Bathtub refinishing costs are relatively inexpensive and can make your bathroom look like new. Our guide gives you the information to learn more about this process.
Why Is My Bathtub Peeling?
A peeling finish means it’s time to call a pro
Photo: Tatiana Maksimova / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: Tatiana Maksimova / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
Your bathtub might be peeling due to normal wear and tear, harsh chemicals, prolonged water exposure, and poor bathtub reglazing.
Regardless of the reason, refinishing the bathtub is the only true solution.
Because bathtub refinishing requires harsh chemicals, you should have a pro do the work.
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If you’re wondering why your bathtub is peeling, there are a few reasons that could be causing it. Natural wear and tear, harsh cleaners, standing water, or a poor refinishing job may be the culprits. But regardless of why your bathtub is peeling, there is really only one solution: bathtub refinishing.
Natural Wear and Tear
Over time, bathtubs can peel due to normal wear and tear from constant use. If the bathtub isn’t cleaned regularly, this can exacerbate the problem.
The Solution
If you notice areas beginning to peel, you can up your maintenance game and ensure the bathtub surface is dried after each use. Removing mats with suction cups can also help preserve the finish, as the suction can sometimes damage the finish and cause it to peel off.
Cleaning Chemicals
In some cases, using harsh chemicals to clean your bathtub can cause the finish to peel off, especially if it’s already been refinished.
The Solution
The only way to restore your bathtub to its original glory is to either refinish it yourself or hire a bathtub refinishing professional near you to do the job. However, you can reduce the amount of damage by switching to gentler cleaners.
Prolonged Water Exposure
In many areas of the home, moisture is the culprit, and the bathtub is no exception. Standing water for prolonged periods of time can weaken the bathtub finish and cause it to peel
The Solution
Obviously, bathtubs are going to get wet, but drying them out after use can prevent water from damaging the finish.
Poor Bathtub Reglazing
Bathtub reglazing can last for between seven and 10 years, but if it wasn’t done properly, it could be the reason why your bathtub is peeling. To properly refinish or reglaze a bathtub, the original coating must be totally removed.
After this, the surface needs to be sanded or acid etched to create a surface to which the new coating can adhere. After the surface is etched, apply primer and then epoxy coating, and leave it to dry. Finally, you can recaulk the bathtub to seal the seams and reinstall the hardware.
The Solution
Reglazing the bathtub again is the best solution to fixing a poorly glazed bathtub. While you can do this job yourself, reglazing requires using harsh chemicals to strip the surface. The coating can also give off hazardous fumes, so it’s best to hire a pro for this one.
When to Call a Pro
Calling a pro will be your best bet if you notice your bathtub finish is peeling. It’s possible to do a DIY bathtub refinishing project, but the process is labor intensive and comes with some health risks because it requires working with harsh chemicals. A professional bathtub refinisher will come with the knowledge needed to complete the project safely and properly.
How to Prevent Your Bathtub from Peeling
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your bathtub from peeling. This includes cleaning it regularly with gentle cleaners and making sure that there isn't standing water left in the tub after use. If you opt to refinish your tub, hire a bathtub refinisher with experience and a good track record of successful projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A peeling bathtub is not a good thing. It’s a sign that the finish is coming off, and continued exposure to water and cleaning products can continue to damage the finish and eventually the underlying structure of the tub. What starts as a few chips or flakes can worsen into large chunks peeling off.
Bathtub refinishing costs an average of $460 and includes removing the finish, sanding or acid etching the surface, priming it, and applying an epoxy coating. After the coating cures, the bathtub should look as good as new, and the finish should last between seven and 10 years. Because bathtub refinishing requires hazardous chemicals, you should call a bathtub refinisher to do the job.
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