How to estimate bathtub refinishing costs?
That depends on what results you want.
Nat'l Average - 1 day
paint over the drain
Joy of St Croix - 2 days
replace the drain basket
We used Homewyse cost calculator to estimate price ranges for bathtub refinishing / reglazing
In January 2025, Homewyse reported a nationwide average price for bathtub refinishing / reglazing between $700 to $1,432.
For Augusta, GA the costs were lower than the nationwide average:
Basic labor was estimated by Homewyse at:
$513 and $1087 for labor between 6.15 to 12.3 hours
$70 to $80 for jobsite supplies
$583 to $1,167 was the total.
~ $600 to $1,200 rounded up.
= $600 for 6 hours (one day)
= $1,200 for 12 hours (two days)
The labor is important - 12.3 hours is only possible with two 6 hour days.
The Homewyse nationwide average example estimate includes:
- Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Bathtub Reglazing, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
- Labor setup time and mobilization time typical of local, small Bathtub Reglazing jobs.
This example estimate is for BASIC work performed in readily serviceable conditions by qualified professionals, using popular, IN STOCK products, materials and supplies available at home improvement retailers. Your actual costs will vary due to the unique conditions, requirements, labor options and material choices of your project. Work not mentioned on this page, work with schedule difficulty, work during periods of local labor shortages, and work using master craftsman, premium materials, custom built products, project supervision may result in HIGHER COSTS!
This example estimate is for educational and illustrative purposes - it is NOT a substitute for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for itemized assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.
The Homewyse nationwide average example estimate does NOT include:
- Costs for any work or materials not specifically mentioned on this page.
- Costs for removing, relocating, repairing, or modifying existing framing, surface finishes (including molding) and fixtures, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems - or bringing any systems into compliance with current building codes.
- Costs for testing and remediation of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, radon, etc.).
- General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Bathtub Reglazing. Add 13% to 22% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
- Sales tax on materials and supplies.
- Permit or inspection fees (or portion thereof) required by your local building department for your overall project.
This example estimate is for BASIC work performed in readily serviceable conditions by qualified professionals, using popular, IN STOCK products, materials and supplies available at home improvement retailers. Your actual costs will vary due to the unique conditions, requirements, labor options and material choices of your project. Work not mentioned on this page, work with schedule difficulty, work during periods of local labor shortages, and work using master craftsman, premium materials, custom built products, project supervision may result in HIGHER COSTS!
This example estimate is for educational and illustrative purposes - it is NOT a substitute for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for itemized assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.
References - Bathtub Reglazing
- Product and Supplies Data: The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 6: Kitchens and Baths U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Apr 2025, Editorial Staff
- Product and Supplies Data: The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 5: Partitions, Ceilings, Floors, and Stairs U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Apr 2025, Editorial Staff
- Product and Supplies Data: The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 8: HVAC/Plumbing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Apr 2025, Editorial Staff
- Home Improvement 1 2 3 Homer, TLC, Apr 2025, Editorial Staff, ISBN 696213273
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Apr 2025, Staff
- Employer Costs for Employee Compensation US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Apr 2025, Staff
- Project Spending Data: Harvard University JCHS Homeowner Expenditures Harvard University, Apr 2025, Website
This example estimate is for BASIC work performed in readily serviceable conditions by qualified professionals, using popular, IN STOCK products, materials and supplies available at home improvement retailers. Your actual costs will vary due to the unique conditions, requirements, labor options and material choices of your project. Work not mentioned on this page, work with schedule difficulty, work during periods of local labor shortages, and work using master craftsman, premium materials, custom built products, project supervision may result in HIGHER COSTS!
This example estimate is for educational and illustrative purposes - it is NOT a substitute for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for itemized assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.
Base Price - National Average vs. Joy of St Croix
The Homewyse Average price for standard bathtub refinishing / reglazing in Augusta, GA is $500 - $600 for a one day, four to six hour, halfway done paint job, or $1,200 to $1,400 for a two day, twelve hour, complete refinishing / reglazing of a standard built-in bathtub.
Joy of St Croix standard bathtub refinishing is $1,200 for a 2 day, 12 hour, complete professionally refinished bathtub done to published standards with a published one year warranty.
Joy of St Croix does the whole job - the complete job - with the professional results you expect. We replace the drain basket, overflow cover, and the caulking, and then we sand and polish the new finish to a mirror-like reflection. That takes two days, 12 - 15 hours and costs $1,200.
~ extra work is an additional charge ~
Joy of St Croix publishes prices for all of our services
The base price for refinishing bathtubs is for a standard, built-in, single apron, residential bathtub. However, extra work is an additional charge, e.g., a shower combo is twice as much area as a bathtub and twice as much time and labor. Stripping takes an additional day, and needed repairs take time and labor as well.
EXTRA 1 - What is being refinished?
Different bathtub or shower types have separate pricing structures. The green buttons will take you to the pricing.
Included in "bathtubs" are garden tubs and step-tubs.
1 piece Tub / Shower units
1 piece shower units
EXTRA 2 - Has the unit been refinished previously?
Paint is a proven technology, but a “coating system” is more than just the paint, it’s the complete process. If your existing coating is peeling or flaking off, it’s likely that it was applied with an inferior process. Perhaps it wasn’t acid etched or cleaned properly, or maybe it was relying on a wipe-on adhesion promoter and eliminated the primer to save costs. The only way to assure a predictably successful result is to remove the coating and follow the process from the beginning.
Stripping can be ordered with refinishing or a stand-alone service. The current price for stripping is $400 with refinishing.
EXTRA 3 - Does the unit need to be repaired, e.g., chips or holes?
Chips, rust, holes, and other existing damaged areas cannot be seen under the existing coating until it’s removed. At this point the refinisher will show you the needed repairs and help you with the authorisation process. Once authorised and confirmed in the job notes the refinisher will perform the repairs and proceed with the refinishing.
Repairs done in conjunction with refinishing are eligible for a combination discount up to 10% or more.
How much time does all of this take?
Some companies take great pride in advertising that their process only takes 3 - 4 hours. We've actually heard that some companies tell potential customers that they offer the exact same services as Joy of St Croix, but can do it for far less time and money. Well, we have no idea what steps they are omitting, but the simple fact is that wet paint cannot be sanded and polished, and you can't reinstall a drain basket or caulking on wet paint, either.
Below is a chart of the time that is required for a refinishing project by Joy of St Croix.
Strip Old Finish
ONE FULL DAY - minimum
Previous coatings need to be removed for new coatings to adhere. It typically takes one full day to strip a standard built in bathtub. Tile is harder to strip, and composite tubs cannot be stripped at all.
Repairs
2 HOURS to 2 DAYS
The unit's structure must be solid and able to accept a finished coating. Repairs done in conjunction with refinishing may be eligible for a 5% discount off the retail price of the repair.
Tub Refinishing
2 DAYS - minimum
Standard residential bathtubs take less time than garden tubs. Walls are not included with bathtubs. If your unit has walls you have a "tub/shower combo". Tub/shower combos typically take 3-4 days to refinish.
Tile Refinishing
2-3 DAYS - minimum
Refinishing tile is different from refinishing bathtubs. A few critical factors effect the time and cost of the project. Oddly enough, the more artistic choices are more affordable. This is one service which we recommend that you order an in-home inspection
Related extra costs you should consider
During the planning stage you should be examining your plumbing. Parts wear out, like seals and washers, and leaks can develop that cause water damage in walls or erode finishes. Many faucets can easily be rebuilt without opening the wall, but sometimes they are just too old and need to be replaced. If something needs to be fixed or replaced we recommend calling a licensed plumber.
The Warranty
It's very hard to find a bathtub refinishing company who prints their warranty. It's almost as hard as getting them to print their prices or process. It really seems that most companies don't like to be held accountable for what they tell the customer in order to get the job. Put it in writing? Not on their watch.
Our written and published one year warranty covers defects in the materials or workmanship of repairs or refinishing done on bathtubs, bath tiles, and bath related surfaces that result in blistering, peeling, cracking or other failure of adhesion of the refinishing materials to the unit's surface.
Our warranty informs you of your responsibility after the project's completion, e.g., inspecting the bathtub for any problems. It lays out what is not covered, e.g.,
– scratches in the finish, e.g., from improper cleaning methods or regular wear and tear,
– cuts or gouges in the finish , e.g., from washing an animal
– stains and discolorations in the finish, e.g., from bleaches, dyes or acids, perfumes, or solvents
– problems to the finish caused by leaky plumbing or rust damage.
...and more.
Our warranty informs you of what not to do, e.g.,
DO NOT bathe dogs or animals with claws that can damage the surface.
NO Rubber Bath Mats! Bathmats containing suction cups will destroy the finish.
DO NOT ignore the caulking
...and more.
Most importantly, the warranty states what we will do to correct any warranty issues:
"Should our material or workmanship prove faulty during the warranty period, we will correct these faults at no additional cost to the user. We will complete this work in a reasonable time, usually within 30 days or less. Should our material or workmanship prove faulty outside of the warranty, a 10% discount off of the online price will be offered."
~ And what we will not do:
"WE WILL NOT SCHEDULE WORK WITHOUT CLEAR INTENT: Joy of St Croix will not dispatch a crew or affect an existing invoice without a written email request with attached images of the concern by the customer as an End of Project Inspection Report or a Warranty Request and an acceptance of the validity of the concern by the management of Joy of St Croix".
Joy of St Croix has the most transparent and comprehensive warranty in the bathtub refinishing industry.
You can find the warranty in its entirety in the menu under HOME, or LEGAL, or you can follow the green button provided here.
Customer – research
Research the general process and examine ours to determine if we meet your needs.
Homewyse – Bathtub refinishing cost calculator.
Costhelper Home & Garden – Article on bathtub refinishing cost.
About.com – Discusses getting a quality job & cheap pricing results.
Customer – planning
Estimate the price of your project in the SHOP:
If your tub was painted previously it will need to be stripped.
Are there are structural problems to the drain or overflow?
If you are refinishing tile, are there cracks or missing grout?
Are you refinishing tile walls, a standard bathtub, a clawfoot bathtub interior or exterior?
Will you be wanting a non-slip texture?
Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions:
What is our warranty?
How do you care for your new finish?
How do you handle revisions or cancellations?
Customer – ordering
Place the order through the online SHOP with a 50% deposit to secure the material and labour. The remainder is due on satisfactory inspection of the completed project. The online ordering gateway will ask some important questions for the refinisher’s preparation, e.g., where do they park, is the tub upstairs or down, is there water and electricity, are there pets or children onsite? Taking the time to fully prepare helps to ensure a professional result and allows less chance for miscommunications that waste time and money.
What is this page about?
Understanding the services that are involved in bathtub refinishing to estimate total project costs
~or~
What are you paying for?
Accurately estimating the cost of bathtub refinishing projects with Joy of St Croix - Tub Repair and More requires understanding the different services and activities that are involved in
studio and mobile refinishing projects.
Not all of the services and activities on this page apply to every project. Some need to be ordered in advance of the day of the project and some can be added at any time. This page is a guide to assist you in estimating the added time and costs for the services and activities involved in
common mobile bathtub refinishing projects.
Some of these activities and services may seem like they should be included in the base price, but they consume labor and time. That time must be scheduled into a very packed calendar with all the other customers who are having 3-4 day projects being
scheduled around their busy days, too.
Knowing in advance what to expect from each other avoids costly delays caused by mistakes and omissions in the estimation process.
Frequently asked questions about how to estimate bathtub refinishing projects by Joy of St Croix
Joy of St Croix FAQ sections contain short answers to questions or topics that are discussed with more detail elsewhere on the page or on the site but are frequently overlooked. You will find a series of FAQ areas on this page after each section. The purpose of these FAQ sections are to serve as a recap of the information covered in the previous section and to help you locate that information at a later date.
At the bottom of the page you will find a full list of all of the FAQs on this page.