Steel tubs · NYC

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.

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BEFORE

★ 5.0 on Google • 5-year written warranty

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

Common steel-tub problems

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.

Material check

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.

Meet Your Steel Tub Refinishing Expert

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.

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10+ Years of Professional Experience
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Fully Licensed & Insured
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Backed by a 5-Year Warranty

Founder & Lead Technician

Professional Reglazing Services & Pricing

AFTER

BEFORE

Our Signature Service

Bathtub Reglazing

Pour-On Method
Ready in 24 hours
Odorless

Starting at:

$435

*tax included

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Additional Services

Caulking

Free with bathtub service

Distance surcharge

Travel fee $25–$60 for some areas — free in Brooklyn

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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.

Good to know

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.

Pour-on vs spray

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.