Bathroom remodels and upgrades are one of the most common home improvement projects. Choosing to refinish a bathtub is something that you might want to do if you have just moved into a new home or space, or if you have been using the same old bathtub for a few years or even decades. Over time, most bathtubs will eventually succumb to damage from wear and tear. Some types of damage are more problematic than just cosmetic issues. Cracks and chips in the finish of a bathtub can be a potential hotbed for germs and mold and make a bathtub almost impossible to keep clean. Bathtub refinishing can save you money as you won’t have to replace the entire tub.
Can You Use Epoxy to Refinish a Bathtub?
There are several methods for refinishing a bathtub. Epoxy is a popular coating or finish that many people already have in their workshop for other uses or is easily purchased, making it a great option for this project.
Here’s what you should know about the average bathroom refinishing job. We will also explain why epoxy can be one of the best materials you can use for this process.
Why Refinish Bathtubs?
Refinishing a bathtub is much cheaper than replacing it, as there is no need to rip out the old bathtub, purchase a new one, and then go through the effort and hassle to install it. A bathtub refinish is much faster and can make your bathtub look (and feel) as good as new.
Most bathtubs will eventually succumb to damage with years of use. Small cracks and abrasions in the finish of your bathtub can have serious consequences. The damage can even pose a health danger that makes your bathtub impossible to sanitize.
Your skin is one of the most sensitive parts of your body. An unfinished or damaged bathtub isn’t just a cosmetic issue but can lead to lowered immunity and heightened infection risk for everyone in the home.
If you struggle to clean your bathtub, it might be time for a proper refinish.
More About Epoxy
Epoxy is one of the best materials available to refinish a bathtub and restore it to its former glory.
While you can use a few materials to refinish a bathtub, epoxy stands out as one of the most popular methods because it’s cheaper, eco-friendly, lasts longer, and it’s pretty easy to do. Epoxy makes a great bathtub finish because it’s quick-drying, as well as leaving you will less downtime.
If you have refinished your bathtub with epoxy, it becomes a lot easier to keep clean for the long term. Germs, mold, and mildew are far less likely to thrive on a clean epoxy finish than they are to an older, cracked plastic or porcelain bathtub finish.
One more benefit to epoxy is that the material is almost completely nonporous and waterproof. Most of the risk associated with a damaged bath is the fact that water, germs, and mold can permeate the cracks and thrive in the dark, damp environment it provides. A proper epoxy finish is a protective barrier against them for the surface of your bathtub.
Working with Epoxy
If you are going to work with epoxy, the process requires at least a little bit of preparation. Epoxy can be toxic and bothersome to those with respiratory issues under the wrong circumstances. In smaller bathrooms, it’s an essential safety tip to open your windows and provide ample ventilation. It is also important to wear gloves and a mask throughout the process.
The first thing to consider is removing all the faucets and drains prior to starting the process. Next, you need to clean it thoroughly with either a bleach and water solution or with a suitable manufactured cleaner. Make sure that the surface is rinsed well and completely dried before you continue. Clear the area completely, and make sure that you have enough room to move around to get things done.
With small children or animals in the house, make sure that they don’t have access to any of the epoxy chemicals used or fumes. Accidents aren’t that uncommon when people are working with epoxy, so extra precautions should be taken.
Professional Epoxy Finishing
Not everyone has the DIY knowledge and skill to tackle this home improvement project. If you want to refinish your bathtub and it seems like too much work or is out of your comfort zone, hire a professional with a certified company in the bathroom finishing to help you out and ensure your outcome is a success.
Even when you hire a professional, refinishing is going to be much cheaper than total bathtub replacement.
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