A stained, chipped or dated colored bathtub, the pink, green and almond tubs of the 1970s and 80s, can either be reglazed in place or torn out and replaced. Reglazing is far cheaper and faster. Replacement lasts longer and lets you change the bathroom. The right answer depends on the tub's condition and how long you plan to stay.
THE NUMBERS
| Reglazing | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical DMV cost | $450 – $900 | $2,000 – $6,000+ including surround repairs |
| Time | 1 day, plus about 24–48 hours before use | Several days to over a week |
| Lifespan | Often 5–15 years with gentle care | Decades |
| Fixes cracks or rust-through? | No | Yes |
WHEN REGLAZING MAKES SENSE
- The tub is structurally sound: no cracks, no rust holes, no flexing when you stand in it.
- You want to change a dated color to white cheaply.
- It's a rental or a property you're preparing to sell.
- A cast-iron tub that's heavy, solid and expensive to remove, especially upstairs.
WHEN TO REPLACE
- Cracks, holes or rusted-through areas.
- A thin steel or fiberglass tub that flexes or creaks.
- The surrounding tile or walls are failing anyway.
- You want a different layout, such as a tub-to-shower conversion.
- It's been reglazed before and the coating is peeling again.
Reglazed surfaces don't like abrasive cleaners, bath mats with suction cups, or harsh chemicals. Gentle, non-abrasive cleaning is what makes a reglaze last closer to the long end of its range.
A NOTE ON VENTILATION
Reglazing coatings give off strong fumes while being applied. Reputable refinishers ventilate the bathroom to the outside and use proper respirators; plan to keep the space closed off for the day.
For full bathroom pricing, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
RELATED READING
TUB-TO-SHOWER CONVERSION COST IN THE DMV (2026)
Prefab vs. custom tile walk-in showers, glass door pricing, timelines, and the waterproofing detail that decides how long it lasts.
WALK-IN SHOWER VS. TUB: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Resale considerations and how to decide between a shower conversion and keeping a tub in your DMV bathroom.
BATHROOM REMODEL COST GUIDE FOR THE DMV (2026)
Pricing breakdown from simple refreshes to full gut renovations — what a bathroom remodel actually costs in DC, MD & VA.
Planning a project? See our Bathroom Remodeling service page for scope, process and recent work.
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