When to reglaze a bathtub (and when to replace instead)
Reglazing is the right answer most of the time, but not every time. Here are the specific situations where reglazing is the smart move and the specific situations where it would be a waste of $400.
Reglaze when
- Surface staining, discolouration, or worn finish
- Minor chips that haven't gone through to substrate
- Outdated colour (pink, avocado, harvest gold, almond)
- Cast iron tub that would cost $1,500+ to replace
- Bathroom layout is otherwise fine
- Preparing the home for sale (high ROI)
- Rental property between tenants
- Tub is structurally sound, just looks tired
Do not reglaze when
- Structural cracks through the tub body
- Fiberglass is delaminating (layers separating)
- Tub flexes when you step in (fiberglass rot)
- You want to change tub size or position
- You want a tub-to-shower conversion
- Pre-1978 home with untested existing finish (lead risk)
- Drain pan or surrounding tile is rotten
- Subfloor under the tub is soft
Three common scenarios
Home sale
High ROIReglaze the dated tub for $400. Listing photos show a clean white tub. Buyers stop subtracting deferred-maintenance items. Typically adds $1,000 to $2,000 in perceived value. One of the highest-ROI moves you can make in the week before listing.
Rental property
Cash flowDIY kit ($50) or budget pro ($300) makes sense between tenants. The 3 to 5 year lifespan typically lasts longer than the tenant. Repaint when they leave. Avoid the premium pro tier; you will redo it before the warranty matters.
Long-term home
Quality mattersPay for the mid-tier pro ($400 to $600) with a 5-year warranty. Material specs matter, contractor specs matter, the chemical they use matters. You will see this tub every day for the next decade. Spend the $200 extra.
Pre-1978 homes: lead testing first
Tubs and bathroom tile installed before 1978 may have lead-containing surface coatings or paint nearby. Sanding or chemical stripping releases lead dust and lead-containing fumes. Test the existing finish before any prep work begins. A consumer lead test kit runs $20 to $50; a professional test runs $150 to $300. If lead is present, the contractor needs EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certification and the work plan changes substantially.