Bathtub resurfacing

[Shawn H.]

Has anyone used the company Miracle Method to resurface a bathtub? I have some fiberglass tub surrounds that are showing some wear. I thought resurfacing may increase the longevity and appearance. What are your thoughts/experiences with this process?

[Rick Baggenstoss]

I've resurfaced a few professionally.  They look great, but I understand you can expect to get 7 years from a pro finish.  These were steel tubs where the porcelain had worn.

I'm not sure it's worth it to refinish fiberglass.  Probably not going to last long and it's a laborious process.  Have you priced new/good used tubs?  

What kind of house are you talking about?

[Jean Bolger]

I doubt it would be cost effective. Why not just a new fiberglass tub surround?

I have used miracle method to redo a steel/porcelain tub and some ceramic wall tiles and it worked well. But I can't imagine it holding up on anything that might have any flex to it, which is often the case with fiberglass surrounds

[Larry Turowski]

There is a product for resurfacing fiberglass tubs and surrounds.  It is pretty new on market I think.  My contractor told me about it.  It was at Home Depot.  Magic Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit maybe?

I did cover, but it didn't look anywhere near as good as re-glazed steel and porcelain tubs do.

[Shawn H.]

Duplex, each unit has 2 bathrooms.

Both units are rented with long term renters. In order for me to replace the tub/surrounds in a timely manner, I would have it hired out. I would estimate that cost to be up to $2000/unit instead of $2500 for resurfacing all 4. The company offers a five year warranty. The tubs aren't in bad condition, I thought I could prevent more costly expenses in the future, while also updating the look. I am skeptical as well with the flexing and longevity of the product. I figured the gel coat lasted 30+ years, then the resurfacing could last 10, maybe. Thanks.

[Account Closed]

I recently did a tub with the shower walls and a shower stall in a rehab house using Rustoleum Topside paint. It is made to paint fiberglass boats, but I had heard it was great for showers and tubs. We roughed up the fiberglass with sandpaper and then sprayed the paint with an HVLP gun. It turned out really well. Time will tell how long it lasts, but it looked really good and the reviews of the paint on Amazon were really good from the people using it on tubs/showers. I will try to get a pic of the tub and the shower to post. Here is a link to the paint on Amazon:

Rustoleum Topside Paint

[Kevin Goodwin]

The magik kits at home depot are JUNK, intentional as 'depot wants to sell you the new surround. The dupont 2-part kit that you can order on e-bay works AWESOME for the price ($70 for two kits covered my tub & surround), allthough it has a steep learning curve. There is good info online about how to use it, do NOT ignore the part about adequate ventilation 

[Kevin Goodwin]

*It might not be dupont, it might be 3M

[Alex Stropeng]

My bathtub was reanimated, it’s snow-white and smooth again!

pabrec.co.uk

Loads of thanks!

[John Dykes]

I am a refinisher in Atlanta 20+ years

Miracle Method is ok but franchise pricey. Look for an investor friendly refinisher (not a low baller) your fiberglass unit  should be around $400 per if all four done same day or at same time. Refinishing products we use work well if not better on fiberglass. DIY kits are very likley to peel do to insuffecient surface prep and week or no primer system. You may be sble to buy a tub for the same price as refinishing but no way you can buy, demo,install and repair wall and floor cheaper. Good luck.

Southern states refinishing

[Michaela G.]

I just used Jose at E & S refinishing for 2 bathtubs in 1 duplex. He charged $ 200 each. Used a professional sprayer and knew what he was doing - so, not one of those little DIY kits - they look beautiful. 

One of the tubs even needed to get cleaned up where the paint was peeling from a previous badly done DIY job. That's normally extra, but he didn't charge me. His number is 404 and 853 and 9216

[John Dykes]

was the $200 for a fiberglass tub shower combo or a standard 5 footer. $200 sounds low for a combo

[Evan Farren]

I used a product called TUBBY DIY bath refinishing and bathtub resurfacing kit. Although it was for a vintage airstream trailer restoration and not a rental, it only took a few hours and came out great. No complaints here. Ordered from tubbydiy.com

Link to a demonstration video is below.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qEjLYk7xol0

[Daria B.]

@Evan Farren That was an impressive video. "why does it always look easier than it probably isn't". I was impressed though with the results. I am searching to figure out what to do with my rental tub, replace it, tub surround, or refinish (as suggested by my realtor). This will be an interesting journey.

[Sandra Jaramillo]

A friend of mine used a company in South Florida called America Refinishing Pros for his 2 tubs like 3 years ago. He paid $200 each then and they are still like new.... and he has kids...so