We are often asked the difference between bathtub liners and surface refinishing. Simply put, liners are covers placed over your existing bathtub while refinishing restores the existing surface to like new.
Bathtub liners are made of sheets of PVC plastic or acrylic, which are molded to the shape of an existing bathtub. The liner is then placed over a tub and glued to the top of that tub to cover it up. When you opt for a liner, you will sacrifice the deep gloss look of a restored porcelain tub for the look and feel of plastic. When you place a liner over your bathtub, you also lose additional space in the tub, making it smaller than the original size. The important thing to know about bathtub liners is they can, and usually will develop leaks over time, which can lead to mold, mildew, and a “squishy” feeling when one steps into the tub.
Need to read more about why NOT to get a liner? Here are some additional facts about bathtub liners to take note of:
- Bathtub liners usually cost between $1,300 and $1,500. A wall liner system can also increase your project bill to over $3,000.
- It takes several weeks to go from measurements to the installation of bathtub liner.
- A licensed plumber is usually needed when a liner is installed because the extra thickness usually requires an extension of the drain and overflow.
Bathtub refinishing, on the other hand, is a cost-effective and quick alternative for an old, worn out, or outdated bathtub. Miracle Method uses a proprietary non-acid refinishing process for guaranteed restoration of porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and cultured marble bathtubs. We’ll clean the tub, repair cracks and chips, and then apply our MM-4 bonding agent to ensure a solid bond between the old surface and new finish. Lastly, one of our trained professionals will use a fine-finish spray process to apply a hi-tech, durable acrylic coating. The result will be a gorgeous tub that looks like new and for a fraction of the cost of a new tub or liner!
Visit the Miracle Method website for more information on the difference between bathtub liners and Miracle Method’s refinishing process for bathtubs. You can reach a franchise near you by calling 855-212-7337 or by using our online locator.
I’d like to thank you for your explanation that a bathtub refinishing is an alternative way of replacing the old one. We have a scheduled home renovation next month. However, I am not sure if we have enough budget to refinish our old bathtub. Let me check it though!