The true cost of “saving money”: why DIY bathtub reglazing fails

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The lure of a cheap, weekend project is strong, especially when you see a low price tag on a DIY bathtub reglazing kit. For homeowners across Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties looking to refresh their bathrooms, we at Adamov Reglazing want to share the harsh reality: DIY reglazing often costs more in the long run.

While the initial professional quote might seem higher than a $100 kit, you are paying for expertise, industrial materials, and a warranty—factors that a brush-on kit simply cannot replicate.

1. The short, unsightly lifespan of DIY kits

Professional bathtub reglazing should last 5-10 years with proper care. DIY kits, however, use consumer-grade epoxy or acrylic coatings that are designed for minimal adhesion and can begin to fail almost immediately.

Failure Type

Description

Cause

Peeling & bubbling

The new finish separates from the old surface.

Improper surface preparation and low-bond materials that don’t etch and adhere correctly.

Uneven texture

The finish looks rough, streaky, or has visible brush/roller marks.

The cheap tools and thin coatings in the kit make a smooth, glass-like finish impossible for a novice.

Yellowing

The bright white color fades or turns yellow over time.

Low-quality, non-UV-stable materials that degrade quickly under light and moisture.

The average lifespan of a DIY job is 6 months to 2 years—meaning you’ll be dealing with an ugly, failing tub long before you expected.

2. The hidden costs of mistakes

When a DIY job fails, the work isn’t over. It has just begun.

  • Stripping is mandatory: Before a professional like Adamov Reglazing can apply a high-quality finish, we must strip off the failed DIY coating entirely. This stripping process is messy, time-consuming, and adds significant cost and labor to the final bill, often doubling the price of what a first-time professional job would have been.
  • Time and stress: instead of spending one stress-free day watching a professional work, you will spend multiple weekends sanding, cleaning, coating, and then likely stripping the failed attempt.

3. Safety and ventilation are not optional

Reglazing involves strong chemicals. The products in a DIY kit emit toxic fumes that can pose a significant health hazard if not handled correctly.

Professionals are equipped with:

  • Industrial-grade respirators: Protecting against harmful vapors.
  • Specialized ventilation: Using commercial exhaust systems to draw fumes outside safely.

Homeowners rarely have the necessary protective gear or ventilation to ensure the air quality in the home is safe during and immediately following the application.

The professional advantage with Adamov Reglazing

When you choose Adamov Reglazing, you aren’t just buying a coating; you’re investing in a permanent solution with peace of mind.

  1. Expert surface preparation: the most critical step. We meticulously clean, repair, and etch the surface to ensure maximum adhesion – the single factor that determines a job’s longevity.
  2. Industrial-grade coatings: We use specialized, commercial coatings applied with a professional spray system, resulting in a smooth, high-gloss finish that rivals a brand-new tub.
  3. Long-term warranty: Our work is backed by a solid warranty, ensuring your investment is protected against peeling and failures.

For guaranteed, flawless, and long-lasting bathtub reglazing in Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, skip the DIY kit. Contact Adamov Reglazing to get the job done right the first time and enjoy a beautiful tub for a years.