Will a resurfaced tub peel?

Dear Contractors.com,

We're thinking about remodeling our bathroom, including replacing the bathtub and sink, because they are both old and chipped, and we want to update the color. The thing is, that's our only tub and we can't have it out of commission for several days, let alone several weeks. I've heard that you can get the tub and sink refinished, which would save a lot of hassle, and I understand it’s much less expensive. But is refinishing as good? I don't want a sink that's peeling in a few months.

– A.P., Burke, VA

“Old isn't necessarily a bad thing. Chips and outdated colors are!” says Paul Shotwell of Laurel, Maryland-based Home Visions Inc. “It’s up to the individual, but depending on the age of the home, it might be nice to keep the original look in some rooms. They just don’t make those older style bathroom fixtures anymore, and it would be difficult – let alone extremely expensive – to find an antique that’s in good enough shape.”

But even if you’ve got modern style fixtures that are worn out, reglazing would save a lot of the hassle and the cost, compared to having the existing tub and sink ripped out and replaced. In most cases, the entire reglazing process can be completed in one day, and it takes about forty-eight hours to fully cure before use.

All chips and cracks are repaired before reglazing, then the bath tub, tile and sink can be reglazed in virtually any solid color to match any décor. “It’s extremely versatile. Your bathroom can take on a whole new look with a reglazed tub and tiles and a simple paint job on the walls,” enthuses Shotwell, whose company is owned and operated by two families, with over 20 years of combined experience.

You don’t have to worry about peeling if you deal with an experienced, reputable company and properly care for your reglazed fixtures. “We will warranty any reglazing job we do for a period of five years,” says Shotwell, and explains that Home Visions Inc. uses the finest quality equipment and products on the market. “The reglazing will last a very long time with proper care.”

For more home improvement tips and advice, or to have your questions answered, tune in to The Contractors.com Radio Show, Saturdays at 10am on 570AM WTNT.