No matter how carefully you treat your plumbing, time will still leave its mark on once new products. The abrasive properties of detergents and mechanical impact on the surface of bathtubs negatively affect the factory enamel and make it visually unattractive. Two options come to mind – replacing or bathtub refinishing. Which method is better?
Restoration is cheaper
A new bathtub is not a cheap pleasure. Acrylic models are not cheap, cast iron ones are even more expensive, and the upper price limit goes to infinity. Don’t forget to add the cost of replacement: dismantling the old bathtub; paying movers to take it out of the house; delivery and installation of the new bathtub; re-tiling the rim.
Renovating an old bathtub will not be that expensive depending on the size of the bathtub, type of restoration and material, so many people choose this method.
What is better – an acrylic bathtub insert or a liquid acrylic coating?
Considering the advantages, benefits and disadvantages we can say that, all other things being equal (only high-quality materials are used, the work is performed only by professional craftsmen, proper and timely maintenance, etc.), a liquid acrylic coating is definitely better according to all the main evaluation criteria:
- an acrylic coating is more durable – it is guaranteed to last 10 years or more, an acrylic insert will have to be dismantled much earlier if fungus and mold appear.
- damage to the acrylic coating can be easily repaired independently or with the help of specialists, repairing damage to an acrylic liner is impossible;
- acrylic bathtub restoration is easier and faster – in 2-3 hours, installation of an acrylic insert – up to 5 hours.
However, it is up to you to decide which method is best for your particular bathtub.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash