You’ve had a long day at work. It’s finally the end of the day, and all you want to do is unwind and let go of the day’s stress. You walk into your bathroom, hoping to do some self-care as you sip on some wine. As you walk into the bathroom, the stare of the dull bathtub, the ugly walls, and the chipped tiles make you dread being in there.
You opt for a quick shower and think of creating a new bathroom. You want a fresh, modern look—something sleek, clean, and inviting—but a complete remodel sounds expensive and time-consuming.
So, you start wondering: Can I do this myself? It seems possible with all the DIY tutorials online, but is it worth the effort? Or should you leave it to the pros and guarantee a flawless finish?
In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of a DIY refinish project to hiring a professional to help you find the best way to refresh your bathroom without regret.
Understanding Bathroom Refinishing
Remember when everything was shiny and clean? It is restoring your bathroom to its former glory when everything was shiny, clean, and looked beautiful. This process involves repairing and restoring surfaces and fixtures in your bathroom instead of demolishing and installing new ones. The process is fast and typically involves:
- A thorough, deep clean is needed to remove dirt and any residuals and provide a nice, smooth surface.
- Then comes repairing chipped surfaces or broken hardware.
- The next step involves sanding, which smooths everything out and creates a bonding surface for the new coating.
- Then, we apply the primer, which acts as a bonding agent, before applying the new finish.
- To finish off, sealing and curing are done to ensure the new surface is durable and long-lasting.
Viola! A new bathroom at a slashed price, half the effort and time.
Why Consider Refinishing?
Because it is a game-changer for people who want an elegant bathroom update without the headaches of demolition. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Cost Savings—Refinishing costs a fraction of what a full replacement would. Why buy a brand-new tub when you can make your current one look as good as new?
- Minimal Downtime—While a full remodel could take weeks, refinishing can be done in just a day or two. That means you can get back to your daily routine in no time.
- A Fresh, Modern Look – Whether you’re tired of an outdated color or dealing with wear and tear, refinishing gives you a cleaner and better bathroom without breaking the bank.
This might be the perfect solution if you love your bathroom’s layout but it has lost its spark.
A DIY Project
Refinishing sounds easy, right? Why not make it a fun DIY project? Besides, it is cheaper, and there are tutorials online. But before you grab a brush and dive in, the process requires patience (a lot of it )and a steady hand. You’ll be working with strong chemicals, paints, and coatings, and you do not want to make a mess or, worse, injure yourself.
Pros of DIY :
- Cost Savings – One of the biggest perks of DIY refinishing is how much money you can save. A refinishing kit is cheaper than hiring a pro.
- Personal Satisfaction – There’s a special kind of pride in looking at a finished DIY project. I did that! It is really rewarding.
- Full Creative Control: You decide the result, from the color to the type of finish.
Cons of DIY :
- Risk of Mistakes – Refinishing might sound simple, but an uneven coating, streaks, or missed spots can leave your bathroom looking worse than before. And fixing mistakes? That can get expensive.
- Time-Consuming – While a professional might get the job done in a day, a DIY project could take an entire weekend—or longer if you run into issues.
- Skill Requirement – Let’s be honest: not everyone is a DIY pro. If you don’t have experience working with refinishing materials, you might struggle to get that flawless, professional look.
Hiring a Professional
Sometimes, it’s just easier (and smarter) to let the experts handle the job. You share your dream look, let the magic happen, and get your desired finished product without lifting a finger.
Unlike a DIY job, professional refinishing involves specialized equipment, high-quality materials, and a trained expert who knows precisely how to get that flawless, factory-like finish.
Pros of Hiring a Professional:
- Faster Completion – While DIY can take days, a pro can typically complete the job in a few hours, meaning less disruption to your home.
- Expertise in challenging areas – Do you have tricky corners, deep scratches, or an unusual fixture? A professional knows exactly how to handle it.
- Warranty & Insurance—Most professionals offer warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind in case you don’t like it.
Cons of Hiring a Professional:
- Higher Costs – Professional refinishing will cost more than a DIY kit. However, considering the quality and durability, it might be a better long-term investment.
- Scheduling – You’ll have to work with the contractor’s availability. Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to find a perfect time for you.
Verdict: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Choosing between a DIY and a professional project comes down to your working budget, skill level, and outcome expectations.
If you’re a confident DIYer who loves tackling projects and doesn’t mind a bit of trial and error, DIY refinishing can be a cost-effective way to refresh your bathroom.
If you want a professional-grade finish with minimal hassle and long-term durability, hiring a pro is the smarter investment.
If you’re leaning towards the professional route, Artistic Refinishing is here to help! We specialize in high-quality bathroom refinishing that gives your space a stunning, like-new appearance without the high cost of replacement.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experts help you achieve a stunning, like-new bathroom without the stress of DIY!
