photo courtesy of Bubbels www.sxc.hu/photo/312024

Refinishing or resurfacing a bathtub can be a lot cheaper than buying a new bathtub. See the steps below for information on how to resurface or refinish a bathtub.

1. The easiest way to resurface a bathtub is to purchase a bathtub liner. Bathtub liners are glued into the old bathtub. They can last up to 20 years, however are prone to cracking since they are made of acrylic. The bathtub liner is made to a specific bathtub's specifications. Bathtub liners cost around $1300.

2. Do-it-yourself bathroom refinishing or resurfacing kits are available from many home improvement stores. Doing the project yourself usually requires bathtub preparation, use of cleaners, primers, and fillers as well as spraying on an acrylic coating. Make sure to read and understand the instructions on the kit you purchase very well. In order to get a good result, you must take your time and be very precise. Prices for do it yourself bathtub refinishing kits start around $30.

3. If you do not feel comfortable refinishing your bathtub yourself, you can hire a company to do it for about $500+. Many bathtub refinishing companies will tell you that many of their clients tried refinishing their tub themselves and didn't get a professional looking result. Bathtub refinishing takes 1 to 2 days to complete the process.