What is Reglaze Bathtub?
Tired of your old, yucky, worn out bathtub? Get it recondition and look like brand new. Reglaze bathtub is a bathtub which is basically old and worn out that looks new after it is refinished or resurfaced. The bathtub is restored to a new condition by applying a new glaze finish over the surface of the tub.
The process of reglazing bathtub has existed since the 1950s because it is more convenient and less expensive. Replacing a worn out bathtub does not only cost you a thousand dollars but also gives you a real hassle. You have to deal with the removal, breaking tiles and repairing it. Piping system will also be affected due to the damage the removal might cause.
To reglaze a bathtub is not a worry anymore. You do not have to remove your bathtub and bring it to a shop. Reglazing it can be done right in your bathroom without the hassle in your tiles, fixtures or plumbing system. It will not also take a long time. The process can be done in three or four hours, then leave it for twenty-four hours and is ready to use.
There are several steps and materials used in doing a reglaze bathtub. Since you will be using chemicals or acids secure safety first. Acids can cause harmful effects in your respiratory system so it would be best to use goggles, mask and gloves. Ensure as well that the bathroom is well ventilated. After doing this you may start cleaning your tub, removing loose caulks and worn gaskets.
Many uses an acid solution to clean the tub followed by a spray on epoxy primer and finally coated by an acrylic topcoat. However this process uses a strong acid like the hydrofluoric acid which can destroy the surface of the tub. Even it is coated already the material can still break down within a couple of years especially with the constant use of hot water.
Other process is to clean the surface of the bathtub thoroughly with an industrial solution then prime it with a waterproof epoxy primer which does not require etching. Finally, apply an aliphatic acrylic urethane that was especially designed for bathtub reglazing industry.
There are reglazing kits available in the market for a do-it-yourself reglazing. Just make sure that you choose the right materials and do it the right way. However, if you are unsure in doing the process right and might create more damage to your tub then consider hiring a professional to do the job for you.