Contact a few professionals who display a wealth of experience in bathtub refinishing. In particular, look for pros who:

• Have generally positive reviews for bathtub refinishing.

• Can provide a portfolio to illustrate successful refinishing jobs.

• Can provide references from past clients.

• Display broad knowledge of different types of bathtubs and finishing materials.

Once you’ve selected a few professionals with the right experience, do the following:

• Make sure that they’re properly licensed for the job (if required in your area).

• Verify that they’re insured so that you are protected against damages or accidents that may occur during the refinishing process.

• Ask for estimates with lots of details about materials, labor and costs. Be wary of estimates that seem too high or too low compared to others.

The national average cost to refinish or reglaze a bathtub is approximately $450,* according to Thumbtack data. However, average costs tend to range anywhere from around $360 to $650.* 

Labor is usually the largest variable when it comes to costs. The rest of the cost will typically come down to the difficulty of the job. Most bathtub refinishers can complete a basic refinishing job in a single day. However, the following factors can lengthen the amount of time needed (which can raise labor costs):

• Tubs that need a lot of patching or crack repair prior to applying the finish.

• Tubs with a severely damaged finish that will require extra sandblasting to prepare them prior to refinishing.

• Bathrooms that are small or cramped, which make it harder to use sandblasting or spray equipment.

• Bathrooms without windows, which make it more difficult to set up a ventilation system.

When selecting professionals for this job, ask for several quotes with plenty of detail on both materials and labor hours needed.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

The bathtub refinishing process should be relatively straightforward:

• Typically, the professional will start by roughening the tub’s surface using sandpaper, sandblasting equipment or acid to etch the original finish.

• Next, they’ll patch any chips or cracks in the tub.

• Finally, they’ll reglaze using a primer and an appropriate finish for your tub.

Tip: It’s wise to plan this job for a time when you can avoid using the tub for a few days. Most bathtub refinishes will take two days from start to finish, but it can take up to four days for particularly complex jobs or for finishes that require longer curing times.

While professionals can usually work through the refinishing process in a single day, in most cases, the tub will need to cure for 24 hours before you use it. However, be aware that some finishes may require a 72-hour curing time.

Many types of bathtubs can be refinished, including:

• Cast iron

• Fiberglass

• Porcelain

• Acrylic

• Steel

During the refinishing process, professionals can use a variety of different techniques or materials like urethane coatings, epoxy coatings, enamel, spray glaze or porcelain acrylic-bond reglazing, among others. Typically, they’ll remove or roughen the existing finish, patch any chips or cracks and then prime and apply the new finish. 

When it comes to bonding, different materials have different properties — and a professional can help you choose the finish that will work best and last longest for your tub.

Deciding whether to refinish or replace your tub can be difficult. While you should always consult with a professional on whether your bathtub needs to be replaced, here are some quick guidelines to help you decide which option may be best for you: 

Replacing a tub is often a good idea if it has major structural issues. If it’s damaged beyond repair, a professional might recommend replacing it. You might also want to install a brand-new tub to enhance your bath experience. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to remove your old tub, and you may need to prepare to make changes in your plumbing, tile and/or flooring.

Refinishing (or “resurfacing”) your bathtub usually costs less than installing a new one, and it requires only a few hours to make it look like new. Consider refinishing if you just want to hide ugly discoloration, cracks or chip marks on your tub and make it more durable. 

Bathtub “resurfacing” is also often used interchangeably with “refinishing.” However, some may consider resurfacing to be a more in-depth, comprehensive restoration and repair process than simply refinishing. Always check with your pro to see if they consider them to be two different services.

Reglazing is the last step of the refinishing process when your pro will apply the new finish. It is not typically a separate project. The roughening and repair steps are necessary prior to reglazing to ensure that the new finish adheres properly. So in order to reglaze your tub, you basically need to refinish it.

However, some people may use “reglazing” and “refinishing” interchangeably, so it’s important to double-check with your pro. 

If you're an experienced DIY-er, you might find reglazing your tub a manageable project. It's a time-consuming process that requires multiple steps, but DIY kits and instructional videos are widely available. 

Perhaps the most important point to consider is that a professionally reglazed tub can last for 10 to 20 years, while the longevity of a DIY job will depend on many factors, including the skill level of the DIY-er, and may need to be redone sooner. Consider the following points before making a decision:

Reasons to hire a professional:

• It’s usually a quicker turnaround time

• You’ll see a higher quality and smoother finish

• You’ll likely have more colors to choose from

Reasons to DIY:

• It’s cheaper

• You have more control of the process

• You don’t have to deal with professionals in your house