How Much Does It Cost to Refinish a Bathtub?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

The average cost to refinish a bathtub is around $480, and most projects total somewhere between $350 and $650, depending on the type of tub, the tub material, and the current condition of the bathtub surface. You could pay as little as $250 to refinish a built-in fiberglass tub, and the cost to refinish an antique clawfoot tub could climb as high as $2,500.

Quick Takeaways

• The average cost to finish a bathtub is around $480, and prices typically fall between $350 and $650.

• Refinishing a bathtub is significantly more affordable than replacing it, which costs between $5,000 and $7,000.

• You can typically refinish a bathtub two times, but some tubs with extensive surface damage can only be refinished once.

Cost of Refinishing Bathtubs

Cost Factors for Bathtub Refinishing

There are a few things that can affect the cost of bathtub resurfacing and refinishing, so you’ll need to consider things like your tub’s size, type, and material to get an accurate estimate for refinishing.

Cost by Bathtub Material

The cost to refinish a bathtub depends partially on the tub material, with prices ranging between $250 and $700. 

Some materials require a different approach and professional touch to refinish. Others can be refinished more easily. Below is a table with the most common bathtub materials and how much refinishing them would cost.

Cost by Tub Condition

Tub refinishing is a good way to restore a damaged, cracked, or chipped bathtub to its original condition and appearance. The work involved will depend on the extent of the surface damage, as your professional will need to carry out individual repairs and sanding to create a smooth surface for good adhesion before tub reglazing. 

A tub with some minor chips and surface discoloration will cost an average of $480 to refinish, but you could pay $650 or more if your tub has more extensive surface damage and staining.

Cost by Type of Bathtub

The type of bathtub you have will affect how much surface area your professional needs to refinish, which will impact both material and labor costs. 

• Standard-sized, built-in tubs have just one outer face that needs refinishing, along with the inside surface. 

• Standalone tubs, like clawfoot tubs, have three to four visible exterior surfaces, plus the inside. 

• Oversized tubs and jet tubs have larger interiors that demand more labor for refinishing.

Expect to pay more to refinish standalone tubs and larger luxury tubs, as your professional will have more work to do.

Clawfoot tubs can cost about the same as a standard standalone tub to refinish, but antique clawfoot tubs have porcelain interiors and cast iron exteriors. These materials are more expensive to repair and reglaze, and most professionals charge a premium for working with antique tubs. Expect the cost to refinish an antique clawfoot tub to be higher than most other types.

Bathtub Refinishing Cost by Company

There are a number of businesses that specialize in bathtub refinishing services. 

Two of the most popular and widespread bathtub refinishing companies are Perma-Glaze and Miracle Method. Both companies use trademark chemicals and processes in their reglazing process that separate them from similar resurfacing companies. Here’s how much you can expect to pay to refinish a tub through either business:

Cost Based on Shower Surround

Refinishing a tub by itself will cost an average of $480, but you’d pay between $500 and $1,200 if you have a tub and shower you want to update at the same time. If your shower and tub are joined, it’s best to refinish them together to achieve a cohesive look.

Bathtub Refinishing Process

Refinishing a tub starts with cleaning the tub to ensure all soap film, mineral deposits, and oils are removed. Then, your professional will remove the current finishing and fill in any cracks and chips on the tub’s surface. 

Once the damaged areas are sealed, the contractor will apply a new layer of coating with a sprayer that gives the tub a shiny, updated appearance. Finishes are available in several colors, giving you the option to customize the tub’s appearance to your taste.

The whole process typically takes two to five hours to complete, and the tub will be ready to use within 24 to 48 hours.

Bathtub Reglazing vs Refinishing

Although often used interchangeably, refinishing and reglazing are two different things, and reglazing is actually a part of the refinishing process. 

Refinishing a bathtub means fixing minor cosmetic issues. The old finish is removed, the tub’s surface is repaired where needed, and a new layer of finish is applied over the repaired surface. This process makes the tub and bathroom look new and updated without undergoing a full bathroom remodel. 

Reglazing, on the other hand, refers only to the process of adding that new top layer over a tub. Reglazing is a part of the refinishing process, and reglazing on its own doesn’t include cleaning the tub and repairing the surface.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Replacement

Bathtub refinishing is a great way to update your bathroom and refresh it without paying for renovations or a bathtub replacement. Replacing a bathtub requires a great deal of time, money, and labor and comes with the risk of the workers damaging some other part of the bathroom while tearing out the old tub. 

Refinishing is a less-invasive and more affordable solution when your bathtub only has minor cosmetic issues or small dents, cracks, and stains that need fixing. However, if your tub has major damage, refinishing it may not be an option, which means you would have to replace it and install a new one.

Can You Refinish a Tub Yourself?

It’s definitely possible to refinish a tub yourself, and you’ll save between $200 and $300 on labor if you decide to go the DIY route.

However, we recommend hiring an expert to ensure a clean, professional appearance and long-lasting results. The materials available to DIYers aren’t as high-quality as those professionals use, and mistakes during the process can lead to a less appealing finish. Some contractors also offer a warranty, so you will have the added protection that the refinishing will last for a specific time. 

We especially encourage you to hire a professional if you have an antique porcelain tub, as you’ll need to ensure the tub is treated properly during the refinishing process.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

While you’re budgeting for the cost of refinishing a bathtub, you may want to consider the following projects to revitalize your bathroom further and add even more value to your home.

• Cost to paint a bathtub: Expect to pay around $480 to paint a bathtub, which includes adding a top coat in a different color.

• Cost to repair bathtub drain pipe: You’ll pay between $150 and $350 to repair or replace a bathtub drain pipe, but costs could go up to $500 or more, depending on how difficult it is to access the area.

• Cost to recaulk a bathtub: You can caulk your bathtub yourself for around $20 in supplies, or you could hire a pro to do the work for between $50 and $100.

• Cost to refinish a bathroom sink: You’ll pay between $100 and $250 to refinish a built-in bathroom sink or between $350 and $700 to refinish a pedestal sink.

• Cost to change bathtub faucet: If you want to replace your bathtub faucet, you can do so yourself for about $250 to $350.

Additional Considerations and Costs

Below are some additional things to think about as you move forward with your bathtub refinishing project.

• DIY: You can buy DIY bathtub refinishing kits for a more affordable cost than what you would pay for a professional service. Going this route will save between $200 and $300 on labor, but you may not get the same quality results as if you hired a pro. If you don’t already know how to refinish a bathtub, it’s best to hire a pro for this home improvement project.

• Fumes: Epoxy, acrylic, and etching chemicals emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when applied and during curing. If possible, open a bathroom window or run a fan to help clear it out. Very sensitive individuals may want to use a mask or leave the house until the finish cures.

• Humid climates: High humidity levels make the finish cure more slowly, particularly in the summer months. This may mean the tub needs an additional day to cure or that you need a dehumidifier running in the bathroom to speed up the process.

• Estimates: Before accepting an offer from a contractor, make sure to check with at least three service providers. This gives you a better idea of what type of service you can expect and how much refinishing costs on average in your area.

• Warranties: Some companies offer a warranty period for which they guarantee that the coating they apply will keep its original look. The warranty depends on the company and the type of tub you have, so make sure to ask your contractors about the type of warranty they offer, if any.

FAQ: Bathtub Refinishing Cost