What Is the Process to Have an Old Toilet Reglazed?

Considerations

• You cannot reglaze a toilet, according to Emily Young of the "Los Angeles Times," who says the best you can do is equip it with a new seat. However, many companies do offer reglazing options for toilets, but do not provide the same guarantee as for bathtubs, for example. Porcelain Tub Restorations only offers a one-year warranty on toilet reglazing jobs, compared to up to 15 years for a bathtub. The constant exposure to water damages the inside of the toilet, which causes flaking and peeling of the new finish.

Types of Reglazing

• If you reglaze your toilet, you have two options: professional restoration or a do-it-yourself kit. Most home improvement stores and hardware stores sell kits that include everything you need. A professional restoration is more expensive, but lasts longer. Doing the project yourself is cheaper and should only take a few hours from start to finish. When the toilet shows signs of damage in the future, simply purchase a new kit and do the process again.

Before Glazing

• Before glazing the toilet, remove as many items as possible from the bathroom, including the toilet seat cover and bathroom mat. Open any bathroom windows and position fans that push the fumes from the products out of the room. The toilet requires preparation, including a thorough cleaning. Sanding the toilet creates a rough surface and gets rid of any stuck-on debris. Do not apply any reglazing product until the toilet is completely clean and dry, with all traces of the cleanser removed. Cover any areas around the toilet with masking tape. Turn off the water lines to the bathroom.

Reglazing Process

• Whether you glaze the toilet yourself or hire a professional, the process uses the same steps. A filler applied to the porcelain covers chips, cracks and other damage. Sanding the fillers makes it sit even with the surrounding areas of the toilet. An epoxy primer adheres to the roughened porcelain serves as the base coat. The last step involves applying the glaze, using a sprayer for an even coating. After the glaze completely dries, you peel off the masking tape and turn the water back on.