Get matched with top bathtub restoration pros in Chama, NM

The cost to refinish a bathtub is $490 for most homeowners. However, this cost can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on your tub's material and condition. 

For example, enamel and cast-iron bathtubs are pretty straightforward to refinish, costing between $350 and $600. However, if you have an antique claw-foot tub, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 for refinishing costs due to the care and complexity needed.

The process of reglazing or refinishing a standard-sized bathtub typically takes between two to five hours. The duration can be longer if the tub has significant cracks or gouges that need repair or if it is an oversized or specialty tub. After the refinishing work is complete, the surface needs to set and cure for another 24 to 48 hours before it can be used. Proper ventilation is important for safety during this time. Once fully cured, a reglazed tub can last for 10 years or more.

Refinishing or installing a tub liner comes down to your personal preference, budget, and timeline. It costs $480 to refinish a tub, and it takes about six hours. In comparison, installing a liner costs between $800 and $1,000 and takes about a day or less, including plumbing fixtures.

Rust in your bathtub occurs when iron in the water or on metal components in your tub are exposed to oxygen, but while it’s unsightly, it won’t make bathing dangerous. However, if the rust appears under or around your tub spout or shower head, it could indicate that you have high levels of iron in your water. Drinking water with small amounts of iron in it usually doesn’t pose a health risk, but you might want to consider installing a water softener. The presence of iron could indicate that you have hard water, which can create some plumbing issues.