Refinishing or relining a bathtub: How to determine if it’s right for you

Whether it’s for relaxing bubble baths or hastily washing up, one thing’s for certain: Your bathtub likely gets a lot of use in your home. If you use it regularly, the wear and tear of frequent water flow, dirt and mineral deposits will take a toll over time on even the highest-quality bathtub.

Maybe your ceramic bathtub has some stains or cracks, or you simply want to spruce up its appearance and give your bathroom a makeover. Fortunately, you don’t need to spring for a new bathtub. Refinishing or relining a tub can make it look brand new — and you’ll save money, to boot.

Refinishing a bathtub, also known as resurfacing, reglazing or recoating, is a relatively quick and less expensive way to upgrade your tub. You’ll pay about $450 for the work, and it will last 10 to 15 years. This process applies epoxy and sealant to the tub to revitalize the surface and create a hard, smooth new outer layer. If you have an older clawfoot tub, this may be the only way to keep it in good order and repair any damage.

You can accomplish this work as a DIY project, but be cautious. The fumes can be dangerous, and if you don’t apply the sealant correctly and allow the layers to dry individually, the result won’t look as good or last as long. If you decide to do the work yourself, follow the safety and installation instructions to a T.