[pushkins]

I've had clients insist on keeping older tubs and opting for the Refinish of the tub. A good refinish company will do a pretty good job on making the tub look as new as possible, usually they use a two part epoxy paint as the finish overall I rate the finish as a 6 out of 10 (looks and durability).
I have done a couple of bathrooms with original claw foot tubs and in this case the age and style of the tub always makes me opt for the refinish for obvious reasons, including the cost of new old claw tubs.

Now for my own personal bathrooms.... I'd never have a standard tub refinished, a new tub won't cost as much as refinishing the old. Most of the time the reasons behind refinishing a tub is mainly because the tile is staying put as well, so it's also a practicality.