Refinishing Fiberglass and Acrylic Tubs—Our Guide

February 21, 2025
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Fiberglass and acrylic are two bathtub materials that are popular among homeowners due to their many advantages. Compared to tubs made of stone or metal, they cost significantly less and are extremely budget-friendly. Moreover, they’re lightweight and don’t usually need another structure to support its weight.

However, compared to other materials, they have a softer finish, thus making them more prone to scratches and cracks. Over time, they are also subjected to continued use and other conditions that inevitably lead to wear and tear.

The good news is that fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs can be repairable! Instead of having to buy a new tub, you can enlist professional bathtub reglazing services to make your worn-out tub looking brand new at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

Fiberglass and Acrylic Bathtub Reglazing

Reglazing, sometimes also called refinishing or resurfacing, is commonly done to bathtubs in need of some makeover—regardless of their material. If you have a fiberglass or acrylic bathtub at home, it’s a smart move to start determining the scope of the damage and other problems as soon as possible. In most cases, refinishing will be enough.

This works well if you are on a tight budget, as you won’t need to shoulder the high costs of replacement. Moreover, it’s also a great way to maintain your tub to make it last as long as possible.

Reasons to Reglaze Your Bathtub

Refinishing is commonly done when homeowners want to bring back the original shine and luster of their bathroom fixtures. Another situation could be that the initial finish may have been lost after continued use, causing the tub to become dull and difficult to clean.

Dirt, grime, stubborn hard water stains, and other substances may have also built up on the surface of the tub over time. The use of abrasive cleaners throughout the years to clean these surfaces contributes to the wearing of the tub’s finish as well.

Another reason to reglaze your tub is if it has already developed chips and cracks everywhere. These could be caused by improper support, harsh cleaners, or even dropping hard things into the tub.

Lastly, if your relaxing baths at night after a long day have become uncomfortable, it’s time to get your tub refinished. You deserve more than putting up with sitting on a worn-out, rough, and chipped surface.

Reglazing a Fiberglass or an Acrylic Bathtub

You can get help from refinishing experts, or you can do it on your own!

The first thing to do is to clean the surface first. Make sure that all chips and cracks are cleaned of any dirt so that the gel you will apply later can settle in properly. Then, proceed to sand the entire surface with a palm sander. After that, tape the surrounding area and then spray the coating gel throughout the bathtub’s surface. You may need to coat the surface with a second or third layer as needed.

Once you’re done, allow the gel to settle in and harden for at least one day or two. During this time, you are not to use the bathroom, and you must keep the whole house properly ventilated to pull the chemicals out of the room.

Throughout the process, remember to wear protective gear as you will be working with chemicals that can be dangerous to your health.

Conclusion

There’s a way to bring back the beauty of your bathroom without going beyond your budget. Rather than replacing your fiberglass and acrylic tub, you can opt for reglazing instead. Moreover, you can choose to do it yourself, or you can get the help of professionals to make sure that the job is done right.

Need professional bathtub refinishing in Baltimore? We can help! We’re a fully licensed reglazing company offering professional services at adequate prices. Get in touch with us today and bring back your tub’s amazing look!