Our Bathtub Refinishing Process

Learn About Our Refinishing Process!

Whether your bathtub is faded, chipped, stained, or just showing its age, you don’t have to replace it to restore its beauty and function. At Bath Magic, we use a proven, high-performance refinishing (reglazing) process that brings your tub back to life—fast, cleanly, and cost-effectively. In just a few hours (often same-day), we can transform your worn, ugly tub into a smooth, glossy, like-new surface that resists mold, stains, and peeling.

Our process for bathtub refinishing in Toledo, OH and beyond is designed to restore beauty, function, and durability with minimal disruption to your home. From careful preparation and professional-grade materials to a flawless finish, every step is handled with precision. Explore the detailed process below to see how we transform old tubs into like-new fixtures.

1. Initial Inspection and Safety Setup

We begin every job with a thorough inspection of your bathtub, surrounding tile walls, and plumbing fixtures. We check for structural issues (cracks, surface porosity, or damage) and verify that drains, overflow, and faucets are in working order. Next, we mask and protect the surrounding area: walls, floors, vanities, and fixtures are covered with plastic, drop cloths, and tape to prevent overspray or drips. Proper ventilation is set up to exhaust fumes, protecting both the technician and your home’s indoor air quality.

2. Surface Preparation and Repair

Preparation is crucial to successful bathtub refinishing in Toledo, OH. Our crew removes all soap scum, oils, residues, and contaminants using professional-grade cleaners and degreasers. The old finish is then abraded—typically by sanding or media blasting with fine particles—to open microscopic pores in the surface. This “scuff” gives the primer and coating material something to anchor to. If there are chips, pits, or minor cracks, we fill them with epoxy or polyester repair compounds and sand them smooth. We also mask or remove hardware (like drains or overflow plates) to ensure clean edges.

3. Acid Etch / Etching and Neutralization

In some cases, we apply a mild acid etching solution (e.g. a controlled etchant) to further micro-etch the surface and improve adhesion of the primer. This is done with great care, followed immediately by thorough rinsing and neutralization to stop the chemical reaction. Proper rinsing removes all debris, residual acids, or cleaning agents. The surface is then dried completely using air movers, heat lamps, or dehumidifiers, ensuring no moisture remains.

4. Masking and Edge Protection

Before coating begins, we re-check all protective masking and tape lines around walls, tile joints, and plumbing fixtures. We ensure crisp, clean lines with masking tape designed to resist primer seepage. Any exposed areas not to be coated (e.g. tiles, grout lines, wall finishes) are double-protected. This step helps prevent overspray or “bleed” onto unintended surfaces.

5. Primer / Bond Coat Application

We apply a specialized adhesion-promoting primer or “bond coat” in a uniform layer. This primer layer ensures that the topcoat (finish) will adhere durably to the bathtub surface. The primer is applied using spray, roller, or squeegee, depending on the tub geometry and the technician’s judgment. We allow the primer to cure (dry and bond) for the manufacturer’s recommended dwell time — typically anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on ambient temperature and humidity.

6. Topcoat / Finish Coating

Once the primer is ready, we apply the topcoat—an industrial-grade epoxy, urethane, or hybrid coating formulated for tile and bathtub refinishing in Toledo, OH. We use high-quality sprayers (HVLP or air-assisted) to achieve a smooth, uniform, professional finish with minimal texture. Often two (or more) coats are applied, with appropriate flash-off time between coats. Each layer is carefully monitored, and we inspect for defects (dust nibs, runs, uneven coverage), addressing them immediately by light sanding and touch-ups. The overall finish is built to resist chips, stains, mold, and moisture.

7. Curing and Quality Check

After the final coat, the tub is left to cure undisturbed. Depending on the coating system, full cure can take from 8 to 24 hours (or more) before light water use is permitted, and several days before full use (hot baths, heavy use). During curing, we maintain ventilation and stable temperature to support proper chemical cross-linking. Once cured, our team inspects the surface under multiple lighting angles to spot any flaws. We smooth, buff, or polish minor imperfections, then wash the surface with a gentle cleaner to remove residual surface dust. We also reinstall fixtures, trim back masking, and clean the work area.

8. Final Review and Customer Walk-Through

Before we leave, we conduct a final review with you. We carefully examine edges, corners, and the finish. You will see how the tub looks, feel the smooth surface, and test drains or fixtures. We also provide you with care instructions and recommendations (e.g. types of cleaners to use, when full use is safe). Your satisfaction is our priority, so we will address any questions or concerns on the spot.

Why Hire Us?

Choosing the right company for bathtub refinishing in Toledo, OH and throughout OH, MI, IN, KY, IL, and WI makes all the difference in the results you’ll enjoy for years to come. At Bath Magic, we bring decades of hands-on experience and a reputation built on thousands of successful projects. Our technicians are highly trained in every aspect of the refinishing process, from surface preparation to topcoat application, and we only use professional-grade materials designed to withstand daily use.

What sets us apart is our dedication to customer satisfaction. We don’t cut corners—every step is carefully completed to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish. We also respect your home by maintaining a clean, contained work area and completing projects efficiently, often within a single day. Unlike replacement, which can be messy, costly, and time-consuming, refinishing offers an affordable, effective solution with results that rival a brand-new tub.

Our clients value not only the quality of our work but also the transparency and reliability of our service. From the moment you contact us until the final walk-through, you’ll know exactly what to expect. With Bath Magic, you can feel confident that your bathtub will look stunning, perform beautifully, and add lasting value to your home. We proudly back our refinishing process with attentive customer support and guidance, helping you protect your investment and enjoy your tub for many years to come. By combining craftsmanship, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence, we continue to earn the trust of homeowners who want professional refinishing done right the first time.

Contact Us Today for Bathtub Refinishing in Toledo, OH

If you're ready to transform your old, worn-out tub into a beautiful, durable centerpiece of your bathroom—without the cost, mess, or hassle of replacement—UglyTub / Bath Magic is ready to help. We serve Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit, Louisville, Rockford, Madison, and surrounding areas with fast, professional bathtub refinishing at competitive pricing.

To get started, call us or fill out our online request form to receive a free estimate. One of our friendly staff will walk you through scheduling, explain what to expect, and answer any questions. Let us restore your tub’s luster and extend its life! Contact us today and see why so many homeowners choose us for bathtub refinishing in Toledo, OH and throughout OH, MI, IN, KY, IL, and WI that delivers great results.