Get matched with top bathtub restoration pros in Liberty, ME

There are a few signs, both obvious and not so obvious, that it's time to refinish your bathtub. While some of these signs aren't an urgent problem, others could lead to significant damage if left untreated. Signs you should look out for include:

• Rust stains, which signal the tub's enamel or surface sealer is deteriorating 

• Small chips, which can grow into larger chunks and can lead to rusting

• Discoloration, which doesn't lead to a more significant problem but can be unsightly 

• Dirty surfaces, which means that the tub glaze is breaking down and allowing dirt to seep below the coating

Yes, you can absolutely remove rust from a bathtub drain, and doing so can improve the appearance of your tub. Combine three parts baking soda with one part vinegar and mix into a paste. Apply the paste over the drain and let it sit for about an hour before rinsing with cold water. Repeat the process if some rust stains remain. If the stains return, consider installing a water softener, as ongoing issues with bathtub drain rust usually indicate hard water.

Rust should be pretty easy to identify in your bathtub, as it has a dark red, brownish color, and it sits on the surface of the porcelain. It usually appears around metal fixtures, like under your tub spout or shower head, and you might also find it under metal shaving cream cans or razors that you leave sitting on the tub or a shower shelf.

It’s substantially less expensive to reglaze a tub than to replace it. The average cost of reglazing a bathtub is between $400 and $700, but that range may be higher based on where you live and the type of tub you have. Meanwhile, if you want to replace the bathtub, you’re looking at $2,000 to $9,400, with the average close to $5,700.