When you think your bath tub is no longer something you want to see in your bathroom, you have several options. You can have it replaced, do some relining or choose bathtub refinishing instead. The first option is the most expensive one, considering all hidden costs of plumbers, contractors and so on. Relining can be more affordable, if you don't choose acrylic tub, but the last solution is still the best one.

As with all other similar works, it all starts with choosing a good service. There will be no hidden costs, because there will be no nee for replacing or moving anything. Everything will be done in your bathroom, there will be no damages, and the price will be set in front, after the initial inspection. This price will depend on the amount of the repairs needed.

The whole process is quite simple. First, the tub has to be cleaned to remove all caulking. All surrounded area, including tiles, cabinets and mirrors, should be protected to minimize the mess, especially over spraying. All fixtures are removed before starting the job. Ventilation is set on. Your bath tub is then sanded, or sometimes etched with acid, to allow better adherence of the coating.

Before starting coating, all damages should be discovered and repaired. After that, another sanding is usually required. Two or three layers of paint is first sprayed on, and this serves as a primer. When this primer is completely dry, there will be another three or four layers of paint. Some contractors will come back in a day or two to apply another layer, but this final buffing is not really necessary.

The costs of refinishing your old tub are significantly lower than replacing it. There is even cheaper option for those of you who believe in DIY. This works only if you already possess all professional equipment needed for this particular work, including a good paint sprayer, sanding machine etc. If not, you simply cannot get the equal result.

Professional equipment is sometimes absolutely necessary. The tub is of irregular shape, and the paint will drip, if you try to apply it using brush or roller. Spray-painting is the best way of applying the paint on similar surfaces. Sanding is another thing that won't be easy without appropriate tools. Repairs can look nice at first, but the question is how long will they last.

All these works should probably be let to professional technicians. Even if you are skillful enough, remember how many different things you actually have to buy first. Paint, rollers, brushes, sealants, protective foils, solvents and other stuff aren't really cheap. You won't need to use the entire quantity, but you have to buy it anyway. Total costs might be higher than expected.

In the end, the paint could still peel off much sooner than you think. It would be better to get some kind of a guarantee for a job well done, not to mention all the time and effort you would have to invest as well. Leave professional jobs to professionals, and sleep well. Your bathroom can be perfect again.