If you just had a bathroom makeover and noticed an odor from your tub that lingers after the renovation, you might wonder how to remove it. We did the research and found ways for you to get rid of the smell from reglazing a tub.
You can eliminate the smell from a reglazed tub with proper ventilation. Air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans will significantly help in eliminating the odor. Most importantly, you'll remove dangerous fumes too.
But how will you be able to do that? Is the smell from reglazing a tub dangerous? These are some of the most etching questions regarding reglazing a tub, and this post will answer them. So, read on to learn more.
How To Get Rid Of Smell From Reglazing A Tub
You can eliminate the unpleasant odor by having a proper ventilation system. Bathrooms are usually small and humid. This causes the chemicals from the coatings to be trapped, leading to lingering stenches.
You don't want to wait for a few days to pass until the smell dies out. This odor is a huge concern for your health because of the toxic chemicals from the fumes—a much bigger reason for you to get rid of the smell.
Ideally, the refinishing company that you or the landlord hired should use the right refinishing ventilation equipment to avoid any issues regarding the smell or fumes from the coatings.
Technically, there shouldn't be any odor left after the service. The first thing you should do is to call the company and let them know your situation.
Ensuring that there are no toxic fumes left is a crucial part of their service, so it's okay to ask them to return to your place and eliminate the smell. Ask the owner or manager for assistance if you live in an apartment or hotel.
You can always opt for a ventilation system if this doesn't work. Exhaust fans are handy for removing the smell since they suck in all the fumes inside the building.
If your built-in exhaust fan isn't getting rid of the smell, air scrubbers are ideal for removing the smell and fumes from the coatings. Air scrubbers are attached directly to your HVAC and remove all sorts of contaminants and pollution.
Companies that offer reglazing services will use air scrubbers to eliminate the smell and the chemical in the air.
This equipment is a necessary tool to maintain a safe renovating service. Before getting your tub reglazed by professionals, ask about their ventilation process.
If they do not respond with a plan similar to what we've outlined, think twice about finding another company.
Remember that you're not just getting rid of the smell; you're getting rid of the toxic fumes from the coating. So, your and your family's health is of utmost importance.
Using a dehumidifier is also an easy way to eliminate the toxic odor.
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Check out this dehumidifier on Amazon
Are Bathtub Reglazing Fumes Dangerous?
Reglazing your tub is perfectly safe if done correctly. The biggest problem is the fumes evaporating from the renovated tub, but these shouldn't be a concern with a professional that follows health protocols.
That said, removing the previous coating from a tub is required before reglazing it with a new layer. And this step releases fumes that contain methylene chloride, similar to chloroform.
When the area isn't well-ventilated, this may cause breathing problems to those exposed. Methylene chloride may have an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Methylene chloride poisoning can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, making you feel dizzy, tired, sick, and irritated by your eyes, nose, and throat.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs also contain isocyanates are considered carcinogens.
Difference Between Refinishing and Reglazing - Which Is Better?
Whether refinishing or reglazing a tub, it's cheaper than replacing it altogether. But what's the difference between the two?
Refinishing is a simple task that only involves a new chemical coating without removing the old layer. Refinishing is an excellent option if your tub is still in good shape and only needs minor retouching. You can also refinish your tub at home!
Reglazing, however, is a more heavy-duty task and should be left to the professionals.
With reglazing, the old layer needs to be removed and sanded. This process involves using chemicals that professionals are specially trained to work with. After removing the old coating, a new layer of epoxy is added.
Reglazing will be the better option if your bathtub is in terrible shape, with chips here and there.
If you want to know more about reglazing a tub, read this post, "How To Reglaze A Bathtub [And How Much It Costs]."
How Often Should You Get Your Tub Reglazed?
Reglazing can turn your tub into brand new, but it still needs proper care. If you take care of a reglazed tub well, it will last between 10-15 years. Regularly clean your tub and avoid damaging it, or its lifespan will become as short as 3-5 years.
Should You Refinish/Reglaze Or Replace Your Tub?
As mentioned in this post, your tub's condition is the deciding point in refinishing or reglazing it. The big question is a replacement.
Replacement is only necessary when the tub has been severely damaged that it can no longer hold itself up or when you're considering a remodel.
If it's only peeling or has a few chips here and there, doing a refinish or reglaze is a better option. To know more about why this peeling happens in most tubs, read this post, "Why Do Bathtubs Peel? [And What To Do About It]."
Bathtub replacement isn't cheap. Depending on size and complexity, it can cost around $2,900 to $10,000. That includes labor costs, plumbing, finishes, material, and floor reinforcement.
The average reglazing service can cause around $480.
Consider the condition and shape of your tub before deciding.
Should You DIY Or Hire A Professional?
If you have spare time, you're probably considering DIY-ing this task at home. With all the reglazing kits available in the market, it's understandable for people to want to reglaze their tubs.
In any case, here's how you can DIY reglazing at home:
1. Remove any drain or fixture from the tub.
2. Sand the tub's surface and scrape off the old coating.
3. Once the tub has been sanded down, clean it with a rag.
4. Apply primer on the surface of the clean tub.
5. Use a roller to apply the reglazing coat, and then finish using a brush.
6. Let it cure for 24 hours
Check out this reglazing kit on Amazon.
Remember to employ proper ventilation and wear protective clothing.
Doing a DIY reglazing at home has its pros and cons. Doing it yourself would be cheaper than hiring a professional, and you can do it at your own pace and with freedom.
However, DIY reglazing has its many downsides. You will have a limited color option compared to professionals. Having an uneven surface or color is also likely when you DIY reglazing. Make sure that you have all the necessary equipment if you want your tub to look presentable and not just functional.
As mentioned in this post, the lifespan of a reglazed tub done by a professional is around 10-15 years. Expect those numbers to be shorter when you DIY reglazing, as it only lasts 2-3 years. This will take time, effort, and money when you must redo it every 2-3 years.
Doing your own reglazing can take longer than letting professional glazers do the job, which means longer exposure to fumes.
In Conclusion
Bathroom renovations are great if you want a fresh look, but always remember to keep things safe. If you find your bathroom smells strange because of the fumes, immediately call the company you hired or talk to your landlord. Getting rid of the smell from a reglazed tub is essential in keeping you and your family safe from the toxic fumes.
If you can, stay out of the building for a few days or get a ventilation system that successfully removes the fumes. Air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans are the most reliable ventilation system you can install at home.
