Refinish Tub or rip and replace?

[Aaron White]

I paid a contractor to refinish a tub two years ago and after one year it had started chipping paint. He said to not use mats on the tub and that is why it was chipping the paint. I paid him to refinish it again and it is now chipping again. 

Is re-finishing tubs and sinks a good idea? If so what do I need to ask my contractor to know if they are going to do it right?

Or is it better to just rip it out and replace the tub?

[Pat L.]

@Jim K.
I have been lucky picking up special order returned (SOR) fiberglass tubs from Lowes. These I use in our higher end rentals, & use the metal tubs in lower priced units. The last metal tub was $25 & had a chip on the rim, which got covered by tile.

In a rush on one high end SFR that was vacated, we went with Bath-fitter over the old cast iron tub, shower walls & ceiling. It included all new fixtures & plumbing & it was worth the $4k & done in 12 hours. The last cast iron tub we took out was a nightmare to break up & dispose of.

I lucked out & picked up several Lowes SOR fiberglass shower bases for $50-$75. A 4ftx34, 5fx36t & 6ftx42. I was able to squeeze the 4ftx34 into a new studio apartment we built within the confines of a covered patio.