How To Choose A Bathtub Finish
If you purchase an old home, it might come with one of those cool old claw-footed bathtubs in the bathroom that you might want to keep out of nostalgia and to reduce the costs of moving in, since you won't have to pay the movers to move a heavy tub. However, you will probably want to refinish the bathtub in order to make sure that it looks as good as possible and does not show it's age. There are many different types of bathtub finishes on the market. Here are some questions that you should be asking yourself in order to narrow down the finish that is best for you.
1. Do You Want Your Tub to Be an Unusual Color?
The first question that you want to ask yourself is if you want your tub to be an unusual color. If you want a brick red tub in order to match the subtle red of your walls or a cerulean tub to go with some paintings that you have hung on the walls, then you are going to want to invest in a ceramic tile finish for your tub. This is because the ceramic for the tub is usually made onsite, meaning that you are able to have direct impact on the color and texture of the ceramic. This also means that there are a wider variety of colors that you will be able to choose from if you choose a ceramic tub finish, since you won't have to choose from a limited color selection in a magazine or online.
2. Do You Want the Job Done Quickly and Cheaply?
If you blew your budget on the house itself and don't have a ton of money to refinish the tub, then you might want to consider fiberglass. Fiberglass is a cheap material that will not substantially increase the weight of your tub. The installation process is relatively easy and there are do-it-yourself kits in stores. A fiberglass finish will do until you build up your savings again and decide to get a more permanent, durable finish for the tub. Fiberglass tends to warp and scratch easily, so it's not good for permanent installation.
3. Do You Have a Steel Tub?
If you have a steel tub, then you have the option of porcelain refinishing, since the tub will be strong enough in order to support the weight of the porcelain. Porcelain finishes are helpful because they are durable and are relatively inexpensive for their level of durability, but do not come in a wide array of different shapes. As a result, porcelain tubs are best for bathtubs that are of a common shape.
For more information, talk to a company that specializes in bathtub refinishing, such as Tub Solutions Inc.