17 February, 2026
Bathtub Resurfacing: Costs, DIY Installation Tips, and What to Expect
Bathtub resurfacing DIY: Affordable way to repair chips, stains & scratches on acrylic, porcelain & stone tubs. Step-by-step guide, tools, costs & when to replace for long-lasting results.
When your bathtub starts losing its integrity, you are left with two options: replace or resurface it. Resurfacing, also known as refinishing or reglazing, is a more popular option among homeowners since it is more cost-effective than a whole bath replacement.
Resurfacing, while economical, helps give your bathtub a new look and restore the glory of your bath.
However, before forging into resurfacing your bathtub, you need answers to your questions, such as the cost implications, how you can carry out the installation process without hiring a professional, and what to expect during the project, hence this article.
This article provides answers to your lingering questions about resurfacing a bath.
Cost of Bathtub Resurfacing in Australia
It is difficult to give a single answer to how much a bathtub resurfacing costs in Australia, as a few factors play into determining the cost. Factors like bathtub size, condition, and your location are crucial to budgeting for your bath reglazing.
However, on average, the cost of resurfacing or refinishing a bathtub ranges between 400 AUD and 700 AUD.
Factors That Determine Bathtub Resurfacing Costs
Condition of the Bathtub
The condition of your bathtub is the first determinant of how much your bathtub resurfacing takes from your pocket. A bath with significant damage will cost more than one with minor damage. Hence, if your bathtub has suffered cracks and rust, expect to spend more than your neighbour, whose bathtub only has a couple of chips.
Size and Type of Bathtub
If you own a small bath, expect to spend less on resurfacing it than you would spend on a large unit. However, if your bathtub is of a unique shape or it is a clawfoot tub, your expenses will likely be on the high side, due to the weight and complexity of the tub.
Additional Services
If you intend to add extra features to your tub after the refinishing work, it is no surprise that you will spend more on the project. For example, adding non-slip finishes and replacing some fixtures of the tub will increase your bill.
Location
Are you hiring a professional to resurface your tub? You have to factor in your location into the overall cost of the project. Professionals in larger metropolitan areas charge more than those in rural areas.
How to Resurface a Bathtub Yourself
Now that you have an idea of how much your tub resurfacing will cost, let’s dive into the DIY guide.
Set Up a Ventilation System in the House
Working on bathtubs involves the emission of fumes. Hence, you need to set up a good ventilation system that dissipates the fumes.
Open your bathroom windows and doors and those of the other parts of the home, since you don’t want the fumes trapped in other rooms. Set a fan in your bathroom pointing to the window to move the fumed air outside.
Clean and Sand the Tub
Before working on your bathtub, ensure it is dry, as the products you will be using on your tub require a dry surface for efficiency. Use old towels or rags to clean the tub thoroughly. You also want to remove any form of dirt from the tub and ensure it is clean. After this, sand the entire surface of the tub.
Repair Any Chips
Start your repair process by sealing any chips on your tub. Epoxy putty is an effective product recommended for sealing solid surface baths. Follow the instructions on the product and once the putty dries, sand the spots with a fine sandpaper to give a smooth surface.
Protect Fixtures
It is important to protect your bath’s fixtures from products that will be going into the refinishing process. Using a painter’s tape, cover fixtures like the drain and faucet.
Apply Bathtub Refinishing Product
Your bathtub is now ready for painting. However, before you go on, ensure you put on your protective eyewear and respirator for protection against harmful chemicals. If you have yet to put on the fan, now is the time to put it on.
Continue by spraying your choice of paint or refinishing products on your tub, following the instructions on the products carefully. Keep in mind that you may need multiple coatings, especially if you own a dark-color bath or the tub is heavily stained.
Use small paint brushes for hard-to-reach areas for even distribution of the products.
Wait for 2 to 4 hours before adding another coat to the tub. Once you are done with the second painting, don’t touch the tub but allow it to sit for at least 3 days before using it.
What to Expect With Bathtub Resurfacing
Here are a few things to expect from your bathtub resurfacing:
Get More Materials Than Needed
You have calculated how many materials you will need for your resurfacing project, but you are likely to run out of materials if you go with those numbers. The best way to safeguard yourself from running out of materials is to buy more materials than you need. Remember, you can always return unopened products after the project.
Prepare For Fumes
A resurfacing project always comes with fumes, and it is best to prepare yourself by getting your protective gear and providing an adequate ventilation system. It also makes sense to let your family members leave the house for a few hours and only come back at least six hours after the completion of the project.
Avoid Humid Periods
Humidity and painting don’t mix well. Humidity makes your paint take longer to dry. Hence, be wary of carrying out your bath refinishing project in humid periods.
Conclusion
Resurfacing your bathtub is what you can do on your own, even without prior knowledge of the project. You only need to follow the right guidelines and instructions on the products used.
When preparing for your bathtub resurfacing project, ensure you provide adequate ventilation and ensure no one is left with you in the house without protection. You must also ensure your tub is clean and dry before putting any product on it. This is necessary for efficiency.
However, if you think this is more than what you can do on your own, it makes sense to outsource it to a professional.
