After buying our first home, we decided to tackle all the renovations ourselves, including the bathroom remodels. We removed the wallpaper, painted the vanity, installed new floor and wall tile, and fixtures. However, we chose to not replace the bathtub since it was in good condition. We refinished it.
It was one of the worst, most drawn-out experiences of my life. It was mentally and physically draining, time-consuming, expensive, and completely pointless. I would never recommend it to anyone!
We began the process by researching online and following DIY tutorials to paint the tubs using the Rust-oleum Tub and Tile refinishing kit, a seemingly affordable and straightforward option. However, the application process turned out to be mentally and physically draining, and the fumes were overpowering, lingering in our home for days. Despite the initial positive results, the epoxy started yellowing and chipping off after just a year.
Fast forward to our decision to sell the house, and we realized that the tubs needed refinishing again. This time, using a different product – the Homax tough as tile spray paint. While the results were satisfactory, the fumes were even stronger, and the process proved to be messy and time-consuming.
In hindsight, we regretted falling into the trend of painting everything white and not prioritizing performance over appearance. Instead of investing in quality materials like insulation, we got caught up in DIY projects that proved to be costly and futile.
If we had to do it all over again, we would have left the tubs in their original condition, adapting the bathroom’s color scheme to work with them. Alternatively, hiring a professional refinishing company, which ensures a solid bond and offers a long-lasting guarantee, would have been a better investment. Their higher-quality products outweigh the cheap, DIY alternatives from hardware stores.
In conclusion, DIY tub and tile refinishing may work for some, but it turned out to be an expensive and frustrating experience for us. We advise others to consider professional refinishing or simply embracing the tub’s original appearance to save time, money, and avoid unnecessary hassle.
