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Bathtub refinishing and reglazing vs replacement

Refinishing, also called reglazing, keeps the tub that's already in the wall and resurfaces it with a new coating instead of tearing it out. It's a different job than a walk-in conversion, which removes the tub entirely and replaces it with a low-threshold shower base. Refinishing makes sense when the tub is structurally sound but the surface is chipped, dull, discolored, or just old, and the layout itself isn't changing.

The crew sands and preps the existing surface, patches small chips or cracks, then sprays on an epoxy or acrylic coating that cures into a new finish. It's common in rental units, older homes where the plumbing and surround are staying put, and jobs where the budget doesn't call for demolition.

If the goal is actually a curbless or low-step shower, wider door clearance, or a bench seat, that's a conversion job, not a refinish, and it belongs with the full walk-in shower and tub conversion category instead.

What it costs

Cost depends mainly on tub size, how much surface prep and patching the old finish needs, and whether the surrounding tile or wall panels get refinished at the same time. Because there's no demolition, no new plumbing, and no disposal of an old tub, refinishing runs well below a full conversion in most cases.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for walk-in shower & tub conversions.

  1. 1. Mr. Resurface LLC
    5.0★ · 140 reviews
    91
  2. 94
  3. 3. Pickwick Plumbing & Heating
    5.0★ · 386 reviews
    94

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FAQ

How long does a refinished tub finish last?
A properly applied coating can hold up for several years with normal care, though it depends on the product used and how the tub is cleaned afterward (harsh abrasives shorten the life of the finish).
Can a cracked or chipped tub still be refinished?
Minor chips and hairline cracks are typically patched before the coating goes on. A tub with structural cracks or a soft spot underneath usually needs replacement instead.
Is refinishing always cheaper than a walk-in conversion?
Generally yes, since refinishing skips demolition, new plumbing connections, and a new base or pan. A conversion costs more but changes the layout and access, which refinishing can't do.