Tub-Reglazing Product Options

Do-It-Yourself Products

• Hardware stores carry tub reglazing or refinishing kits for the homeowner. These kits typically range in price anywhere from $20 to over $200 at the time of publication. They include a cleaner, surface preparation products, sandpaper, paint and polish. There is a wide selection of colors available. You can find these kits from brands such as Rust-Oleum, Durokote and For Dummies.

Preparation Products

• A hydrofluoric acid solution is designed to etch, or prepare, the surface of the tub so that the primer can adhere to the surface. The best primer to use when resurfacing a tub is one that has been rated for underwater surfaces.

Adhesives

• An adhesive is used to help the finish cling to the bathtub. You can choose between a wipe-on or a spray-on adhesive product. The spray-on product is much easier to use and can easily reach places in the bathtub that a wipe-on product will not. Also, it is easier for homeowners to make mistakes with wipe-on products. New adhesives have been introduced to the market that eliminate the etching and priming step.

Finishes

• Acrylic urethane, polyester urethane and modified epoxy and epoxy acryllic are the types of finishes available for tub reglazing. Acrylic urethane is the most expensive type. It is considered the best finish choice due to its hardness and flexibility. Polyester urethane is commonly used, and has a medium hardness. The drawbacks are that it can crack or blister under certain conditions. Modified epoxy and epoxy acrylic are the finishes found in most do-it-yourself products. But they tend to turn yellow over time and are not very hard.