What Are Bathtub Liners Made From?

Bathtub liners are often used to update tubs and showers when homeowners are looking for a relatively inexpensive option, but this can sometimes be risky, considering they are supposed to protect your floors and walls from water exposure.

The last thing you want is a poorly constructed or installed liner that would crack, chip, or otherwise allow water to penetrate its surface. You have probably taken for granted that bathtub liners are doing their job as long as you cannot see visible signs of age and wear and tear.

However, even the smallest problems with these materials can lead to bigger headaches over time. What may seem like a great deal in the short term can add up to huge repair expenses in the long term.

Therefore, if you choose to have a bathtub liner installed over an existing tub, you should understand how these liners are made and what problems you might face in the future with these types of bathtub liners.

Bathtub Liner Materials

Also referred to as bathtub inserts, these types of bathtub liners are made of acrylic/plastic. This material is what makes them inexpensive to produce and install, but it is also what makes them a lower-quality bath option as opposed to porcelain.

And as far as pricing goes, they may be cheaper than a new tub or shower, but they can still be a considerable expense, costing homeowners several thousand dollars.

Glue, butyl tape, silicone and caulk are used to install the acrylic or plastic liners over your existing tub. Even when installed by trained professionals, there is still a possibility that water can eventually make its way through caulk that has broken down, which means the moisture then becomes trapped between the new liner and the older bathtub. We get calls once a week with this complaint. And have to remove the liner and end up refinishing the original tub!

If you know anything about what happens when water is trapped in tight spaces with nowhere to go, you know that you are looking at a big (and smelly!) problem. Mold and mildew can grow when the water becomes trapped between the bath liner and your old tub, making for one very unpleasant bathroom space.

Removing the liner to correct this problem can be costly, so you might have simply poured money down the drain by installing a bathtub liner you must remove.

Even if you somehow manage to escape leaks or other problems associated with bathtub liners, plastic and acrylic will feel different than a traditional porcelain or cast-iron tub, and this is another reason why many homeowners are disappointed by these materials.

Differences Between Bathtub Liners and Bathtub Reglazing

Bathtub reglazing (or refinishing) is a much better route for homeowners looking to refresh and update their existing tubs without spending as much money as it would take to replace them. It may cost you $3,000 to $4,000 for a liner and $5,000 or more to replace, including the tile that is disturbed in the process, but it will only be a mere fraction of the cost for refinishing and you can do it as many times as you need through the lifespan of the tub!

Our trained professionals can refresh the surface of your existing tub using the highest quality materials, sophisticated ventilation systems, and a patent-pending “chemical bond” technique to ensure your refinished tub looks new for years to come.

By opting for a bathtub reglazing instead of installing a bathtub liner, you will save:

Trading Porcelain for Plastic: Worth the Risk?

It may seem like the easiest solution, but bathtub liners are not always your best bet. If your bathtub has lost its luster and setting foot in your shower each morning is something you have come to dread, consider the benefits of reglazing that will make the surface look clean and pristine.

There is no need to continue bathing in a tub showing signs of age and discoloration. You can have yours looking brand new thanks to our high-quality materials and expert techniques, all at a fraction of the costs associated with a full bath remodel.

If you have a bathtub liner installed, the odds are high that you will have to replace it long before a tub reglazing needs to be updated. Save yourself the time, hassle, and heartache of a bathtub liner gone wrong by contacting our team today for more information.

We can help you make the best decision about your bathtub needs, and we stand behind both the quality and safety of the materials we use as well as the workmanship of our skilled team.

Let Tub Coaters Tub & Tile Refinishing restore your porcelain or cast iron tub to its former glory with a cost-effective reglazing and refinishing job, and we know you will be thrilled with the results!