Deciding Between Bathtub Refinishing Vs a Full Bathtub Remodel

A full bathtub remodel can feel like a major investment. When prices seem high, it’s natural to look for a cheaper way out. Bathtub refinishing is one such solution, as it costs less than a remodel.

Shugarman's Bath has completed over 6,500 tub and shower remodels across San Diego and Orange Counties. We’ve seen many refinished bathtubs. Refinishing made the surface look better, but it didn't address what was behind the walls.

We're going to be upfront with you: we advise against refinishing in most cases because of the chemical risks involved. It also does not address potential problems behind walls in the tub and shower area. That all said, we’ll still provide you with information about bathtub refinishing so you can determine whether it’s the best solution for you.

In this article, you'll learn how refinishing works, what the risks are, what a full remodel involves, and what each option costs so you can decide which option is right for your home.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Bathtub Refinishing? How Does It Work?
• What Are the Risks of Bathtub Refinishing?
• What Is a Full Bathtub Remodel?
• How Long Does Each Option Last?
• What Are the Cost Differences Between Bathtub Refinishing and a Bathtub Remodel?
• Who Is Each Option the Right Fit For?
• Bathtub Refinishing vs. a Full Bathtub Remodeling Comparison Table

What Is Bathtub Refinishing? How Does It Work?

Bathtub refinishing (sometimes referred to as reglazing) is the process of applying a new coating over an existing surface. The old tub and walls stay in place. Everything gets covered over and sprayed to look new again.

Here's how the process works:

1. The contractor tapes off the surrounding area, covering walls, floors, and fixtures in paper and plastic to protect them from overspray.
   
   
2. Applicators suit up in full protective gear before using any chemicals. Their gear consists of suits, hoods, respirators, and eye protection.
   
   
3. A chemical stripper gets applied to the existing surface to break down the old finish and create adhesion for the new coating. If the tub has been refinished before, the stripper melts the previous layers to be scraped away.
   
   
4. The surface gets wet-sanded and primed.
   
   
5. An enamel glaze is sprayed over the tile, grout, caulk, tub, and base all at once.
   
   
6. Once the glaze is applied and cured, the applicators pack up and leave. You stay out of your home for 3 days while the fumes clear.

If you have a rare antique cast iron claw-foot tub and you're not planning to change anything else, refinishing may make sense. Cast iron holds a coating better than fiberglass. If the tub itself is the only thing being addressed, refinishing may make sense.

What Are the Risks of Bathtub Refinishing?

The chemical used to strip and prep the surface during refinishing is called methylene chloride. It's a colorless liquid that evaporates fast. Vapors build up quickly in a small, enclosed space like a bathroom.

You can't smell methylene chloride until the concentration in the air exceeds OSHA's safe exposure limits. By the time your nose picks it up, the levels in the room have already climbed past the point considered safe to breathe.

The CDC's NIOSH bulletin on bathtub refinishing says that even with a bathroom fan running or a window open, the ventilation in a standard bathroom is insufficient to reduce methylene chloride vapors to safe levels. Proper ventilation requires a local exhaust system that actively pulls fumes out of the space and vents them outside.

According to a CDC report tracking methylene chloride deaths among bathtub refinishers, at least 14 workers died from methylene chloride exposure during bathtub refinishing between 2000 and 2011. In April 2024, the EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride.

As a homeowner, your risk of exposure doesn’t disappear as soon as the refinisher leaves. You're required to stay out of the house for 3 days after the job is done.

Aside from the chemical risk, all refinishing does is address everything on the surface without exposing potential issues behind the walls. Wood rot, plumbing issues, mold, or other water damage will remain behind the walls. Damage behind the walls will get worse before it gets better.

What Is a Full Bathtub Remodel?

A full bathtub remodel starts with down-to-the-studs demolition, during which everything in the tub and shower area is removed. After the demolition phase exposes any structural damage, it can be addressed before other layers are applied.

From there, new backer board goes up, new walls are installed, and the base, fixtures, and any accessories are set in place. You end up with a brand new tub and shower area.

A full bathtub remodel should address issues behind the walls, update your plumbing, change the layout of the tub and shower area, and add safety features.

How Long Does Each Option Last?

A refinished tub typically starts showing wear within two years. You’ll see peeling, dulling, and staining.

Fiberglass tubs have a hard limit, lasting only about two refinishes before the surface can no longer hold a new coating properly. Some refinishers skip the full prep work and spray over previous layers without fully sanding them down first.

Some companies do offer a lifetime warranty on their refinishing work, meaning they'll come back out to fix peeling or failure. However, the warranty doesn’t cover what’s behind the walls. It’s on you to address mold, wood rot, or water damage underneath.

A full bathtub remodel is a more permanent solution because old materials are removed and new ones are installed. When a bathtub remodel is done right with premium materials and excellent workmanship, it can last for decades.

What Are the Cost Differences Between Bathtub Refinishing and a Bathtub Remodel?

Refinishing runs roughly $300 to $1,000. Refinishing is rarely a one-time cost since problems are likely to recur. You also need to consider hidden costs since refinishing doesn’t cover mold, wood rot, or water damage behind the walls. The longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more likely the issues are to spread and worsen. The repair bill can be larger than a remodel.

A mid-range, high-quality bathtub remodel can cost anywhere from $12,500 to $22,000+. It depends on the size of the space and the materials you choose.

Any reputable contractor should offer financing options to make a bathtub remodel more affordable.

Who Is Each Option the Right Fit For?

Because of the dangers associated with the process, bathtub refinishing is not recommended. However, refinishing may be the right call if you’re planning to sell your home. Assuming you aren’t seeing signs of mold or damage behind the walls, a fresh coat can make the tub and shower area look presentable.

A full remodel is the right choice for anyone who’s planning to stay in their home, dealing with damage behind the walls, needs safety features to make the area safer, or wants a bathtub that will last a while. Plus, a full shower remodel can increase your home’s resale value.

Bathtub Refinishing Vs a Full Bathtub Remodel Comparison Table

Is Bathtub Refinishing Worth It? Or Should You Just Remodel?

The choice between bathtub refinishing and a shower remodel is a matter of choosing between a short-term patch and a permanent fix. A refinish might be a good choice if you plan to sell soon. If you’re planning to stay in the home, remodeling might be the way to go since it addresses the issues behind the walls and gives you a tub and shower area to look forward to.

If you would like to learn more about shower remodeling, check out our step-by-step guide to bathtub remodeling.

Want to see what you can get out of a shower remodel? Schedule a free consultation with Shugarman’s Bath to have a design consultant come to your door, walk through your space, and give you a to-the-penny quote.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.