If your bathtub is peeling, it won’t look beautiful or cared for. The peeling will make you worried, looking for the best solution and the root cause of the problem.
The main reason why your bathtub could be peeling is because of damages you left unattended or incorrect refinishing. It can also be because of wear and tear attributed to long years of service. Depending on your budget, you can solve this by replacing or reglazing the tub.
If your bathtub is peeling, this article has your back as we’ll delve deeper into the causes and the best solution to end this.
Is Peeling Bathtub Paint Toxic?
The bathtub paint peeling is normal, and your new or old tub can peel anytime. It can be because of various reasons like temperature changes in the bathroom. If the tub is peeling, the paint coming off will fall on the floor, forcing you to clean it. However, the main question you’ll ask yourself is if the paint peeling is toxic.
The paint peeling can be toxic or not, depending on the time it has been on the tub. If you painted the tub 14 to 24 weeks ago, it means the paint fumes are still active. This means the peeling can be toxic as it still contains fumes that can harm you. Remember, there are people who, when exposed to the paint fumes, can trigger their allergies, while in others, it can result in other breathing complications.
However, if the paint has lasted for more than 24 weeks in the tub before it starts peeling, then there will be no toxic chemicals from it. When the paint is dry, the toxicity reduces, making it harmless.
Factors Contributing to Bathtub Paint Peeling?
Poor Refinishing
One of the common reasons why your bathtub paint can peel is because of improper refinishing. This is if you’ve done this more than once. If the bathtub’s surface has not been painted well, it will end up with bubbles or pores, which will cause the peeling with time. Sometimes an extreme temperature change will cause this on the poorly refinished tub.
Too Much Wear and Tear
Your bathtub will also peel if it’s been in use for years. It will peel on its own, resulting from wearing and tearing. If you don’t attend to the tub in time, it can be beyond repair, requiring you to do a replacement.
Uncared for Bathtub
When you don’t do regular maintenance on the bathtub or leave it uncared for, it will peel off. The paint will peel because of constant moisture exposure, unattended cracks, or chips. If you don’t take fast action, the whole surface will remain without the paint.
What To Do If Starts Peeling?
If your bathtub starts peeling, you can do several things to stop it. The most common solution for this includes;
Refinishing The Bathtub
Refinishing the tub is the easiest and most affordable way of stopping your tub from peeling. It will give your tub surface a new look and provide you with a chance to change the color. It’s a more time-saving solution than replacing the bathtub, which requires days to complete.
You can refinish the tub in a DIY project saving additional labor costs. When you opt to do this project yourself, ensure you maintain the safety measure. Ventilate the room by opening the windows or introducing a fan to improve airflow to reduce health complications that can arise afterward.
Consider Installing a Tub Cover or Liner
If you’re not ready to wait as the professionals replace your tub or refinish it, you can install a cover or liner. Covering the tub can cost you less than the amount you’ll need to replace the bathtub. But it tends to be more expensive than refinishing as the surrounding walls are also covered.
Replace The Tub
Another long-term solution for this is replacing the tub. This can be after you try refinishing the tub unsuccessfully. If you decide to replace the bathtub, prepare adequately as it’s intense. You will need good financing to do this plus enough time. It will also require you to look for an alternative bathroom as the other one will be under work.
Some cities also have rules on how you should dispose of the tub or the maximum weight of items to throw away. So, you have to check on that. You can decide to use the tub for a different project or look for a junk removal service to dispose of it better. Additionally, you need to determine whether to upgrade or not. After that, you should wait patiently for the installation of the new tub to have it in perfect condition.
How Much Will It Cost You to Refinish a Bathtub?
The amount of money you’ll use to refinish a peeling bathtub will depend on many factors. First, it will depend on the materials you expect to use. For example, if you’re doing this as DIY, you will have to buy a touch-up kit, refinishing kit, and other required tools.
Your location will also determine the cost of refinishing the tub, as different professionals charge differently. Additionally, the nature of the work will affect the amount you part with. If you decide to do it as a DIY project, you might reduce the labor costs.
How Many Times Can You Paint a Peeling Bathtub?
There are a lot of debates on the number of times you can refinish a peeling tub. Some experts argue that once is enough, while others say you can do it more than once. The truth is you can refinish an already reglazed bathtub as long as it’s in perfect shape.
However, if you do this, you will require more time as you’ve got to sand it to the first layer. The layer may also not last long as on a tub that has been refinished once.
Bottom Line
Your bathtub will peel if it’s old, not cared for, or the temperature/conditions in the bathroom are not favorable. The paint from the peeling tub may be toxic or not, depending on the period it has lasted on the surface. If it’s more than 24 weeks, it’s not harmful. To stop the peeling, you can refinish, replace the tub or cover it.
