A request for bathtub reglazing in Berwyn, IL took a different turn when we inspected the tub. A property manager had contacted Eco Tub Restoration for refinishing. However, our technician found corrosion around the overflow that had eaten through the tub wall.
Another detail mattered just as much: the apartment was occupied, and this was the residents’ only bathtub. With that in mind, we planned a rust repair followed by refinishing. Our approach needed to address the damage while keeping the residents’ daily routine in view.
The inspection changed the scope
The issue went beyond a worn finish. Because corrosion had damaged the area around the overflow, a new coating alone would not solve the problem. Our technician needed to repair that area before refinishing the tub.
For the property manager, the tub’s condition and the residents’ need to use it were part of the same decision. Following the inspection, we moved ahead with the repair.
Repairing the affected area, then refinishing the tub
First, our technician removed the corrosion and prepared the surface. We then repaired the affected area using fiberglass cloth and mesh. After completing the repair, we applied a water-resistant enamel coating over the entire bathtub.
The order of the work mattered: repair the damaged area first, then refinish the tub. Together, the repair and refinishing took approximately four hours.
Planning around an occupied apartment
We planned for the residents to resume using the bathtub the following day. Since this was their only tub, timing mattered alongside the repair itself. The plan had to account for everyday bathroom use as well as the tub’s condition.
Can another rusted bathtub be repaired?
We repaired this Berwyn tub after inspecting the damage. However, similar-looking rust does not mean every bathtub needs the same repair. Each tub requires its own assessment. Refinishing also does not fix plumbing leaks or hidden bathroom damage.
If you manage an apartment with a damaged bathtub, send us full-tub photos, close-ups of the damage, and your city. These details help us understand the project before assessing repair options. Learn more about our bathtub refinishing service or contact Eco Tub Restoration.
Project photos: before and after
