After many years of loyal service, your bathtub is looking a bit worse for wear; it’s cracked in spots and the paint or finish is flaking all around. Perhaps it is time to consider refinishing your bathtub and breathing new life back into it. On the whole, refinishing a bathtub is a good alternative to just buying a new bathtub outright as it will be much cheaper, with the average cost in 2025 typically ranging from $300 to $700, depending on the condition of the tub and materials used.
If you are inexperienced, you can also hire a contractor to do this for you, with labor rates often averaging $75 to $125 per hour, bringing total professional refinishing costs to around $400 to $800+ overall, though this will vary by contractor.
According to HomeAdvisor, “the average cost to refinish a bathtub is about $480, with most homeowners spending between $335 and $630 depending on the size and condition of the tub.”
You should consider refinishing your bathtub when there is noticeable wear and tear, especially if the surface is no longer smooth or visually appealing. Common signs include multiple cracks, scratches, or small unpatched holes that make the tub look worn or feel uncomfortable during use.
Another key indicator is a change in color or overall appearance. If you notice discoloration, staining, or a dull, faded finish that no longer looks clean even after scrubbing, refinishing can help restore that like-new look.
In general, if your bathtub is still structurally sound but showing surface-level damage or aging, refinishing is often a practical and cost-effective way to extend its life without needing a full replacement.
At the end of the day, refinishing your bathtub is a matter of preference and timing. There are positives and, of course, some negatives when choosing to refinish your bathtub, though much of the decision will largely depend on your available time and overall budget.
One of the main reasons homeowners choose to refinish is cost savings. If your tub is structurally sound but showing surface damage, refinishing can restore its appearance at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Another key reason is cosmetic improvement. Over time, bathtubs can become discolored, scratched, or outdated in style. Refinishing allows you to refresh the look without undergoing a full bathroom renovation.
There is also the factor of convenience and speed. Replacing a bathtub often involves demolition, plumbing adjustments, and extended downtime, whereas refinishing is typically completed much faster with minimal disruption.
It’s important to weigh these benefits against your long-term plans. If your bathtub has significant structural issues or you are planning a full remodel, replacement may make more sense. But if your goal is to improve appearance, extend lifespan, and stay within budget, refinishing is often a practical and efficient solution.
Cost-Effective – Whether it is using a DIY repair kit or hiring a contractor, the cost will ultimately be much less than purchasing a new bathtub outright. This makes it an ideal option for homeowners looking to refresh their bathroom without committing to a full renovation budget.
Less Hassle/Simplicity – Since many bathtubs are already installed in your home, simply hiring a professional to handle the process and finish in a few hours is much simpler than removing your existing tub and dealing with plumbing changes, demolition, and reinstallation.
Quick Turnaround – In most cases, refinishing can be completed in a single day, meaning you can use your bathtub again much sooner compared to a full replacement project that may take several days or longer.
Extends Lifespan – Refinishing helps protect the surface of your tub, sealing minor damage and preventing further wear. This can add several more years of use to a bathtub that is still structurally sound.
Improved Appearance – A refinished tub can look clean, glossy, and like new again. This is especially helpful if your current tub is stained, scratched, or simply looks outdated but is otherwise in good condition.
Dated Look – While many bathtub materials can be refinished, some may still look a bit dated compared to the rest of your bathroom. This may not be ideal for every project, as an older tub design can stand out in a more modern, updated space.
Not All Materials – While refinishing is simple and relatively inexpensive, not every bathtub material can be refinished. It is important to confirm that your specific tub can actually undergo the process before moving forward.
Toxic – Though a repair kit is fairly inexpensive, it is highly recommended to hire a professional for a refinishing job. The stripping agents and coatings used can be highly toxic, and without proper ventilation and handling, there is a risk of exposure. If you are inexperienced with fume management, consulting a professional helps avoid any potential safety issues.
In most cases, refinishing a bathtub is significantly cheaper than replacing it, especially if your existing tub is still structurally sound. Refinishing typically costs between $300 and $800, depending on the tub’s condition and whether you hire a professional or use a DIY kit.
Replacing a bathtub, on the other hand, is much more expensive once you factor in labor, plumbing adjustments, removal of the old tub, and installation of the new one. On average, a full replacement ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on the type of tub and the complexity of the project.
At the end of the day, refinishing is the more cost-effective option if your goal is to improve the appearance and extend the life of your current tub. However, if your bathtub has structural damage, leaks, or you are planning a full bathroom remodel, replacement may be the better long-term investment.
Most bathtub materials can be refinished, but the process and results will vary depending on the surface type and condition. Here is a list of the most common materials:
Acrylic – Yes, though acrylic is non-porous, so a bonding agent must be applied for the new finish to properly adhere. Surface preparation is especially important, as acrylic can scratch easily and needs to be sanded correctly before coating.
Porcelain (on steel or cast iron) – Yes, porcelain is non-porous, so a bonding agent and proper etching process must be used so the finish will stick. This is one of the most commonly refinished materials and tends to produce durable, high-quality results when done professionally.
Stone Resin – Yes, stone resin is also non-porous, so a bonding agent must be applied so the finish will adhere to the surface. However, because stone resin is already highly durable and resistant to wear, it typically does not need refinishing unless there is visible damage or staining.
Fiberglass – Yes, fiberglass is more porous, so it generally adheres well to refinishing coatings. That said, it often requires additional prep work, such as repairing soft spots or cracks, to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Enamel-Coated Tubs – Yes, enamel over metal surfaces can be refinished, but, like porcelain, they require proper cleaning, etching, and use of bonding agents to ensure the new coating adheres effectively.
In short, bathtubs made of porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, enamel, and even stone resin can be refinished, but the key difference lies in surface preparation and adhesion. Non-porous materials like porcelain, acrylic, and stone resin require bonding agents and etching to create a surface the new coating can grip, while more porous materials like fiberglass naturally accept coatings more easily. Overall, while refinishing is possible for most tubs, the durability of the result depends heavily on the material, prep work, and application quality.
Professional – Hiring a professional is the easiest and most recommended route for refinishing your bathtub. As the process of removing the initial finish is highly toxic, this job is better left in the hands of an experienced individual. Also, the process is fairly quick, typically taking 3 to 6 hours, with most tubs ready to use again within 24 to 48 hours.
From a cost perspective, professional refinishing in 2025 generally ranges from $337 to $631, with an average cost of around $480–$500, depending on the tub’s material, condition, and location. According to Angi, “bathtub refinishing costs $483 on average, but can reach up to $1,000 depending on the method you choose and your bathtub material.”
This makes it a highly cost-effective alternative compared to replacement, which can cost several thousand dollars once labor and plumbing are included.
DIY / Repair Kits – DIY refinishing bathtub kits come with either an epoxy or acrylic coating. Though they appear to accomplish the same job, make sure to get acrylic coatings where you can, as epoxy is more prone to yellowing and deterioration over time. Also, ensure that your kit isn’t simply just spray paint, as some kits are, and that you have the correct coating for refinishing.
DIY kits typically cost between $50 and $150, making them the most affordable upfront option. However, they usually require significantly more time, often a full weekend project when accounting for prep, application, and curing.
All refinishing kits are highly toxic, so take care to properly ventilate and protect yourself before starting the process. While DIY can save money, the finish may not last as long as a professional job, so it’s important to weigh short-term savings against long-term durability and safety.
Refinishing a bathtub can be a manageable DIY project if you follow the proper steps and take the necessary safety precautions.
Ventilate your area properly, as there will be strong odors and toxic chemicals from the refinishing kit. Open windows, use fans, and wear protective gear like a mask and gloves. The odors will typically dissipate within a few days, but proper airflow during the process is critical for safety.
Start by removing the old finish in your bathtub. The existing surface must be stripped and sanded down to create a smooth, clean area for the new finish to properly bond. This step is essential for ensuring long-term durability and preventing peeling.
After sanding and removing the old finish, inspect the tub for small imperfections such as cracks, rust, or chipping. Make sure to patch and repair these areas before applying the new finish, as any damage left untreated will show through the final coating.
Apply a generous layer of primer onto the surface and allow it to fully dry. Then proceed with multiple layers of refinishing coating, allowing each layer to dry as directed by your kit instructions. Finally, use a sealing coat to complete the process. Depending on the kit you purchased, it can take 2 to 4 days for everything to fully cure and set properly before regular use.
Following these steps carefully will help ensure a smoother finish, better adhesion, and a longer-lasting result.
This question will largely depend on the state and quality of your bathtub, but generally, refinishing is a great way to restore some life into an older bathtub. Though, down the line, the benefits of higher quality material such as stone resin is that the finish does not wear or deteriorate over time, giving you more incentive to invest in a better bathtub down the line.
Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.
Contact us with any business related inquiries.
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