Realtor · Reno, NV · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
I have 2 SFR's that I rent to students in Reno, NV.
They are older 1970's homes, and it would be very costly to fully redo the bathrooms.
So, I opted for a reglazing of the shower tile for now.
The individual that did it said they typically last 2-10 years (super wide estimated range) depending on the chemicals that come in contact with the reglazed surface and a few other factors.
Curious to hear if anyone else has done this, and if so, what their experience was.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Aloha,
Proper prep is key to a good result, essentially it is autobody work with Bondo and an epoxy based paint. Results usually LOOK fantastic. As long as you recognize it is a short term solution, that can and will be affected by your Tenants. Be sure to advise them, in writing, in the Rental Agreement, to NOT use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Soft soap and cloths only. If the surface was not properly prepped and thoroughly cleaned, within a year you will have large chunks of paint peeling out of the tub. If abrasives ARE used, the surface will get scratched and deteriorate fairly quickly. I usually advise Clients this is a three to five year solution, best case. In part this will also depend on the underlying condition of the surround walls. If they were deteriorating, with moisture getting through the grout lines (if tile walls), they will continue to deteriorate behind the shiny new paint.
A potentially bigger issue is the overall age of the tub/surround/piping. Usually by the time you are considering re-glazing, the pipes are at end of life, and often the tub itself is starting to blister from corrosion. The only way to change the waste and overflow, as well as supply lines that are at end of life, is to remove the surround. It is foolish to go to all that effort and NOT change the tub also, as you will need to tear it all out to do so once leaks start showing up in a space below or next to the tub.
Re-glazing is usually a better option than a plastic or fiberglass kit, even though these kits can last a little longer. The bigger problem with those arises when they flex during normal use from poor support, resulting in cracks that will leak. They also tend to "yellow" in five to seven years and are also easily damaged by abrasive cleaners.
A properly installed, quality tub and tile job will typically last 25 years and more.
Rental Property Investor · College Station, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
@Jake Andronico I like dont love the reglazing. Reglazing tile surrounds is better than reglazing the tub. The tub/shower surrounds don't take the same abuse that tubs do and generally lasts 4-6 years in my experience. But when they do scratch they look horrible.
@Jake Andronico I like dont love the reglazing. Reglazing tile surrounds is better than reglazing the tub. The tub/shower surrounds don't take the same abuse that tubs do and generally lasts 4-6 years in my experience. But when they do scratch they look horrible.
Got it. That's inline with what they said as well. The tub was in much better shape.
Thank you for the response! Hopefully no scratches soon :)
thanks for sharing! I am going to be re-doing my tub here shortly, but appreciate the feedback. Do you mind me asking what type of reglazing kit the contractor used and how much you paid?
Rental Property Investor · The Woodlands, TX · Member since 2013 · 5 posts · 7 votes
3y
Thanks for sharing @Jake Andronico and @Gregory Schwartz - I was just debating the same issue. The cost in the Houston area is $750-$1050 for a tub and tile surround. I don't know what type of reglazing kit they use and have only seen photos.
thanks for sharing! I am going to be re-doing my tub here shortly, but appreciate the feedback. Do you mind me asking what type of reglazing kit the contractor used and how much you paid?
Nice! I hope it goes well for you. Not sure what kit they used (told me it was a few coats of spray for what it's worth) but it cost me only $580 for the tile alone :)
Oh yea, there are quite a few out there. I did it myself on my other property with Tub n Tile and it turned out nicely, but wanted to see the difference with a professional.
Btw, make sure to wear a mask!!! Stuff smells extremely strong.
Investor · Jackson, MS · Member since 2021 · 657 posts · 559 votes
3y
We have used the professionally applied product on several projects doing tubs, surrounds and even 1970's countertops in the bathrooms that came out looking like marble. Two projects were a few years ago and we actually followed up with the buyers and they said the finish was looking as good as when they bought it. I think the trick is to make sure the person you use preps the surface completely and then uses a quality product to finish it all. I am not sure how the guy we used was able to breath but it needed a fan to get the fumes out. I was amazed and even the agents that saw the final product were impressed. It came with a 5-year warranty and the guy said he had not been called back to redo one yet. It did take a few days to finish curing but the end result was worth it. DO your research and find a quality installer . . . the do it yourself kits will not hold up as well.
We have used the professionally applied product on several projects doing tubs, surrounds and even 1970's countertops in the bathrooms that came out looking like marble. Two projects were a few years ago and we actually followed up with the buyers and they said the finish was looking as good as when they bought it. I think the trick is to make sure the person you use preps the surface completely and then uses a quality product to finish it all. I am not sure how the guy we used was able to breath but it needed a fan to get the fumes out. I was amazed and even the agents that saw the final product were impressed. It came with a 5-year warranty and the guy said he had not been called back to redo one yet. It did take a few days to finish curing but the end result was worth it. DO your research and find a quality installer . . . the do it yourself kits will not hold up as well.
Love it. Would love to see photos if you have them!!
Investor · Stockbridge Ga · Member since 2019 · 29 posts · 21 votes
3y
I have use the same product that @Kenny Smith uses for the past 4 years or so, It holds up really well on shower walls, tubs hold up okay but depends on whats being used in the tub and care of it. I dont use the spray cans as it leaves streaks and is not always even coverage and uses to many cans. I generally buy the 26oz brush on type and use one of the 4inch paint rollers to put it on evenly.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Aloha,
Proper prep is key to a good result, essentially it is autobody work with Bondo and an epoxy based paint. Results usually LOOK fantastic. As long as you recognize it is a short term solution, that can and will be affected by your Tenants. Be sure to advise them, in writing, in the Rental Agreement, to NOT use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Soft soap and cloths only. If the surface was not properly prepped and thoroughly cleaned, within a year you will have large chunks of paint peeling out of the tub. If abrasives ARE used, the surface will get scratched and deteriorate fairly quickly. I usually advise Clients this is a three to five year solution, best case. In part this will also depend on the underlying condition of the surround walls. If they were deteriorating, with moisture getting through the grout lines (if tile walls), they will continue to deteriorate behind the shiny new paint.
A potentially bigger issue is the overall age of the tub/surround/piping. Usually by the time you are considering re-glazing, the pipes are at end of life, and often the tub itself is starting to blister from corrosion. The only way to change the waste and overflow, as well as supply lines that are at end of life, is to remove the surround. It is foolish to go to all that effort and NOT change the tub also, as you will need to tear it all out to do so once leaks start showing up in a space below or next to the tub.
Re-glazing is usually a better option than a plastic or fiberglass kit, even though these kits can last a little longer. The bigger problem with those arises when they flex during normal use from poor support, resulting in cracks that will leak. They also tend to "yellow" in five to seven years and are also easily damaged by abrasive cleaners.
A properly installed, quality tub and tile job will typically last 25 years and more.
Proper prep is key to a good result, essentially it is autobody work with Bondo and an epoxy based paint. Results usually LOOK fantastic. As long as you recognize it is a short term solution, that can and will be affected by your Tenants. Be sure to advise them, in writing, in the Rental Agreement, to NOT use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Soft soap and cloths only. If the surface was not properly prepped and thoroughly cleaned, within a year you will have large chunks of paint peeling out of the tub. If abrasives ARE used, the surface will get scratched and deteriorate fairly quickly. I usually advise Clients this is a three to five year solution, best case. In part this will also depend on the underlying condition of the surround walls. If they were deteriorating, with moisture getting through the grout lines (if tile walls), they will continue to deteriorate behind the shiny new paint.
A potentially bigger issue is the overall age of the tub/surround/piping. Usually by the time you are considering re-glazing, the pipes are at end of life, and often the tub itself is starting to blister from corrosion. The only way to change the waste and overflow, as well as supply lines that are at end of life, is to remove the surround. It is foolish to go to all that effort and NOT change the tub also, as you will need to tear it all out to do so once leaks start showing up in a space below or next to the tub.
Re-glazing is usually a better option than a plastic or fiberglass kit, even though these kits can last a little longer. The bigger problem with those arises when they flex during normal use from poor support, resulting in cracks that will leak. They also tend to "yellow" in five to seven years and are also easily damaged by abrasive cleaners.
A properly installed, quality tub and tile job will typically last 25 years and more.
Thank you for the detailed reply Richard. Totally makes sense. Good idea about putting in details about using softer cleaning materials in the lease.
Curious to see how long it lasts, and went in knowing it was NOT a long term solution.
I have use the same product that @Kenny Smith uses for the past 4 years or so, It holds up really well on shower walls, tubs hold up okay but depends on whats being used in the tub and care of it. I dont use the spray cans as it leaves streaks and is not always even coverage and uses to many cans. I generally buy the 26oz brush on type and use one of the 4inch paint rollers to put it on evenly.
Lender · San Diego · Member since 2023 · 216 posts · 209 votes
3y
Re-glazing is a wonderful tool to use with fixing up a property that warrants it. With that being said, make sure you are hiring a skilled contractor that specializes in it. I have seen contractors claim they can glaze and totally butcher the install, making this renovation tool get a bad rep. I have renovated multiple bathrooms for under $1k utilizing a clean white glaze as the star. At the end of the project, a buyer (or renter) will be the deciding factor if it was worth a re-glaze, or a new beautiful tile surround. No question, having it in your tool belt is a must!
Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes
3y
What product was used to re-glazed the tile? Was it electrostatically painted? I have done that to my bathtub in my rental with the electrostatic paint. I have been pleased with it. I had some issues but that's due to improper prep before painting and they came out and fixed it. Its been in place since 2016.
I would retile over painting the tile. Give it an update for the wow factor.
