Tub Refinish or Replace?

Question

Hello BP,

I got 4 tubs that look like these two:

They are cast iron tubs and I have some money for repairs. I care more about saving money than time at my current stage. The bathroom sinks look similar and need replaced as well, but I think I can do that for about  $30 each. The tubs are a significant project. I could reasonably figure out a lot of repair stuff but I wanted to ask you all if you have had any experience with this type of stuff?

Austin Fruechting · Answer

I just had these professionally resurfaced in a duplex. It cost me $250 per tub and they look brand new.  Much cheaper than having a new tub and surround installed.

Michael Kiley · Answer

Hey Austin, I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if this tub and surround still looks good after more than a year.

Austin Fruechting · Answer

We've done this countless times now (to countertops too) and have had zero issues thus far 2 years in.

Jonathan Johnson · Answer

Sorry for the late reply, I only check BP during the week.

@Austin Fruechting That looks great! Do they feel like new or do they feel like someone painted a tub?

@Jd Martin I'm definitely not doing this myself.

@Mindy Jensen I got a quote for $375 to refinish the tubs. I don't plan to re-tile anytime soon because the tile looks pretty decent. Would you still recommend just replacing? I just did a quick glance and the fiberglass tub on Home Depot was $150.

@Angel Dejesus LOL, there isn't actually a hole, there's just chipping in the shape of a hole. I'll send pics for sure.

@Jen R. Thank you! That's helpful information. This may sound ignorant, and I confess, I am: but is the second tub really that far gone? From my basic understanding of refinishing, they fill in areas with a special material and then paint over. That "hole" spot isn't deep, it's just wide and chipped. But I've never done this or know much so I could be way off on how this works.

@Rocky V. That seems similar if not worse than what I'm dealing with. Thanks for showing pics! What made you go the refinishing route and not replacing? Has the tub stood up over time yet or was that recently done?

@Will Barnard Thank you and I agree. However, at the moment there's a high turnover and repairing everything at top dollar for the best return I can get over the long run isn't exactly possible. I have to give and take what I can get to make the apartment marketable for new tenants. The property actually will cashflow great with new tenants so replacing is definitely something I can afford after a couple years.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

@Matthew Greco , I repainted a tub myself, not sure what the product was called - it was definitely for tubs, though.

Smelled awful and took a while. For future, I would just replace. It isn't that difficult, you can get a fiberglass tub for around $100 at Home Depot. We also retiled that showed, and should have just replaced. The paint stuff cost $15 when I did it, no way saving that $85 was a good idea in hindsight. It was good for experience, though.

Will Barnard · Answer

The faucets also look horrible and old, just asking for repair issues later, my advice, go new. Trying to save nickels and dimes today will cost you a lot more down the road. These tubs are in very poor condition and trying to slap lipstick on them is not a good idea.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

This is fiberglass though, correct? The original poster (although I imagine is long done with this project) had cast iron. I would think there are differences in costs and what can be done between cast iron and fiberglass.

Account Closed · Answer

I have had tubs refinished that were in basically good condition for $250. I am not sure how much it would be if it was in rough condition. Replacing these tubs and all that is involved is an expensive pita. For a rental I would go the refinishing route.

Austin Fruechting · Answer

@Jonathan Johnson - It looks/feels just like a new tub.

JD Martin · Answer

If you refinish this yourself you better invest in a high-quality respirator. The fumes from the refinishing will burn a hole through your lungs. Those are pretty rough looking. Whether you get it redone really depends on the level of skill that's available where you are. It takes some skill to refinish tubs and make them look good. I've had them done where it was a "Meh" job and that's just about worse than leaving it be.

Tub Refinish or Replace?

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