hot water makes it swell, bubble, & crack. so, you have to keep fixing it.
if it's an option, sometimes buying a tub ends up being cheaper. check out craigslist. i've seen some really great claw foot tubs for under $100.
view mariegael's profile
We had our 60-year old tub professionally reglazed when we first moved into our home. It lasted about 2-3 years, as they said it would, and we were very happy with the results.
It was done again about a year ago and although we are still happy, it looks like it's starting to wear away quicker this time and takes a considerable amount of scrubbing (with my scumbuster) once a week to get it shiny again.
At a price of about $500 (Cdn), it's not cheap, but we will definitely continue to have it done every 3-4 years or so. for me, it is well worth it.
as a side note, if you are going to have it professionally done, make sure they cover the entire bathroom, not just 1/2 way up the walls, as the paint will go everywhere - I'm still trying to get it off my dining room table.
view cathie's profile
I had mine re-glazed almost 3 years ago when I moved in to my apartment. It is still smooth and white (knock on wood). I only clean it with Soft Scrub and a non-abrasive sponge. I think it's worth it to have it done by a professional.
view lobosit's profile
I've used bathfitter (www.bathfitter.com - warning - SOUND!) in my current and previous homes and have been very satisfied.
view Andrea's profile
Just remember the old saying: don't dye your own hair, don't pull your own teeth, don't reglaze your own tub. I think these are all jobs best left to the professionals.
And also remember the Better Business Bureau is free and you can check on a reglazing company's complaint record online before you get the work done.
view jendavid99's profile