Bathtub Reglazing in Manhattan, NY

We refinish bathtubs throughout Manhattan — from prewar walk-ups in the West Village to doorman co-ops on the Upper East Side. Our pour-on method restores the original look of a porcelain or cast-iron tub in one visit, without demolition or plumbing work. Most jobs are done in about three hours and the tub is ready for use the next day.

Manhattan apartments are our most common job. We’re set up to work around the things that make this borough different from the rest of NYC: building hours, certificates of insurance, service elevator bookings, and tight bathrooms in old prewar layouts.

Working in Manhattan buildings

Prewar buildings and cast-iron tubs

A large share of Manhattan’s housing stock was built before 1940, and most of those apartments still have the original cast-iron tubs. These tubs are heavy, well-built, and worth keeping — replacing one usually means breaking tile, pulling plumbing, and dealing with whatever is underneath the bathroom floor (which, in a prewar building, is often a surprise). Refinishing avoids all of that.

The original enamel on a cast-iron tub from the 1920s or 30s is usually still structurally fine — what’s worn out is the surface: yellowing, chips around the drain, scratches from decades of use, and sometimes a previous bad refinish job that’s started to peel. The pour-on method handles all of that. We strip down to a sound substrate and apply a fresh coat that bonds properly to cast iron.

We refinished a 1928 cast-iron tub in a prewar building on the Upper West Side last spring — the original tub was still solid under three layers of failed previous refinishing. After stripping and recoating, it looked indistinguishable from new.

Doorman buildings, co-ops, and condos

Most Manhattan buildings above a certain price point require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before any contractor can start work. We provide COIs at no charge, usually within 24 hours of getting the building’s requirements. Standard form is ACORD 25, with the building, management company, and (often) the unit owner listed as additional insured.

Building work hours in Manhattan are typically 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, sometimes Saturday morning. We schedule around that. If your building requires the service elevator to be booked in advance, let us know during the quote — most super’s offices need 24-48 hours’ notice.

Walk-ups

Plenty of Manhattan apartments are in walk-up buildings without a service elevator. We bring our own equipment up — there’s no extra charge for stairs up to 5 floors. Higher floors with no elevator: just mention it when you call and we’ll confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bathtub reglazing?

Bathtub reglazing (also known as refinishing or resurfacing) restores your old tub’s surface to a smooth, glossy, like-new condition. It removes stains, chips, and dull areas, creating a durable, long-lasting coating that looks just like a brand-new bathtub.

Is refinishing better than replacing my tub?

Economy Yes. Refinishing is faster, cleaner, and far more affordable than replacing your bathtub. It saves you from demolition, plumbing work, and high installation costs — while giving you the same fresh, glossy look.

What material is used?

We use a next-generation pour-on coating — an odor-free, non-toxic, and long-lasting material specially developed for bathtub restoration. It forms a thick, smooth layer that levels itself naturally and provides a strong, durable finish.

How long does the reglazing process take?

Time The entire process is quick and convenient, typically taking around 3 hours. More complex jobs might take up to 4 hours.

The material requires about 24 hours to fully dry and harden before you can use your “new” bathtub.

Minimal mess and disruption to your daily routine.
Experienced professionals ensure a clean workspace.

How long does the reglazed finish last?

With proper care, your professionally reglazed bathtub will look brilliant for up to 15 years.

Our advanced pour-on method creates a thick, durable bond that lasts several times longer than inferior spray-on paints and is highly resistant to peeling and chipping. Following our simple care instructions is the key to maximizing its lifespan.

Your Manhattan Refinishing Technician:

James

Professional refinisher since 2011

Service areas: Staten Island, Hudson County, Union County

Artem

Professional refinisher since 2013

Service areas: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens

Mike

Professional refinisher since 2018

Service areas: Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County

Special Offer Until

SINK

Premium Pour-On Method
Ready in 24 hours
Odorless

Starting at: $385

$285

*tax included

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SHOWER

Premium Pour-On Method
Ready in 24 hours
Odorless

Starting at: $455

$355

*tax included

GET A QUOTE

BATHTUB

Premium Pour-On Method
Ready in 24 hours
Odorless

Starting at: $535

$435

*tax included

GET A QUOTE

Additional Services

SERVICE	COST
Caulking	Free with bathtub service
Distance surcharge	Travel fee for certain areas (e.g., Manhattan $25–$60).

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Why the Pour-On Method Wins — Every Time

CRITERIA	Traditional Spray-On Method	Pour-On Application (Our Method)
Typical lifespan	1-3 years	10-15 years
On-Site Work Time	~5 hours	3-4 hours
Coat thickness	6 mils	30–40 mils (5× thicker)
Odor during work	Strong solvent smell, lingers	Mild, clears within hours
VOC content	High	Low
Safe to stay home	No — residents usually vacate	Yes
Ready to Use	~48 Hours	24 hours
Long-Term Value	Spray-on has a lower up-front cost, but the coating usually needs to be redone every couple of years.	A pour-on coat lasts long enough that most clients replace or sell the tub before the finish needs to be redone.

Why refinishing makes sense in a Manhattan apartment

Replacing a bathtub in a typical Manhattan apartment is a much bigger job than people expect. Beyond the tub itself, you’re looking at:

Demolishing the surrounding tile (almost always — tubs and tile are installed together)
Plumbing work, often with old galvanized pipes that need updating once they’re exposed
A building permit if any plumbing is moved
A week or more of bathroom downtime
Possibly the building’s approval, if you’re in a co-op

A typical Manhattan tub replacement runs several thousand dollars and takes a week or longer. Refinishing is done in one visit, costs a fraction of that, and doesn’t touch the tile or plumbing. The bathroom stays usable the next day.

The trade-off: refinishing only fixes the surface. If the tub itself is cracked through, or the cast iron has rusted through from underneath (rare but possible in very old buildings), it has to be replaced. We’ll tell you straight up if that’s what’s going on — we don’t take work that’s going to fail.