Older bathtub (1970) has lost most of the glaze inside of the tub

Gail Peck
by Gail Peck
I have a small master bath with the original lavender colored bathtub. The inside glaze is basically worn away from years of bathing. The tub remains lavender with few defects but the glossy surface is gone. I am aware of DIY tub-reglazing but the process and results just make me feel like the risk is high for messing up the final look of the tub.
Any suggestions?
  9 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on Feb 28, 2016
    try a bit of car wax in a not so obvious spot...see if it helps.
    • Kjer Kjer on Feb 29, 2016
      Since you did mention "defects" although you said there were few, those could lead to more, and bigger problems down the road. I'd bet you would gain your money back in resale value to replace the tub in a white or neutral color tone. I say that because of the fear of DIY'g the glaze yourself and messing it up, leaving you with lost time and expenses without the results you were hoping for. You may be able to find a brand new replacement at a Resale Construction Store, Craigslist, or a Liquidation Sale. Goodluck!
  • Tracy C Tracy C on Mar 01, 2016
    I would just save up and have a professional do it. They use sprayers and do a nice job. Also, I'm pretty sure you could change it to white - they probably don't have any more lavender! lol
  • Lindy Lindy on Mar 01, 2016
    You might come out financially better with re-glazing. Porcelain tubs (assuming it is because of color and wear issue) can be pricey even on resale value. The re-glazing will eliminate the uninstall, reinstall, purchase price, plumber, both parts and labor to replacement of items because of age. Then there is the surrounding area that could be effected by replacement as well. By the time you're done you have a whopper of a bill. Eliminating DIY, those are basically your two options unless you go with the bathroom "refit" where they put an acrylic tub over the old one.
  • Linda Linda on Mar 01, 2016
    Re-glazing is a good idea but why not have bath fitters come in and give you a price to cover up your older tub. They measure everything and in no time you will have a beautiful tub, understand it will not be porcelain.
  • Marilee H Marilee H on Mar 01, 2016
    It's more long lasting to have a pro reglaze the tub. Also easier on you!
  • Melinda Melinda on Mar 01, 2016
    My parents live in an area, that the Re-glaze people do not service. She use the Rustoleum Tub Reglaze Paint and it looks awesome. It has been over a year and is holding up
  • Gail Peck Gail Peck on Mar 02, 2016
    I am going to get an estimate for the refit and look into a pro to reglaze then I can compare. Thanks to all the suggestions. My confusion is cleared up, and I can start to deal with my 1970's lavender tub. ;o)
  • Linda Linda on Mar 02, 2016
    Good luck and I am sure what ever you decide it will be beautiful.
  • Melinda Melinda on Feb 06, 2018

    We had a Green Tub painted by Surface Solutions. The cost was $200 and it looks like a new White Tub