Dreaming of getting a new bathtub? It may start to feel more like a nightmare when you get estimates of $5,000 or more to replace the old one.

Luckily, when it comes to improving the look of dated or worn bathtubs, a few options are more budget-friendly. Instead of replacing a tub in one of my a rental properties, I refinished it myself, saving thousands of dollars.

With the help of two industry experts — Nick Coletti from Superior Bathtub Refinishing and Nathan Oettinger from The Painted Otter Refinishers — we’ll delve into tub refinishing options, the pros and cons of each, and what to expect for tub refinishing costs.

About the Experts

Nathan Oettinger owns The Painted Otter Refinishers, with locations in New York and Texas. He has more than 15 years of experience in the tub and tile refinishing business.

Nick Coletti owns Superior Bathtub Refinishing in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

What Is Bathtub Refinishing?

Bathtub refinishing or resurfacing means covering an existing tub’s damaged or worn surface. This can be done in three ways: Painting, reglazing or with a fitted tub liner. There’s no demolition involved, and each makes the existing tub look like new.

Here’s what to expect from each refinishing option.

Painting

A DIY or handyperson project, painting a tub is just like it sounds, but with special prep and paint.

Most DIY kits will include a separate primer and topcoat product, or a two-part epoxy for a one-step process. These are made to withstand the intense moisture exposure of a bathtub. “Ordinary paints will not work,” Coletti says.

Results will vary, but this is generally a short-term solution. It buys you a little time before a more permanent fix, like reglazing (see below).

While it looks great at first, the paint on tubs will only last six months to a year with heavy use. You may get longer results in a low-use tub in a guest bathroom.

Reglazing

A professional bathtub refinishing service can reglaze a bathtub by applying a new topcoat layer. Reglazing is similar to painting, but uses professional-grade products for a much harder and durable finish with longer-lasting results.

“The products we use are designed to have a very high strength and a very high flexibility,” Oettinger says, “They often begin as industrial products that are then brought over to the tub refinishing industry and reformulated for use on bathtubs and tile. It’s very strong stuff.”

Reglazing also benefits from professional level prep and application. “The prep work really separates a DIY job from a pro, because that will determine the performance of the coating,” Oettinger says.

So how long will a reglazing job last? “At least 10 years, at a minimum,” Coletti says, “but you could get 20 years depending on the use.”

Fitted tub liner

This refinishing option is also a pro service, often offered by large, national companies. Unlike painting or reglazing, a fitted tub liner is a new plastic shell that adheres over the existing tub. Acrylic and PVC are the most commonly used materials.

Company representatives come to your home and take careful measurements. A tub liner is manufactured to fit your exact tub and shipped, which can take several weeks. When it arrives, workers return to install the liner with special adhesive. This step can be done in a day.

Acrylic tub liners installed by a reputable company can last 10 to 20 years. PVC liners may last up to 10 years.

What Does Bathroom Refinishing Cost?

It can range from $150 to more than $5,000, depending on the method. Here we break down the costs for each refinishing option.

Painting

DIY kits are generally less than $150, depending on the brand. The cost of the kit is pretty close to the total project cost, because all or most of the necessary materials and tools are included.

Some extra expenses may include cleaning agents, sandpaper and a canister mask.

Painting a tub yourself is definitely the most economical tub refinishing option, which is why I love using it for my rental properties. It’s an inexpensive way to get a tub looking clean and new, but I know it will only last so long before needing to be replaced.

Reglazing

Expect to pay between $350 to $600. This will depend on where you live and the reglazing companies available in your area. Oettinger’s company charges $450 in Texas and $550 in New York for the same service. Coletti says these costs can climb to $900 in Boston.

Because there’s little oversight in this industry, beware of new companies with unusually inexpensive prices. Look for established companies with lots of four- and five-star reviews when making your choice.

Fitted tub liner

The most expensive tub refinishing option, tub liners can cost thousands. “Pricing for a tub liner in my area [in New York] ranges from around $1,500 to as much as $4,000,” Oettinger says, “When you’re looking at a tub and surround, anywhere from $4,500 to as much as $10,000.”

These costs will largely depend on the company, bathtub style and liner material used. Acrylic tub liners are the most popular choice due to their superior durability, but they cost more. Expect to pay $700 to $1,400 for an acrylic tub liner and less for PVC.