In many areas, you can find companies that specialize in reglazing and refinishing bathtubs. They often provide other services as well, such as refinishing tiles or showers. These providers typically have a product line that they prefer, so it’s worth asking them if they refinish tubs.

Some plumbers may also offer tub reglazing as one of their services. These plumbers may not necessarily specialize in tub reglazing, but they may also be able to offer a quality product. 

Here are some questions to consider when choosing who to hire: 

• How many years of experience does the pro or company have?

• Do they have the required licensing (like a plumber license) in your area?

• Can you find reviews or testimonies from their previous clients?

• Do they offer any warranty or guarantee on their work?

• How do their prices compare to those of other providers who do bathtub reglazing?

The national average cost for a full bathtub refinishing and reglazing job — including sanding or etching and repairs — is approximately $450,* but prices range from around $360 to $650,* according to Thumbtack data.

If you’re doing the sanding, etching or repairs yourself, you can expect to pay a little bit less, mostly in reduced labor costs. You’ll still need to pay for some labor so that the professional can apply the new finish, and you’ll need to pay for materials as well.

Important note: Keep in mind that reglazing is only the final stage of the refinishing process. Prior to reglazing, the tub’s surface will need to be sanded or etched to ensure that the new finish will stick properly. Any chips or cracks in the tub’s surface will also need to be repaired.

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

Reglazing a bathtub typically takes a professional four to eight hours, which means the project can often be completed in a day. Once it's finished, you'll need to wait 24 to 48 hours to use your tub again. For the first few days, your bathroom may still have a strong smell, and you'll need to keep it well-ventilated.

You won't be able to use the bathroom easily during the preparation and application steps. During the drying time, your tub will be off-limits, but you should be able to use the rest of the bathroom. 

Reglazing typically refers to the last step in the bathtub refinishing process, but people also commonly use the term “reglazing” to refer to the whole process of refinishing a tub. Here’s what you can expect when a professional reglazes your tub:

• Cleaning: The tub is carefully cleaned to eliminate any buildup, like soap scum and mineral deposits, leaving the surface fresh and ready.

• Masking: Surrounding areas and fixtures are covered to keep everything protected during the process.

• Ventilation: A proper ventilation system is set up to ensure safety and manage fumes and overspray.

• Repair: Chips, cracks and other damage are fixed to create a smooth and flawless foundation.

• Priming and top coating (aka “reglazing”): A base primer is applied, followed by several layers of the refinishing product for a durable, polished finish.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Bathtubs can be reglazed as often as you wish. Reglazing is an excellent way to get your tub looking like new or even change the color of an existing bathtub. 

A professional reglazing may last as long as 10 to 20 years with the proper care. However, there are some factors that could make reglazing necessary more often:

• You live in an area with hard water, which makes cleaning trickier.

• Your bath is cleaned with harsh cleaning products.

• Lower quality products or poor techniques were used for the reglaze.

• Your tub sustained damage from accidents, such as dropping something heavy onto the tub's surface.

Reglazing a bathtub is usually quicker and cheaper than replacing it. If you're still happy with the shape and style of your existing tub, reglazing is a great option to make it look sparkling and new again. If properly cared for, a professionally reglazed tub can last a long time — 10 to 20 years in some cases. 

The process typically takes four to eight hours, and you'll need to wait an additional 24-48 hours for the product to dry before you can start using your bathtub again. Replacing a bathtub can take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and (especially) what sort of tile and plumbing work is required.

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