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While the cost of replacing a tub may not be in the budget, there are DIY tub refinishing kits that can return the tub to a like-new appearance in just a few hours. These kits include strong epoxies and enamels that one can apply with a paintbrush, a roller, or an aerosol spray can to porcelain, metal, and fiberglass tubs. Silica Fabric
Bathtub refinishing kits are versatile. Most are capable of working with the most common bathtub materials, including cast iron, porcelain over metal, fiberglass, and acrylic.
Paying attention to the coverage the product offers is key to achieving good results. Since these products typically have strict drying times, there won’t be any leeway to run to the store for another kit should one run out mid-refinishing.
Most refinishing kits provide enough coverage to apply two coats to a standard-size bathtub.
If the tub has a significant amount of wear, it may need three coats to return it to its former glory, in which case it may be necessary to purchase additional resurfacer. Some larger kits include enough resurfaces to cover a bathtub and a tub surround.
Thickness also impacts coverage. Two-part pour-on enamels and epoxies are thicker than refinishers that come in an aerosol spray can. As such, a pour-on refinisher may only require a single coat to refinish the tub whereas a spray refinisher may require as many as three coats.
Many refinishing kits include all the supplies needed to complete the refinishing project. Typical supplies included in these kits are tack rags, stir sticks, etching cleaners, foam rollers, sandpaper, and rubber gloves. That said, not all bathtub refinishers come fully equipped with supplies. Check to see what supplies the kit includes and what will need to be purchased separately to complete the job. Looking to do a larger bathroom refresh? Just know that painting bathroom tile usually requires different materials than those found in tub refinishing kits.
Spray-on bathtub refinishers come in aerosol spray cans, while pour-on refinishers are packaged similarly to paint or epoxy. Refinishers that come in aerosol cans are easiest to apply as they require very few additional supplies. Once the tub has been prepped and taped off, simply spray the tub from a distance of about 12 inches using even back-and-forth strokes to get a uniform coating. Since spray refinishers go on in a thin coat, they typically require two or three applications for best results.
In order to create a durable coating that can withstand the rigors that a tub faces, most tub refinishing kits include strong solvents in their ingredients, many of which put off harsh fumes and high VOCs. With that in mind, it’s wise to ventilate the space while applying the resurfacer by setting up fans, turning on the bathroom fan, and opening windows. There are some products that are odorless during application and put off low VOCs, making them ideal for resurfacing projects in bathrooms that lack windows for ventilation.
The Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit comes with everything needed to complete a standard bathtub refinishing project. Compatible with the most common tub materials, including cast iron, steel, ceramic, and fiberglass, this kit is a great choice for most bathtub refinishing projects.
Unlike thinner spray options, this kit is applied by pouring the paint onto the tub from around the tub rim, then spreading and smoothing it with the included foam roller. The result is a thick first coating that won’t require additional coats.
The kit comes with all materials required for installation including a foam roller, scooper boxes, and covers. Ekopel is odorless and includes no harmful chemicals, making it one of the more environmentally friendly options on the market. Refinishing takes about 2 to 4 hours, and the refinisher cures in just 24 hours.
This is also one of the more versatile kits on the market as it is compatible with cast iron, metal, acrylic, and fiberglass. The epoxy is odorless, making it ideal for use in bathrooms that lack a window for ventilation. ArmoGlaze also takes some of the anxiety out of the refinishing process by offering step-by-step online tutorials.
Application is easy; simply prep the surface with the included steel wool and surface prep cleaner, then coat using the aerosol spray cans. Apply an additional coat after about an hour and reopen the bathtub for use in 48 hours. The kit includes all prep materials, protective gloves, and two 16-ounce cans of refinisher. Homax Tough as Tile comes in white and bisque.
With an aerosol spray can application, this is one of the easier to use options for refinishing a tub. Most of the heavy lifting happens when prepping the tub, which involves cleaning and sanding the surface, then taping off the faucet and drain. To apply, simply spray evenly on the tub surface and wait 30 minutes before applying additional coats. It dries to a hard, porcelain-like finish in about 24 hours.
This kit includes two cans, which is enough to cover 35 to 45 square feet—about the size of an average bathtub—with two coats. Keep in mind that the kit does not come with the required sandpaper for prepping the tub or protective gloves, so be sure to order those separately or pick them up from the local home improvement store.
This repair kit consists of a resin and a hardener that the user mixes just before applying. Once mixed, it becomes a thick paste that covers gouges and holes that can be sanded to a smooth finish that matches the tub’s existing finish once it dries. Included color gels allow the user to match a wide range of tub colors from white to almond to black.
In addition to the repair materials, this kit conveniently includes all accessories needed to complete the repair, including sandpaper, scraper, color gels for tinting, toothpicks, craft sticks, and disposable gloves.
High-gloss finishes are beautiful, but they can also be slippery, making them hazardous for certain users. While it still dries to a high gloss, Bathworks’ refinishing formula includes a sand additive that gives it a nonslip finish, making it a good option for those concerned about slipping in the shower.
The refinisher, which works with porcelain over metal, fiberglass, and even cultured marble, is a two-part resin that, once mixed, can be applied with a roller. One kit will cover about 60 square feet, which is enough for an average-size bathtub, and it includes a paint tray and roller, a tack rag, a stir stick, etching cleaner, sandpaper, and rubber gloves.
For a professional-looking bathtub you can do yourself, consider our top pick, the Ekopel bathtub refinishing kit, available in multiple colors to match your existing bathroom fittings. As a more budget-friendly solution for rental properties or quick fixes, the Homax tile and tub refinishing kit is also worth a look, suitable for most bathtub surfaces with a quick curing time.
When looking for the best tub refinishing kits on the market, we considered ease of application, drying time, and color matching as major aspects to find our top picks. We made sure to provide options for shoppers across a range of colors to match their existing bathroom fixtures and fittings. We even included a product that features color-matching gel for users to perfectly match a wide spectrum of colors. All of our recommendations also feature relatively quick curing times, from a single day up to 3 days.
Depending on user preference, we also made sure to feature a variety of application methods, from sprays to pour-on liquids to paints applied using a roller.
If you’re wondering about how long a newly refinished tub will last or how to maintain a refinished bathtub, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these products.
Most refinishing jobs will last about 4 years, although that lifespan can be extended by properly maintaining the tub and being aware of what type of cleaners one uses on it.
Most reglazing can be completed in a couple of hours with the tub ready for service within a few days.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners and instead opt for a soft soap type of cleaner. This will help preserve the new finish and extend its life.
By: Barbara Winfield, Bob Vila
By: Timothy Dale, Jasmine Harding
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