Bathtub resurface?

[myopposablethumb]

Hi. I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel, and I'm about to tear out the old cast iron tub, but I'm considering having it refinished instead of replacing it... I've called a few refinishing companies and they charge about $300 - $450 to refinish the tub, but they don't want to do it until after all the other remodeling is done (to ensure the finish isn't damaged).

The tub is in good shape (it's 70 years old, but has no chips or stains, it just looks old and the porcelain is kinda dull). It's not a particularly 'interesting' tub, and if I replaced it I would get a plain white cast iron tub.

My concern is that a refinished tub isn't going to be as durable as I would like, and I'm also concerned about having the installers refinish the tub after all the work is completed (drywall, tile, paint, etc.)... apparently they clean the tub with acid first, and then mask and spray the new finish... I don't want the tub to look out of place in a new bathroom...

Anyone had any experiences with refinishing that they'd like to share? Any recommendations?

Thanks, Daniel.

[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.

[thedcdude]

The company I work for does tub refinishing. It will never be as durable as the original. That's why the company insists on making it the last step in the remodel process. It would almost certainly be scratched otherwise. I'm sure there are companies that do better jobs than my guys, but I really don't like the way it looks or feels. If you're not attached to this particular tub, I'd replace it.

[jnaas2]

If you are going to the trouble of tearing out the walls down to the studs I would go ahead and replace the tub with a new one. Go to a plumbing store and not a big box store, the tub will cost more but the quality will be much better.

[Redwood]

Originally Posted by jnaas2

If you are going to the trouble of tearing out the walls down to the studs I would go ahead and replace the tub with a new one. Go to a plumbing store and not a big box store, the tub will cost more but the quality will be much better.

I'll agree whole heartedly with this post!