I'm in the middle of a bathroom renovation and my old jet tub, which is quite wide at 44 inches, needs to be replaced. We're considering a few options since some of the tiles around the tub are also broken. The tub is grey while the toilet and sink are newer and white, so aesthetics matter too. We've looked into painting the tub, but Tub Doctor quoted me $1700 for that service without any guarantee on durability. The real struggle is finding a replacement tub that fits that width at a reasonable price, and I'm also having trouble finding tub surrounds that would work since most are no longer available in 44 inches. What options do I have?
3 Answers
I've done some research, and many people recommend against painting old tubs since it usually doesn’t last. Exploring all your options for a new tub might be your best bet!
I'm also gearing up for a bathroom reno this summer! I've been checking out Swanstone solid surface panels for the tub surround. They offer some panels that are 50 inches wide, and you can cut them down to size with a circular saw. It's a bit of a pricey option, though!
Honestly, I would steer clear of painting or re-coating the tub. I've seen it done, and the coating can wear off pretty easily over time. Plus, $1700 seems steep for a temporary fix.

Totally, Swanstone panels look fantastic, but in Canada, they're around $2000 for a single panel. Worth the investment if you're going for a premium look!