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The cost to refinish a bathtub is $490 for most homeowners. However, this cost can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on your tub's material and condition. 

For example, enamel and cast-iron bathtubs are pretty straightforward to refinish, costing between $350 and $600. However, if you have an antique claw-foot tub, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 for refinishing costs due to the care and complexity needed.

For a standard-sized bathtub with minor damage, it takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to refinish. It might take a bit longer if your bathtub refinishing contractor needs to fill in significant cracks or gouges. This is the same if you have a specialty tub, like an oversized bathtub—you can expect your pro to take a bit on the longer side.

If your bathtub is in overall good shape with minor scratches, discoloration, or just general wear and tear, it's best (and less expensive) to refinish it. 

If your tub has large cracks, is leaking, or is otherwise severely damaged, we recommend replacing it with a new bathtub. Refinishing a bathtub can only fix superficial problems, so these issues will still be present or reappear after a refinishing.

There are a few signs, both obvious and not so obvious, that it's time to refinish your bathtub. While some of these signs aren't an urgent problem, others could lead to significant damage if left untreated. Signs you should look out for include:

• Rust stains, which signal the tub's enamel or surface sealer is deteriorating 

• Small chips, which can grow into larger chunks and can lead to rusting

• Discoloration, which doesn't lead to a more significant problem but can be unsightly 

• Dirty surfaces, which means that the tub glaze is breaking down and allowing dirt to seep below the coating

Refinishing a bathtub is worth it if your tub has minor damage or is a color that you don't like. The cost of replacing a bathtub is more expensive than simply refinishing one, averaging around $5,300. It's more cost-effective to refinish your tub if you can, but it also gives you the look of a new bathtub without having to replace the whole thing.