Comparison guides

Re-enamelling a bath or replacing it outright

The deciding factors

Point 1

Re-enamelling addresses surface wear, staining, dullness, small chips, but does nothing for a bath that's cracked through, flexing or poorly supported.

Point 2

Replacement is the only sensible option where the waste, overflow or surrounding wall build-up also need attention, since the bath has to come out anyway.

Point 3

A re-enamelled surface needs gentler cleaning products than the original finish and can wear again sooner if abrasive cleaners are used.

compact family bathroom refit, Newent project, similar to what we deliver in Gloucestershire, referenced in our guide to re-enamel or replace a bath

Before you commit

A re-enamelled surface needs gentler cleaning products than the original finish and can wear again sooner if abrasive cleaners are used.

Common questions

How long does a re-enamelled finish last?

It depends heavily on how it's cleaned and used, but it's generally considered a shorter-lived surface than the original factory finish.

Is re-enamelling cheaper than replacement?

It avoids retiling and re-plumbing costs, which is usually its main appeal over a full replacement.

Ready to get the room measured up?

Photos of the existing room and the position of the soil stack help enormously before a visit.