Refinish Your Old Atlanta Bathtub or Get a New One?

A lot of factors come into play in making this decision. It depends mostly on your particular circumstances. The cost and aggravation could be more either way, depending on several factors involved in each case scenario. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider.

One of the first things in determining the course to take is deciding if you really want to keep the existing tub? If it is an old antique, like a clawfoot for instance, the sentimental value or the preference for antiques will probably be reason enough for refinishing your tub. But if you’re just weighing the difference in cost and time there are other things to consider.

How the tub is situated in your Atlanta bathroom will determine how much time and money it will take to either replace or refinish. You have to estimate the amount of damage that will occur if you want to replace. How much of the work can you do yourself? What will have to be done by a professional Atlanta tub and tile contractor in regard to the tear-out and installing the new tub? The cost of the new tub, the cost of the contractor, material disposal, and any other material cost will have to be added up and compared against the cost of refinishing.

There are differing opinions about the cost involved with refinishing verses replacing. But again, it all depends on the individual case. For example; if the tub is located in a way that it can be detached and taken outside with very little or no damage to the walls, floor, doors or any other fixtures, then it will most likely be less expensive than refinishing. If there will be walls to tear out or repair, or door frames to open up and put back, or tiles to replace, then all this must be taken into account.

In the case of refinishing, doing it yourself or hiring a professional Atlanta bathtub refinisher will affect the cost. Cost of products, labor, and rental equipment are a few of the expenses that will affect the overall coast of either route you take. It is strongly advised that if you go with a professional, you do some research on not only the credentials of the professional refinisher, but also the type of products they use in their process. Usually cheaper methods in refinishing will produce less desirable results. Do your homework and become knowledgeable about the products and steps involved in a quality refinishing job.

Refinishing your porcelain sink or bathtub is not one of the easiest do it yourself projects. It can be done if you have a certain amount of skill, but the average homeowner might be biting off more than they can chew, so to speak. As with hiring a pro, you need to research the methods and products that produce the best results. Regardless of who does the job, it is important that each step is successfully executed or the end result will be greatly affected. It is also very important that the primer and layers of enamel are applied evenly and in thin coats. Using a spray gun will produce a much nicer finish than application with a brush.

Those are a few tips to get you started in the right direction, but as I said at the beginning, each situation is different. You will have to study your particular situation, gather information, compare cost and decide what is best for your Atlanta home.