If your tub is old, worn or damaged, it detracts from the look of your entire bathroom. Replacing it is expensive, time-consuming and inconvenient. But there’s a simple, modern solution that doesn’t involve removing the tub and replacing it, and it’s effective and affordable: bathtub reglazing with liquid acrylic. If you’ve never heard of it, bathtub reglazing is like applying a fresh coat of paint to the surface of your tub.
But it goes much deeper than just a surface treatment; it can be used to refinish stained or peeling finishes, and it repairs even deep damage. Your whole bathroom will sparkle with the look of a brand-new tub, but without the brand-new price.
There are two main types of material used for bathtub refinishing: liquid acrylic and enamel. Both give a smooth, glossy finish, but each has its own unique characteristics. It’s important to analyze each one and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each before starting your bathtub restoration so you can make an informed decision.
Bathtub Refinishing with Liquid Acrylic
Liquid acrylic is a leading-edge material that uses modern technology to give your bathtub a beautiful, smooth surface that’s also durable and resilient. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years without losing its sleek finish.
One of the advantages of liquid acrylic is that it can be used on all types of bathtubs, regardless of the material used on the original finish. It can completely transform the look of even badly damaged tubs and restore them to their original luster.
Before starting the refinishing process, there are two main steps for preparing the surface:
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REMOVING THE OLD SURFACE
The technician uses sandpaper and an abrasive powder to strip the surface down to the base material, often using a drill and sanding disc to speed up the process. Any damage, including cracks and chips, are repaired and the surface is roughened enough to ensure a strong adhesion of the acrylic to the surface.
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SURFACE CLEANING AND DEGREASING
After removing the original coating and repairing the surface, the technician cleans out the dust and chips, washes it thoroughly, degreases it with a special solution and dries it completely. Only after carefully completing all the preliminary steps will the application process begin.
After the preparatory steps are completed, the tub is ready for the application of the liquid acrylic.
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APPLYING THE GLAZE USING THE POUR-ON METHOD
The technician uses a small container to apply the liquid acrylic, starting from the top perimeter and working down the sides. Care must be taken to cover all areas, especially in corners. Brushes and rollers are not used because they can leave lint, bristles or other particles.
Once all areas are covered thoroughly, the technician uses a spatula to spread the material and remove any excess. Since the acrylic is self-leveling, it leaves a smooth, uniform finish when it dries.
Fun fact: before degreasing the tub, the specialist warms the tub by filling it with hot water. This improves adhesion and leaves a smoother finish when the liquid acrylic is applied.
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SINK✔ Ready to use in 24 hours
✔ Odorless
✔ Pour-on method using ArmoGlaze™Starting at: $350
$259
*total before tax -
SHOWER✔ Ready to use in 24 hours
✔ Odorless
✔ Pour-on method using ArmoGlaze™Starting at: $400
$299
*total before tax -
BATHTUB✔ Ready to use in 24 hours
✔ Odorless
✔ Pour-on method using ArmoGlaze™Starting at: $500
$399
*total before tax
| SERVICE | COST |
| Caulking | Included at no extra cost |
| Removing sliding doors | $30 |
| Previously refinished bathtubs | (Varies) |
| Distance surcharge | (Varies) |
There are two main types of material used for bathtub refinishing: acrylic and enamel. Prices vary depending on the size of the fixture and how much material is used. Prices start at $259 for enamel and $259 for acrylic.
So what are the differences between acrylic and enamel?
ADVANTAGES OF ACRYLIC COATING
Liquid acrylic is an advanced material that offers many advantages when compared with other refinishing compositions. Flexible and durable, it covers the surface completely and resists peeling, cracking and chipping as well as damage from impacts. With proper maintenance it can last 10-15 years or more.
Its dense, non-porous finish also resists dirt and microbes. That makes it easier to keep clean and also makes for a healthier environment in your bathroom. The surface stays sleek and snow-white without fading or staining.
The application process is quick when compared with other methods. The work takes our professional craftsmen only 3-4 hours from start to finish, and your like-new tub is completely cured and ready to use in 24 hours.
There are no big construction projects and no mess because your tub stays in place during the process, and our professional specialists tidy up and leave the area as clean as when they arrived.
Liquid acrylic is safe and eco-friendly with a near-zero VOC status. There is no odor during the process or the subsequent drying time. It has no allergenic ingredients, so it’s safe for you and your family. No need to vacate the premises; our craftsmen come in, do their work, clean up, and after 24 hours you’re ready to enjoy your beautiful, refinished bathtub.
Liquid acrylic is suitable for all types of bathtubs, including those made of cast iron and other metals.
Disadvantages of acrylic coating
Compared to other methods of bathtub restoration, liquid acrylic may be slightly more expensive. However, its durability more than makes up for that difference. It can last 5-7 times longer than spray-on enamel, which is a great return on your investment.
Liquid Acrylic VS Enamel: which is better?
Bathtub reglazing offers many advantages when compared to removing and replacing your bathtub. You save time and expense not only on the fixture itself but also on disposing of the old fixture, labor for plumbing and possible tile or floor repair, and downtime while your bath is unusable.
Both liquid acrylic and enamel can give your bathtub a new look, but comparing the two can help you make an informed choice that best suits your needs and preferences.
Durability
The longer the finish lasts, the better. Liquid acrylic has superior durability when compared to enamel, which means it’s a better value in the long run.
Liquid acrylic can last for at least 10 years, and even longer with careful maintenance. All the while it retains its pristine shine and smooth surface. Enamel has far inferior durability, generally losing its luster by the second year of use.
COST
Enamel is usually a cheaper option, so if price is your only criteria then enamel would be your choice.
However, an objective comparison shows that although the up-front cost for acrylic may be higher, the value of acrylic is far superior. The material is stronger and more durable, so it lasts several times longer.
Over a period of several years, the savings provided by acrylic is substantial. Liquid acrylic generally lasts 10-15 years, compared to just 1-3 years for enamel. It’s easy to do the math and see that liquid acrylic comes out on top when comparing costs.
TIME
No one wants to the inconvenience of having their bathroom out of commission for an extended period of time. Here’s where liquid acrylic really shines.
Acrylic application using the pour-on method takes only 3-4 hours, and the tub is dry and ready to use in 24 hours. On the other hand, enamel application is a long process because several layers have to be applied and each layer has to dry between applications, and then the final drying time is even longer.
Also, due to the strong chemical smell of enamel, the premises often has to be vacated. With liquid acrylic you avoid that issue. It has no odor so you and your family won’t be affected during the application process.
HYGIENE
Liquid acrylic has a strong, dense finish, so it resists germs. This helps keep your family safe from microbes and mold growing on the surface.
MAINTENANCE
No one wants to spend their time and energy scrubbing the tub. Acrylic is a home owner’s dream because the smooth glaze does not absorb dirt or rust. All it needs is a wipe with a soft sponge or cloth using ordinary soap or gentle cleaning products to keep it clean and shining.
Enamel bathtubs absorb dirt, rust and other contaminants so harsh abrasives and stiff brushes are needed to get them clean. Besides taking more time and effort, this can damage the surface of the enamel and shorten its lifespan.
The verdict? Liquid acrylic wins on all counts:
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Durability
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Cost
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Time
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Hygiene
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Maintenance
Call us or click below for a free estimate or to schedule work. You’ll be amazed at the way reglazing you tub transforms your entire bathroom and gives you a luxurious, spa-like experience.
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
