The Ugly Truth About Bathtub Liners

When you’re looking to give your bathroom a new look, a bathtub liner may seem like a great alternative to replacement or even bathtub refinishing.

Unfortunately, bathtub inserts come with a lot of problems that you may not be aware of until it’s too late.

Don’t slap a bandaid on it when you can fix the core problem for less!

What are Bathtub Liners?
Bathtub liners, sometimes called bathtub inserts, are plastic or acrylic covers that are molded to fit over your current tub and then glued and caulked into place.

6 Problems With Bathtub Inserts

  1. Trading Porcelain for Plastic
    When you put a bathtub liner over your existing tub, you’re trading the beauty of a porcelain tub for acrylic or plastic. Although acrylic is sturdy, it isn’t as strong as a porcelain tub. It’s not uncommon for tub liners to crack. Acrylic and plastic also feel different than porcelain, something you may want to take into account if you enjoy soaking in the tub now and then.
  2. Tub Liners are More Expensive
    While most people believe bathtub inserts are an affordable alternative to refinishing, the truth is that liners are often significantly more expensive. Where refinishing costs a few hundred dollars, liners can easily be a few thousand.
  3. Bathtub Inserts Can Leak
    Although tub liners are made to fit over your tub as snugly as possible, they are still just glued and caulked into place. This makes it easy for water to get between the liner and the existing tub, which leads to odor, mold, and mildew. Removing the water is difficult and water buildup will happen again.
  4. They Can Take Weeks to Install
    It can be weeks or even months from the time you sign the contract with the installer you’ve chosen to the time you have your bathtub liner installed. Your tub’s measurements have to be sent to the manufacturer who creates the liner and sends it to the installer. The installer then has to schedule an appointment to put your liner in.
  5. You’ll Have to Call a Plumber
    Slipping a cover over your tub seems easy enough, but the added height means that a plumber will need to adjust your drain and overflow.
  6. Replacement is Difficult
    Eventually your tub liner will wear out and need to be replaced. Removing the old liner is a tough process and often requires the liner to be cut out of the tub.

Save Time and Money With Refinishing

Refinishing your bathtub is a quick, one-day process that costs a fraction of the price of a liner. There’s no demolition, no risk of mold or mildew, and no plumber needed. Our refinishing process restores your porcelain tub to its former beauty – or even better! We have a variety of color options to choose from so your tub can always match your decor. Request your free quote today!

The Specialized Refinishing Advantage

Written Lifetime Warranty

We stand behind our tub refinishing work & offer the best warranty in the business.

No Construction, No Mess

Unlike remodeling, refinishing causes minimal disruption to your home.

Factory Grade Finish

Our durable, industrial-strength coatings make your refinished bathtub like new.

Same Day Service

Most jobs are finished in 4 or 5 hours, not days or weeks.

28+ Years Experience

We’ve provided expert refinishing services since 1994.

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With decades of service & 1000’s of happy customers, you can rely on us.