Make your tub look new—without the brand-new price tag
Replacing a bathtub can be a complicated and costly endeavor, so learning how to install a bathtub liner might be worth it if your tub is in good condition. You can float past a replacement, keep your budget intact, and enjoy a like-new bathtub. This guide will walk you through nine steps to get your bathtub shiny again.
Installing a bathtub liner, also known as a bathtub insert, isn’t as easy as stopping by your local hardware store for the materials. You’ll need to work with a fabrication company to choose the right material and get accurate measurements for a squeaky-clean installation process.
You’ll also need to pick the type of liner you want during the ordering process. There are a few different types of bathroom liners you can choose from, depending on your budget and your surround setup. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylic are the most common options.
A proper fit is key when it comes to installing a bathtub liner. You’ll need to work with the liner company to order accurate measurements. Usually, a technician will come to your home to take pictures and measurements.
The company may already have an appropriate liner in stock for standard tubs. If not, they’ll need to order one for custom fabrication, which can take around eight weeks.
Once you have your bathtub liner, you’re ready to get started. Here are step-by-step directions to help you get the job done right.
Clean your bathtub rigorously with a limescale remover. You can also make your own cleaner with a 1-to-1 ratio of vinegar and water. While cleaning, look for any signs of mold or rot. If you don’t take care of it now, your liner will seal it in place.
It’s also important that your tub is pristine and as clean as possible to get a secure adhesion. Any soap film or bath oil on the tub won’t allow the adhesive to bond correctly.
In addition to looking for mold or rot, check for any cracks or drainage issues in the tub. Take the time to repair any of these issues before installation. If it’s beyond your DIY abilities, hire a bathtub repair company near you.
Using a wrench or screwdriver, remove any objects or hardware on your tub, like nonslip strips, drain covers, and faucets. Now would be a great time to deep clean your showerhead or replace any outdated fixtures while you’re at it.
Do a dry fit of the bathtub insert before applying any adhesive to get comfortable with the installation process. The liner will come as one single piece of PVC or acrylic that will fit over your existing tub. You may need to trim some edges to create a perfect fit. If this is the case, carefully use a utility knife to remove any excess material.
Once the entire area is dry from the cleaning and you’re sure the liner fits, it’s time to start the installation. Start by applying butyl primer along all the areas the new liner will touch. Butyl primer is a high-tack primer designed to enhance maximum adhesion, which you’ll need for this task. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times. Once the primer is dry, spread a silicone adhesive over all bathtub surfaces, especially around the drain and overflow areas.
Carefully set the liner into place. Apply ample pressure across all surfaces to ensure the liner connects with the adhesive. If necessary, place heavier objects on top of the liner or use a mallet wrapped in a towel to remove any trapped air.
Insert your silicone caulk into your caulk gun. Glide the tip along the edges of the liner, leaving a thin line of caulk as you go.
If you don’t have a steady hand, you can tape off the edge where the wall and tub meet, leaving about a 1/4 inch of space for the caulk. And don’t rush this step. Caulking around a bathtub establishes a seal to protect your walls from water damage and helps create a more finished look. You’ll thank yourself later for taking your time.
Reinstall the faucet and other hardware. For added peace of mind, clean the new liner, too. Just be careful to use only a little cleaning solution and keep any liquid away from the caulk or sealant.
For the best results, wait a day (or the recommended time in the manufacturer’s instructions) before using your new tub. This will allow the seal to bond correctly.
Bathtub liners are a cost-effective way to update your bathtub without paying for a replacement. Bathroom remodeling costs can add up quickly, so installing a tub liner could allow you to save and fund other upgrades like new cabinetry or lighting. This can really help you bring your bathroom remodel ideas to life.
Liners last for 3 to 5 years, so although it’s not a permanent solution, it can work well depending on your needs.
It’s usually best to hire a pro to install the liner for you, so you can be sure it’s done properly and will have a long life span. Otherwise, make sure you have the DIY skills to get the job done right.
After installing a brand-new liner in your tub, you’ll want to help keep it in the best shape possible. The easiest way to do this is by cleaning it properly using the right products.
Although it might seem like a good idea to reach for common cleaning products on your shelves, it’s usually best to stick to something mild and simple, like dish soap or vinegar. If you want to do a thorough cleaning job, you can use diluted bleach.
In general, avoid abrasive cleaning products like harsh disinfectant cleaners or anything with acetone or aerosols. Don’t use rough cleaning pads either, as they can scratch your liner. Instead, use soft microfiber towels.
While you can save on the cost of labor and the steps in this project aren’t necessarily complicated, there are a few risks you must be aware of if you decide to tackle this on your own. The biggest issue you may face is ensuring a tight, waterproof seal. If you skimp on the adhesive or skip a step altogether, you risk trapping water underneath the liner—which can lead to unsanitary conditions, stinky smells, and even health issues like mold.
Hire a bathtub refinishing pro near you or a plumber if you want someone knowledgeable to take on this job. If you have any other plumbing issues that need fixing during this project, you will likely pay between $45 and $200 for a plumber’s hourly rate on top of the liner installation.
Tub liner installation costs $300 to $1,000 or more for materials and labor, if you hire a pro. Costs vary depending on whether you choose an acrylic or PVC liner, the size of your tub, and if you need any repairs done before the installation.
In comparison, a new tub replacement costs $1,800 to $8,600. Moreover, the other common alternative to installing a liner is refinishing the tub. Bathtub refinishing costs $480 on average.
Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.
A bathtub liner can be a good idea if your budget is your top concern when planning a bathroom remodel. Installing a new bathtub liner can give your bathroom the look of a complete renovation without the high price tag. But, it’s somewhat of a band-aid fix and won’t work for all homes, like if you have a freestanding tub.
We don’t recommend you use a tub liner to cover up cracks in a bathtub. Instead, you should repair the cracks DIY if you have the experience, or hire a pro. Cracks may seem like small surface imperfections but they can lead to much larger issues, so repair them as soon as you’re able.
It takes about a day to install a bathtub liner. The installation process takes about three or four hours, but you’ll need to let it cure for an additional 24 hours before using your tub. So when planning this project, plan on the bathtub being out of commission for at least an entire day, if not longer.
On average, you can expect your bathtub liner to last between three and five years. The more you use the tub, the more likely you’ll end up on the lower end of that range, as regular use leads to more wear and tear on the adhesive and sealants. The best way to extend the lifetime of a bathtub liner is to ensure an airtight installation that locks out moisture for as long as possible.
