When it comes to remodeling, having a feature of your home refinished or restored can be a less costly alternative to replacing it completely. However, this doesn’t always mean that it’s the better option. In this blog, we’ll look at the process of refinishing bathtubs and why more and more people are avoiding it in favor of replacing their tub altogether.

What is bathtub refinishing?

If the surface of your bathtub is damaged or discolored, then refinishing it can restore it to its original glory and could save you time and money compared to replacing the tub. Refinishing a bathtub involves stripping it of its old finish, usually using chemicals, and then applying the new finish and leaving it to set.

Why can it be dangerous to refinish your tub?

It is possible to make bathtub refinishing a DIY project, but it is highly inadvisable. While we normally recommend letting the professionals do the nitty gritty jobs that they’re skilled at, this is even more important advice for bathtub refinishing. This is because of the chemicals used to strip the bathtub of its original finish. The most commonly used chemical contains methylene chloride, which can be extremely harmful to humans.

When professionals perform this job, they wear lots of protective gear to minimize the contact they have with the chemical, and they are trained in how to handle it properly. Still, it can be dangerous even for the professionals, with the CDC reporting 14 deaths between 2000 and 2013 when using these stripping agents.

After the job is done, the bathroom needs to be properly ventilated to ensure that it is not remaining in the air. Once the new finish has set, the bathtub will be completely safe to use.

What are the alternatives?

If you don’t want these chemicals used in your home, even by the professionals, then an alternative is to sand down the surface of the bathtub to remove the old finish. However, this takes much longer and produces a great deal of dust. Another alternative is to replace your bathtub entirely. Although this may cost more when you factor in the installation, it is much safer and will give you a brand new tub that will last. You may also consider a tub to shower conversion depending on your needs and those of your family.

If your bathtub needs replacing to improve the look of your bathroom, then you can come to HousePro Home Improvement for our help. We serve areas around Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, so get in touch if you’re nearby.