Bathtub Reglazing in New York City
Licensed & Insured · Free Estimates
Steel Tub Refinishing
Steel bathtubs are built to last for decades, but the enamel on top often fails much sooner. Instead of replacing the whole tub, our pour-on reglazing rebuilds the surface — a smooth, even white finish that’s durable and easy to clean, done in one visit.
AFTER
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Why NYC chooses our method
Our pour-on reglazing restores your steel tub to a smooth, even finish — without removing the tub.
- Solvent-free and family-safe — no harsh fumes, safe around pets
- Ready to use in 24 hours
- Thick, self-leveling coating
- Long-lasting — 10–15 years with proper care
What steel tub reglazing fixes most often
Steel tubs usually fail in very specific ways. If this sounds like your bathtub, reglazing is often the best fix.
- Chips down to metal — rust starts around the chip
- Rust spots near the drain, overflow, or corners
- Worn or gray bottom from years of use
- Stains that won’t come out, even after deep cleaning
- Dull, rough enamel that grabs dirt and feels sandpaper-like
- Hairline cracks in the enamel
If your tub has severe structural damage — deep dents, flexing, or rust-through — we’ll tell you honestly. Sometimes replacement is the smarter move.
How to tell if your bathtub is steel
Not sure what you have? Quick ways to spot a steel bathtub:
- Magnet test — a magnet usually sticks to steel
- Sound — steel sounds more metallic and hollow when tapped
- Weight — steel tubs are usually lighter than cast iron
- Chips — expose bare metal that rusts orange quickly
Still not sure? Send us a photo and we’ll identify the material in a minute.
Hi, I'm Artem.
When you book with New York Tubs, you aren't getting a random sub-contractor. You're getting a master refinisher with over a decade of experience.
For over a decade I've worked in tub refinishing, and I've personally refinished hundreds of tubs — every job done by me, start to finish. My reputation is built on durable, long-lasting results, a clean process with no solvent fumes, and full respect for your home.
- 10+ Years of Professional Experience
- Fully Licensed & Insured
- Backed by a 5-Year Warranty
AFTER
BEFORE
Bathtub Reglazing
- Pour-On Method
- Ready in 24 hours
- Odorless
Additional Services
Why the Pour-On Method Wins — Every Time
| Criteria | Traditional Spray-On Method | OUR METHOD Pour-On Application |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 1-3 years |  10-15 years |
| On-Site Work Time | ~5 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Coat thickness | 10 mils | 60–100 mils (up to 10× thicker) |
| Odor during work | Strong solvent smell, lingers | No solvent smell |
| 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. |
Frequently asked questions
Can you reglaze a steel tub that's already rusting?
Yes, in most cases. We grind out the rust, treat the bare metal so it won’t spread, and rebuild the surface with the pour-on coat. If rust has eaten all the way through the steel, we’ll tell you — that’s the one case where replacement makes more sense.
My steel tub flexes a little when I step in — can it still be reglazed?
A small amount of flex is normal for steel and isn’t a problem; the thick, self-leveling coating handles it. Heavy flexing or a cracked tub is different — send a photo and we’ll check.
Why is pour-on better than a sprayed finish on steel?
Steel is thinner and more brittle than cast iron, so a thin sprayed layer chips and peels sooner. Our pour-on coat goes on several times thicker and levels itself, so it holds up better to daily use.
Can you fix chips and rust spots before reglazing?
Yes. Repairing chips and treating rust is part of the prep on every steel tub. Once the surface is sound, the new coat bonds correctly and covers it.
Will the tub be white?
Yes — we finish in a clean white.
How long does it take, and when can I use the tub?
About 3 hours on site, sometimes up to 4. The tub is ready to use in 24 hours.
How long does the finish last?
With normal care, 10–15 years.
Is the coating safe, and does it smell?
It contains no solvents, so there are virtually no fumes during or after the work, and it’s low-VOC. You can stay home while we work.
Is this a DIY project?
No. On steel especially, the result depends on proper rust treatment, prep, and technique — best left to a pro, or the finish fails early.
Why the pour-on method wins for steel tubs
Traditional spray refinishing can look good on day one — but steel tubs show problems faster, because the enamel underneath is brittle and the tub can flex slightly. A thin sprayed layer is easier to chip or peel.
Our pour-on method applies a thicker, self-leveling coating built for durability and a smoother feel.
- Thicker finish that feels smooth and solid
- No overspray mess
- Solvent-free, low-VOC
- Fast turnaround — 3–4 hours on site, 24 hours to cure
Our steel tub refinishing process
We keep the process clean and efficient — here’s what to expect.
Protect the area
Floors, walls, and surrounding surfaces are fully covered.
Deep clean & decontaminate
The surface is stripped of soap, oils, and residue.
Surface preparation
Sanded and etched so the new coating bonds properly.
Repair chips & treat rust
Handled where needed before any coating goes on.
Mix and apply
The pour-on coating goes on in a thick, even layer.
Final leveling & finishing
Leveled out to a smooth, even surface.
Refinishing vs replacing a steel tub in NYC
Replacing a tub often includes
- Demolition and disposal
- Plumbing disconnect and reconnect
- Tile and wall repairs
- Unexpected damage behind the tub
- Multiple visits from different contractors
Reglazing is the simpler path
- No demolition
- Lower cost
- Minimal downtime
- Clean, like-new result
If you want a fresh bathroom without a full renovation, refinishing is usually the best value.
Caring for a reglazed steel tub
A few simple habits keep the finish looking its best for years.
- Use a soft sponge and a mild, non-abrasive liquid cleaner
- Rinse and wipe down after heavy use
- Treat any chip early, before rust can start under the finish
- No abrasive powders or scouring pads
- No suction-cup mats — they trap moisture against the surface
We leave simple care instructions after the job.
Before and after
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What You Get✓ One visit, ready in 24 hours✓ 5-year written warranty✓ Licensed & fully insured
