If you’ve ever dreamed of giving your tub a facelift without spending a small fortune or dealing with the hassles of a full renovation, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the best bathtub refinishing kits on the market in 2024 and reviewed them based on their quality and ease of use. We’ll navigate through the features, pros, and cons of these leading options to help you transform your bathroom with ease.
The Ekopel refinishing kit earned the top spot on our list because its easy to use and compatible with a wide range of surfaces. No matter which effective option you choose from our list, you’ll be one step closer to turning your bathroom into a sanctuary of style and comfort. Let the rejuvenation begin!
The best bathtub refinishing kits
Ekopel bathtub refinishing kit – Best overall
The Ekopel roll-on bathtub refinishing kit is the perfect do-it-yourself solution that offers remarkable, long-lasting results. The reglazing formula is 20 times thicker than all other bathtub refinishing kits on the market, making it super resilient and ensuring it will never peel. It’s odorless, so you won’t have to worry about any unbearable chemical smells while you’re revamping your tub.
It’s also incredibly user-friendly. This kit comes in a gloss white finish that will instantly brighten up your bathroom and make your tub look brand new. It comes with free step-by-step demo videos to guide you through the prep, application, and finishing steps. Even if you’re only a DIY novice, you can recast your tub in 2 to 4 hours. The thick reglazing formula, odorless products, and beginner-friendly guide make this the best overall bathtub refinishing kit on our list.
Key Features
- User-friendly paint on application
- Includes step-by-step demo videos
- 24-hour cure time for optimal set
- Compatible with porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and cast iron
- Suitable for tubs, showers, and wall surrounds
Pros:
- Thick reglazing formula
- Easy application process
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Requires warm room for installation
Rust-Oleum bathtub refinishing kit – Best looking finish
The Rust-Oleum bathtub refinishing kit brings the glossy finish of porcelain to your bathtub and bathroom tiles, eliminating the need for a full-scale tile replacement. This product offers the durability of acrylic combined with a 2-part epoxy paint formula, allowing you to prepare and paint surfaces the same day.
Resistant to moisture and corrosion, this bathtub refinishing kit stands up to the rigors of daily use. It works wonders on a variety of surfaces, including ceramic or porcelain tile, fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, steel tubs, and sinks. For optimal results, diligently mix parts A and B separately before combining for a two-minute stir; once concocted, make sure to utilize them within 6 hours.
Key Features
- 2-part epoxy acrylic formula
- Withstands moisture and resists corrosion
- Mix parts A and B separately before combining
- Use within 6 hours of mixing
- Covers up to 110 sq. ft. per kit
- Requires 1-2 hours to recoat, 3-day water exposure wait
- Adequate ventilation needed during use
Pros:
- Improves the look of worn-out tubs
- Matches new bathroom fixtures
- Durable, long-lasting finish
Cons:
- May bubble without primer
Nadamoo bathtub refinishing kit – Best for renters
The Nadamoo bathtub refinishing kit is a do-it-yourself kit equipped with everything you need to give your bathroom or kitchen a fresh, clean look. This bathtub refinishing kit is perfect for refinishing surfaces like bathtubs, sinks, and countertops, making it an all-rounder in the realm of bathroom beautification. The unique water-based two-part formula ensures a minimal odor during application while delivering a long-lasting finish.
One of the best things about this bathtub refinishing kit is its satin finish, a key feature that hides those stubborn imperfections that have a knack for sticking around. It is ideal for refinishing porcelain ceramic surfaces like tubs, tiles, showers, vanities, and sinks, it’s also compatible with fiberglass, stone, and plastic. This makes it perfect for renters, and apartment dwellers, as well as residential or commercial projects.
Key Features
- Includes compound emulsion (1kg/35 oz
- Comes with Hardener (20g/0.7 oz
- Contains gloves, brush, roller
- Ships with pre-taped masking film, tape
- Includes masking tape, sandpapers
- Dries to semi-matte finish in 24 hours
- Covers approx. 50 sq.ft with 2 coats
Pros:
- Superior satin finish hides imperfections
- Paint stays liquid, allowing relaxed application
- Package includes useful tools for application
Cons:
- Requires multiple coats for full coverage
Magic bathtub refinishing kit – Easiest application
The Magic bathtub refinishing kit is a handy, easy-to-use repair kit with a spray-on aerosol feature. Designed to breathe new life into your sink, tub, or tile, this kit is versatile enough to work on ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, enamel-coated cast iron, and acrylic finishes. Crafted with a high-performing, moisture-resistant one-part epoxy, this product guarantees an impressive and long-lasting finish despite its strong odor.
This budget-friendly bathtub refinishing kit comes with two 12-ounce packs, ensuring you won’t run out in the middle of your DIY project. It also adds a layer of protection to your fixtures, extending their lifespan. Plus, it comes with comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions, from surface prep to final coats and cleaning, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Key Features
- Suitable for ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass
- Can be applied on enamel-coated cast iron
- Works on acrylic tile, tubs, or sinks
- One-part epoxy formulation
- Strong odor, requires proper ventilation
- Comes with a comprehensive guide
- Covers approximately 22 square feet
Pros:
- Easy to apply with clear instructions
- Provides good coverage for surfaces
- Effective for quick and affordable fixes
Cons:
- The product has strong fumes during application
ArmoGlaze bathtub refinishing kit – Best size
The ArmoGlaze bathtub refinishing kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to restore their old, weary bathtub to an immaculate state. The kit comes complete with everything you need for the renovation project, including enamel resin, hardener, application tools, and installation instructions. Its easy pour-on application and self-adjusting solution ensure a smooth, professional finish, adhering seamlessly to various surfaces such as porcelain, enamel, acrylic, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs.
The solution is quick-drying, odorless, and ready to use within 24-36 hours. The bathtub refinishing kit comes with step-by-step instructional videos, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, which is always a good sign of quality.
Key Features
- Complete bathtub refinishing kit
- Includes Enamel Resin, Hardener, and tools
- Pour-on application method
- Suitable for various surfaces
- Dries in 24-36 hours
- Odorless formulation
- Accompanied by instructional videos
Pros:
- High-quality product
- Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions
- Quick-drying and odorless
Cons:
- Some supplied tools are inadequate
Buying guide: Bathtub refinishing kits
Finding the right bathtub refinishing kit can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available in the market. It’s important to know what to look for, to ensure you choose a kit that will deliver great results. This guide will walk you through key attributes you should consider while making your decision.
Quality of material
The quality of materials in a bathtub refinishing kit is crucial. This will determine the effectiveness and durability of your refinishing job. Look for kits that include high-quality resins. These should resist peeling, chipping, or yellowing over time. Additionally, the kit should include good-quality bonding agents for effective coating adhesion to the bathtub surface.
Ease of application
Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, the ease of application is important. Some bathtub refinishing kits can be complex, requiring multiple steps and precision. Others are straightforward and user-friendly. Opt for kits with clear instructions and ideally, a step-by-step guide. Kits with a roller or brush included for application may also be easier to use.
Coverage
Consider the size of your bathtub and the coverage provided by the bathtub refinishing kit. Some kits might only be enough for smaller tubs, while others can cover larger bathtubs or multiple small ones. Reading the product details should give you a clear idea of how much square footage the kit can cover.
Drying time
The drying time can vary greatly from one bathtub refinishing kit to another. Some require a few hours, while others might take up to 48 hours or more to fully dry. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to use your bathtub during this period. So, if quick drying time is important for you, make sure to check this information before purchasing a kit.
Safety considerations
Bathtub refinishing kits contain chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly. Look for kits that have clear safety instructions and include the necessary safety equipment, like gloves and masks. Additionally, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from potentially harmful fumes.
Price and value
Lastly, consider the price and the value you’re getting from the bathtub refinishing kit. The most expensive option is not necessarily the best. Weigh the price against the quality of materials, ease of application, coverage, drying time, and safety considerations. Look for a bathtub refinishing kit that offers the best balance of all these factors.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bathtub refinishing kit is not just about picking the most popular or the most expensive one. By considering the quality of the material, ease of application, coverage, drying time, safety considerations, and price, you can find a kit that suits your needs perfectly. This guide should help you make an informed decision, ensuring you get a high-quality finish that will make your bathtub look new again.
Common questions about bathtub refinishing kits
What is a bathtub refinishing kit?
A bathtub refinishing kit is a product designed to restore the appearance of your bathtub, making it look brand new by covering up scratches, chips, and discolorations.
How do I use a bathtub refinishing kit?
Start by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the bathtub surface. This is followed by sanding the surface, applying the primer, and then applying several layers of the refinishing paint. It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided in the kit to ensure optimal results.
What does a bathtub refinishing kit contain?
A typical kit contains a cleaning solution, sandpaper for surface preparation, a primer, a refinishing paint, and sometimes a topcoat for added gloss and durability. Some kits may also include a brush or roller for application.
How long does it take to refinish a bathtub with a bathtub refinishing kit?
The refinishing process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the condition of your bathtub and the bathtub refinishing kit used. After the application, it usually takes 2-3 days for the surface to fully cure before you can use the bathtub.
Does a bathtub refinishing kit work on any type of bathtub material?
Bathtub refinishing kits are generally designed to work on most bathtub materials, including porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, and enamel. However, it’s always best to check the product description or consult with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with your specific bathtub material.
Can I use a bathtub refinishing kit on a bathtub that has been previously refinished?
Yes, you can refinish a bathtub that has been previously refinished. However, you will need to thoroughly sand and clean the previous finish to ensure the new one adheres properly.
How do I maintain my refinished bathtub?
To maintain your refinished bathtub, avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads, which can scratch the finish. Instead, use a mild, non-abrasive bathtub refinishing kit. Regular cleaning can help maintain the shine and extend the life of the refinished surface.
What do I do if the refinished surface starts peeling or chipping?
If the refinished surface starts peeling or chipping, it may be due to improper preparation or application, or it could be a sign of normal wear and tear. You may need to reapply the bathtub refinishing kit or consult with a professional. Are bathtub refinishing kits safe to use?
Are bathtub refinishing kits safe to use?
Yes, however, it is advised to use proper safety gear including gloves and eye protection, and to ensure proper ventilation during the application process to avoid inhaling any fumes.
