Bathtubs: every photo
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Reading the bathtubs photos
These are the standard alcove tubs found in most California homes and apartments: porcelain-on-steel, cast iron, fiberglass and acrylic. Every one of them stayed exactly where it was. On these tub-only jobs the tile or fiberglass surround was masked off and left untouched, which is why the walls look the same in both frames. For jobs where the tub and walls were coated together, see the Bathtub & Walls gallery.
The most common Before in this set is a tub floor where the old finish has worn or peeled through, leaving a dark gray or brown patch on the bottom of the basin. You will also see stained and etched basins that have gone dull, rough patches where the surface has started to fail, and rust around the drain and overflow.
In the After frames the basin is one continuous glossy white surface. Worn spots were filled and sanded flat before priming so they do not show through the finish, and the drain and overflow trim were masked around rather than removed. The tub is usable about 24 hours after the last coat, and bathtubs carry our 2-year warranty.
Pricing & service
Most bathtubs cost $350–$500, depending on size, material, damage and color. The bathtub refinishing service page has the full breakdown, and the California bathtub refinishing cost guide compares it with replacement.
Related: Fiberglass tub refinishing · Porcelain tub refinishing · Cast iron & clawfoot refinishing · Bathtub repair