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Best Tub and Tile Refinishing Kits for Easy Home Maintenance
Modified: December 6, 2023
Refurbish your bathroom centerpiece with a tub and tile refinishing kit. Make your old, beat-up tub look and feel brand new again. Read more here!
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There’s nothing like a refreshing soak in the bathtub after a long day. Indeed, it’s a great way to soothe your tired muscles and ease any stress on your body. But if your tub is filled with scratches, cracks, stains, or even chipped glaze, it certainly can be hard to focus on the relaxing bit.
Fortunately, you can buy a tub and tile refinishing kit to revamp the piece of heaven in your bathroom. Check below to know how this cost-effective solution can rejuvenate the look of your bathtub, sinks, and showers all in one go.
Benefits of Using a Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit
Bathtubs are not necessities, but in interior design, they are the star of the bathroom. Aside from adding value to your home, bathtubs provide several health benefits that make it worth the investment. In fact, bathing in tubs is proven to help you sleep better, exfoliate the skin, and uplift your mood in ways showering can’t.
Depending on the material, bathtubs can last for 10 to 30 years, all thanks to their durable glazes. But just like other home furniture you have at home, bathtubs deteriorate over time. Harsh cleaners like strong chemicals and abrasive brushes are mostly the culprit. On the other hand, lack of support and uneven weight distribution can also lead to chips and cracks.
Since replacing a bathtub costs thousands of dollars, you can use a tub and tile refinishing kit instead. Think of it as cosmetic surgery to improve fine lines and wrinkles on one’s face. Using the best tub and tile refinishing kit can cover even the slightest imperfections on your tub. Scratches, discoloration, cracks, you name it!
The kit contains a coating that will be sprayed or painted onto your tub. It usually dries after 24 hours, but it is extensively advised to use it after 10 days. With the best tub and tile refinishing kit, you can make your bathtub look good as new at a low cost! Remember that you can only use this kit to reglaze your porcelain, ceramic, and fiberglass tubs. So, if you have a portable bathtub, consider buying a new one.
Read more: How To Refinish Bathroom Vanity Cabinets
Factors to Consider When Buying a Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit
Bathtub Material
Tub and tile refinishing kits are usually versatile, but that doesn’t mean these kits apply to any bathtub material. Hence, knowing the material first could save you from expenses, costly repairs, and wasted time.
By far, cast iron tubs are the most durable bathtub material on the market. They’re constructed with molten steel coated with a thick enamel layer. One disadvantage of cast iron bathtubs is that they’re harder to refinish.
Next to cast iron is porcelain. While they don’t seem durable enough as bathtub material, they’re usually placed on top of steel to give weight to the body. They’re also commonly known as porcelain on metal, and you’d need a specific tile and tub refinishing kit to fix these up.
On the other hand, fiberglass is a cheap alternative to cast iron and porcelain on metal tubs. It’s a plastic material that’s more durable than the first two and is easier to repair. Though it will not chip quickly, it can still fade and crack over time.
If you have a colored bathtub at home, then it must be made of acrylic. This bathtub material looks similar to fiberglass because fiberglass sheets support it. Mainly, it consists of a soft plastic that can be colored to your needs.
Contents
Knowing the contents of the tub and tile refinishing kit is essential simply because you will have to do it all by yourself. Not all kits have the same contents; some may have additional brushes, foam rollers, gloves, sandpaper, or different coatings in general. If you’re not a handyman, or it’s your first time refinishing a bathtub, buying a kit with all the necessary equipment will help you get started.
Coverage and Thickness
Refinishing kits are something you can’t just simply lather on your tub. Paying attention to the coverage and thickness of the formula is the secret to getting good results. For instance, you wouldn’t want to be running to the store for another kit just because you run out mid-refinishing. Reglazing follows strict drying times, and your DIY project can turn into a disaster if that happens.
Luckily, most refinishing kits are enough to coat a standard-size bathtub two times. Not to mention that you can buy either an aerosol or pour-on refinisher. The former may require you to do two to three coats to achieve the proper thickness when covering imperfections. For pour-on refinishers, you can do a single coat since they’re more thick and dense. If your bathtub has seen better days, we advise using the pour-on refinishing kit.
Read more: How To Refinish A Dresser
Ease of Application
Refinishing your tub sounds like a solid job, but reglazing is pretty much a straightforward process with the right tools, technique, and equipment. If a quick fix is what you need, then aerosol refinishers are your best bet. While a pour-on refinisher does the job better, it may require your patience and skill. But, they do produce better results.
While you’re at it, take a look at your drain covers and spot chipped corners in your bathroom. Since these areas are hard to reach, considering the ease of application can ease the job.
Drying Time
We know how unbearable it is to wait, especially when your “new” bathtub begging for you to use it. When it comes to drying time, you might want to use the shower first for two to three days. Most manufacturers put the total cure time on the packaging, which lasts about 24 hours. While it seems dry to the touch, it’s much better to take precautions. So, giving it much time, like a week, if you can, will prevent the glaze from getting ruined by water and bath products.
Best Tub and Tile Refinishing Kits
Take the expense out of bathtub improvement with the Ekopel Bathtub Refinishing Kit. You’d get extreme gloss and an odorless finish in just 24 hours with just one layer! It also comes with step-by-step demos so you can adequately reglaze your bathtub all by yourself.
Key Features
- Non-toxic
- 24-hour cure time
Specifications
- For cast iron, steel, ceramic, and fiberglass tubs
Pros
- Odorless
- Eco-friendly
- With foam roller and scooper
Cons
- Takes too long to dry
Say goodbye to chips and cracks on your bathtub thanks to this tub and tile refinishing kit from Bathworks. This package includes two premium kits (one with non-slip protection). Plus, it has everything you’ll need to refinish your tub and tiles, such as paint trays, sandpapers, etching cleaners, and gloves.
Key Features
- Flexible coating
- 24-hour dry time
- Highly durable resin
Specifications
- 42 fluid ounces
- Includes two premium kits with non-slip protection
Pros
- 4-piece set
- Available in 5 different colors
- With directions on safety care tips
Cons
- Poor quality control
Make bathroom fixtures look new again with this AquaFinish Tile and Tub Refinishing Kit from Amazon. Since it’s a pour-on, the coating will be much thicker than aerosol refinishers, giving back your bathtub’s pristine condition. Ensure proper ventilation within the area and reapply another coat or two if needed.
Key Features
- Durable
- 24-hour dry time
Specifications
- 32 fluid ounces
Pros
- Enough for 2 to 3 coats
- With foam roller, tray, brush, sandpaper, and tack rag
Cons
- Poor roller quality
Hiring a bathtub refinisher can cost you almost $500. If you want to DIY your bathtub renovation, you might as well try this refinishing kit. Another product manufactured by Bathworks, this kit is the perfect option to make your bathroom fixtures durable and long-lasting. Use it on your bathtub, shower, sink, or walls, and expect great results after 24 hours.
Key Features
- Durable
- Flexible coating
- 24-hour dry time
Specifications
- Coats an average tub of 60 sq. ft.
- For porcelain, fiberglass, cultured marble, and other bathroom surfaces
Pros
- Super high gloss resin finish
- With etching cleaner, sandpaper, tack rag, tray, and foam brush
Cons
- Poor quality control
Transform your worn-out, stained bathtub or dated ceramic tile into an easy-to-clean glossy white with the Ekopel Refinishing Kit. Like the previous one, you can use it on your shower, sink, or any spot that needs refurbishing. Moreover, this oil-free glaze never peels and dries quickly, so you can immediately use the tub for your daily bathing routine.
Key Features
- Non-toxic
- 24-hour cure time
Specifications
- 45.86 ounces
- For cast iron, steel, ceramic, and fiberglass tubs
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- With foam roller and scooper
Cons
- Not easy to use and apply
Looking for an all-in-one tub and tile refinishing kit? You can end your hunt because the NADAMOO Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit has everything for you. The kit provides you with all the essential items like pre-taped film, tape, sandpaper, brush, roller, and gloves, so there’s no unnecessary stress when refinishing your bathroom fixtures. And since it’s water-based, it doesn’t smell strong and is less likely to turn yellow over time than its oil-based counterparts.
Key Features
- 24-hour cure time
- High film flexibility
- Water-based formula
Specifications
- 35 fluid ounces
- For ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, and enamel
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Semi-matte finish
- With masking tape, masking film, brush, roller, and sandpaper
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Should wait 7 days before running hot baths
After years of using abrasive soaps, your bathtub may need a makeover to regain its charm. Luckily, you can spray it with the Magic Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit. This spray-on refinisher is specially formulated to withstand moisture and hide stubborn grout stains and cracks like a breeze. Aside from that, it sprays 360° so you can effortlessly reach hard-to-reach areas for a spotless finish.
Key Features
- Easy spray-on application
- High-gloss porcelain-like finish
Specifications
- 12 ounces per pack
- For ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, enamel-coated cast iron and acrylic tile, tubs or sinks
Pros
- No mixing required
- With step-by-step guide
- Provides 2 coats for a 22-square-foot tub
Cons
- Has a strong odor
Recaulking your tub and wall is no longer a pain, thanks to this repair kit from Ankita Store. This has everything you need for minor chip repairs in sinks, tubs, and toilets. Best of all, it comes with color gels and a matching color card to accurately match your ideal or preferred color. Indeed, this is your ultimate chip fix, so you won’t need to replace an already pricey bathtub.
Key Features
- Durable
- Non-toxic
- Waterproof
Specifications
- For porcelain, fiberglass, alloy steel, ceramic
Pros
- Odorless
- Easy to use
- Strong adhesion
Cons
- No color mixing instructions
- Hard to achieve deeper colors
The Homax Tough as Tile Tub Kit might be the next best thing for your home repair needs. It restores outdated, stained, or discolored bathtubs, tiles, or sinks in bathrooms. And since it’s a spray-on, it eliminates the time, hassle, and expense of a complete bathroom remodel.
Key Features
- Durable
- Easy spray-on application
Specifications
- 32 ounces
- For tubs, sinks, and tiles
Pros
- High-gloss porcelain finish
- Covers 1 standard tub or 2 bathroom sinks
- With gloves, steel wool, and surface prep cleaner
Cons
- Only available in white
- Not suitable for places exposed to high temperatures
Manufactured by the Portivo Store, this tile and tub refinishing kit produces professional results without exceeding your budget. It can conceal every chip, scratch, and dent on your tub and sinks while maintaining a hard-wearing coat that withstands water and temperature. Above all, it includes the accessories you need to complete the job and a video tutorial to help you along the way.
Key Features
- Durable
- Non-toxic
Specifications
- 5.6 ounces
- For fiberglass and porcelain
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Accessories included
- With step-by-step video
Cons
- Poor quality control
Refinishing a bathtub or any other bathroom fixture may seem a lot of work. But think of it as doing you and your tub a favor. A tub and tile refinishing kit can restore your bathroom’s former glory in a few hours and at a fair price. Don’t forget to check this list when you’re ready to do some DIY bathtub repair.
On a side note, have you ever realized the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles? Know which of the two is the best for your needs by clicking the link to the article.
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