Resurfacing, otherwise called reglazing, of the bathtub can improve the condition and repair damages to your tub. The process is much more economical at face value than say doing a full bathroom renovation. However, the dangers it poses to your and your family’s safety may end up costing you more or worse may even cost you your life. Not only that, but even professional workers are also at risk too.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the process of bathtub refinishing often involves harmful chemicals like methylene chloride, acids, and isocyanates that have killed 14 people from 2000-2013. It is also hard to detect when chemicals have started harming the body. In fact, CDC says that once you start smelling methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells like chloroform, it is too late, and you are already overexposed.
Long-term health effects of chemicals used in bathtub reglazing
Absorbing the wrong chemicals can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a “feeling of intoxication,” and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Exposure at high levels can harm brain functions and in worse cases, it can stop breathing and ultimately death.
Why we do not do bathtub resurfacing
Simply put, the fumes are too potent and harmful. They can be so bad that it’s unsafe for you to sleep in your home for a day or two after the bathtub painting was completed. For the safety of our clients and workers, we choose not to do it. Perhaps, the best bathtub refinishing technique may be to not do it – especially if you’re planning to do a DIY.
Alternatives to bathroom resurfacing or reglazing
Non-chemical approach to bathtub repair is ideal. Sanding the tub to remove the old finish, grime and residues is far safer than the chemical approach. It’ll take longer and the dust can also pose threats to your body so it’s best to leave it to the experts.
What can you do then? Should you refinish or replace your bathtub?
If your bathroom has served you and your family for a long time and has seen better years, perhaps it’s time to determine whether the reduced cost of refinishing and the dangers of it are better than replacing it. If the costs aren’t too far off, you’re probably better off replacing the bathtub. It may end up increasing your property’s value.
This is especially true if you are considering doing bathroom remodeling, replacing a worn-down tub is a must.
We understand that any home project must be within a reasonable budget. Contact us today and we’ll discuss your options. We have our bathtub experts in Kansas City and Navarre in Florida. We bring the showroom to you as we do in-home design consultations.