Question:

Our harvest gold tub is really worn out! It extends the full width of the bathroom. How much renovation is absolutely necessary to remove and replace it? What are the disadvantages of putting in an acrylic liner over the old tub? Is it possible to resurface a worn out gold into a white one? What are the disadvantages of this? Thank you. This is a great website. Sincerely, Diane Marsh

Answer:

Diane Marsh Your gold tub is a stamped steel and enamel coated tub. They rust out over time and any refinish work is really a waste of time and money. It should be removed and replaced with a new tub. Covering old worn out tubs and the tile surrounds with liners is just masking the problem and will only postpone the inevitable a few years. If the tub is worn out it is my bet the tile surround is also worn out and probably penetrated with mold and mildew right back to the backer board. We always recommend removing the tub and the complete surround back to the studs. It is then you can see if there has been any other damage to the floor or the insulation if there is an outside wall involved. From what I have seen the cost of replacing the tub and surround is very comparable to inserts and when you start new you know all your current problems are going to be dealt with properly. When you do this renovation I also strongly suggest you change your tub/shower valve and shower head; relatively inexpensive to gain current pressure balance technology in your shower. Bob Bathrooms First www.bathroomsfirst.ca

Answered By: Bob Steele

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