Removing Old Reglazing Coating on Your Bathtub: Stripping Refinished Tub
Bathroom fixtures, especially bathtubs, take on years of daily use. Over time, surfaces can develop chips, stains, discoloration, or peeling, especially if a poor-quality DIY reglazing was applied in the past. Many homeowners in Baltimore, Nottingham, MD, and Washington, DC face this issue when an old glaze begins to fail.
When reglazing isn’t done properly or when the wrong products are used, the coating will eventually crack, bubble, or peel. This leaves the tub looking worse than before and often forces homeowners to consider another refinishing job. But before a fresh coat can be applied, the old coating must be stripped off completely. This process, known as bathtub stripping, is both essential and hazardous if not done by professionals.
Let’s break down what bathtub stripping involves, why it’s necessary, and what homeowners should know before attempting or hiring out the job.
What Is a Refinished Tub?
A refinished bathtub has been restored to look and feel like new through a process of repair, resurfacing, and reglazing. While people often use the terms “refinishing,” “reglazing,” “resurfacing,” and “repair” interchangeably, they describe specific steps in the process:
- Repair: Fixing cracks, chips, or rust damage on the tub’s surface.
- Resurfacing: Sanding and smoothing the tub to create a proper foundation.
- Reglazing: Applying a durable coating across the tub’s surface to give it a glossy, protective finish.
When done correctly, this process can extend the life of a bathtub by 10–15 years, saving homeowners thousands compared to a full tub replacement. But when the coating was improperly applied, stripping it off becomes necessary before the refinishing can be done right.
What Do You Mean by Bathtub Stripping?
Bathtub stripping is the process of removing an old glaze or coating from a tub’s surface. This step is crucial because applying a new coating over a peeling or bubbling surface won’t last. A fresh glaze must bond to a clean, properly prepped tub.
The challenge is that bathtub stripping isn’t a simple DIY project. The chemicals used to dissolve old coatings are harsh and dangerous if mishandled. Specialized scrapers, sanding tools, and ventilation setups are also required. Professional refinishing companies, like Tub Coaters, have the equipment and experience to handle stripping safely while preparing the surface for a flawless new finish.
Why Stripping Old Reglazing Is Important
- Better Adhesion: A new glaze won’t stick if the old coating isn’t completely removed.
- Safety: DIY stripping with improper chemicals can cause severe burns or toxic exposure.
- Longevity: A properly stripped and reglazed tub lasts years longer than a quick-fix coating.
- Appearance: Removing old glaze ensures the final finish is smooth, glossy, and free of bubbles or streaks.
Skipping this step or doing it incorrectly will almost always lead to another failed finish and wasted money.
How Professionals Strip an Old Reglazing
Here’s an overview of how stripping works when handled by experts:
- Preparation:
- Protect the bathroom with plastic sheeting.
- Remove overflow and drain covers.
- Ensure proper ventilation and protective gear.
- Applying Stripper Chemicals:
- A commercial-grade paint stripper is carefully applied across the tub surface.
- This begins breaking down the old coating within 15–30 minutes.
- Scraping Off the Coating:
- Specialized scrapers and knives remove the bubbling glaze.
- Smaller tools reach tight corners and edges.
- Sanding & Cleaning:
- Once stripped, the tub is sanded smooth.
- Any remaining residue or rough patches are removed.
- Final Prep:
- The stripped surface is cleaned, dried, and prepped for reglazing.
While these steps may sound straightforward, they involve strong acids and highly flammable chemicals. Professional training is critical not only for safety but also to ensure the tub is stripped evenly and properly.
Why DIY Bathtub Stripping Is Risky
Many homeowners search online for DIY stripping methods. Unfortunately, this often leads to injuries, damaged plumbing, or ruined tubs. Common risks include:
- Chemical burns from improper protective gear.
- Toxic fumes without correct ventilation.
- Scraper injuries when attempting to peel coatings off by force.
- Permanent tub damage if the wrong stripper is used on fiberglass or acrylic.
Because of these hazards, stripping and refinishing are best left to specialists with the right safety equipment, training, and refinishing experience.
The Smarter Alternative: Hiring Professionals
Choosing a professional refinishing company like Tub Coaters ensures the job is done safely and correctly. With over 26 years of experience serving Baltimore, Nottingham, and Washington, DC, our team knows how to handle old coatings while delivering a flawless new finish.
Instead of struggling with hazardous chemicals or risking injury, homeowners can enjoy a beautifully restored tub that looks brand new, without the price tag of a full bathroom remodel.
5 FAQs About Bathtub Stripping & Reglazing
Q1: How do I know if my bathtub needs stripping before reglazing?
If your tub has peeling, bubbling, or uneven spots from a past coating, it will need stripping before refinishing.
Q2: Is bathtub stripping safe for fiberglass tubs?
Yes, but fiberglass requires special care and products. Professionals know which methods to use without damaging the material.
Q3: How long does the bathtub stripping and refinishing process take?
Most jobs can be completed in one day, with the tub ready for use in 24–48 hours.
Q4: How long will a refinished tub last after stripping?
A properly stripped and reglazed tub can last 10–15 years with the right care.
Q5: How much does bathtub stripping cost compared to a replacement?
Stripping and reglazing usually costs 50–75% less than replacing the entire tub, making it the smarter investment.
Why Choose Tub Coaters in Baltimore, Nottingham & Washington, DC
Tub Coaters has built a reputation in the region for affordable, reliable, and long-lasting refinishing. We specialize in avoiding costly remodeling by restoring what you already have. With decades of experience, trained professionals, and safe processes, we deliver results that save homeowners time and money while bringing their bathrooms back to life.
Don’t let a peeling, bubbling tub ruin your bathroom’s look. Call Tub Coaters today at (410) 324-6057 for expert bathtub stripping and refinishing in Baltimore, Nottingham, MD, and Washington, DC.