Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between recoating, resurfacing, refinishing, and reglazing a bathtub?
No practical difference exists between resurfacing, refinishing, or reglazing a bathtub because all these terms mean the same thing, i.e., painting a bathtub.
The first durable COATING for bathtubs was porcelain which consists of white kaolin clay and FINISHED with a thin layer of glass to make the clay coating waterproof - the glass layer is called a GLAZE.
When the GLAZED FINISH on a bathtub's COATING wears off by scouring with abrasive cleansers, the tub's SURFACE needs to be REGLAZED.
Do you notice all the terms refer to the same damaged area that that needs to be repaired?
Coating - Surface - Finish - Glaze
Re-coat...re-surface...re-finish...reglaze.
All of those words starting with the prefix "re-" mean the same thing to the consumer: applying a new coating with a glass-like finish on the surface of a bathtub (whether it's made of porcelain, gelcoat on fiberglass, or acrylic).
The most important thing to remember is this: Joy of St Croix - Tub Repair and More sands and polishes the new coating to a mirror-like reflection...like glass.
If you would like to read more on this subject please read our blog post:
The Real Difference Between Bathtub Refinishing and Reglazing Will Shock You
What is the average cost of refinishing a bathtub?
The 2025 published price on Joy of St Croix's e-commerce website for refinishing a five foot long residential built-in bathtub in a standard white color is $1,200.00 for a two day process.
The first day entails removal of the old drain basket, overflow cover, and caulking and then painting the bathtub. On the second day the new coating is sanded and polished to a mirror-like reflection. The price includes a new chrome plated drain basket constructed of a solid brass body, a new overflow cover, and new caulking.
Current prices and ordering can be found in the Shop or by following this link: https://www.joyofstcroix.com/product/bathtub-refinish-standard/
Is Joy of St Croix transparent with their pricing?
Joy of St Croix leads the bathtub and tile repair and refinishing service industry in pricing transparency through an e-commerce website https://www.joyofstcroix.com/shop with published prices for all of their services.