Top 6 Mistakes in DIY Reglazing Projects

 Mistake 1: Treating Prep Like a Quick Wipe-Down 

Prep takes the longest and matters the most. Soap scum, oils, and old caulk have to come completely off. Leave anything behind and the new finish peels in weeks. Most people rush this step and ruin the whole job before they even open the coating. Do the boring work first, and the rest will actually last. 

Mistake 2: Falling for the $79 Hardware Store Kit 

Those inexpensive kits are designed for light-duty sinks, not daily use in bathtubs. They yellow quickly, scratch easily, and crack under hot water. You’ll get six to twelve months before it looks terrible again. Professionals use materials that cost more because they last ten to fifteen years. Pay a little now or pay a lot later. 

Mistake 3: Rolling or Brushing Like It’s Wall Paint 

This mistake alone destroys more DIY tubs than anything else. Rollers and brushes trap bubbles and leave streaks and orange peel forever. You can’t get smooth that way. Only sprayed coats give that factory finish people want. Anything else looks obviously homemade the second it dries. 

Mistake 4: Thinking One Open Window Is Enough Ventilation 

The fumes from these kits are seriously dangerous. Breathing them without protection can land you in the hospital. A regular dust mask does nothing against the chemicals. Wear a real respirator with organic vapor cartridges, run strong fans blowing out and keep fresh air moving the entire time. 




Mistake 5: Using the Tub Before It’s Fully Hard 

The box claims 24-48 hours. That’s not true for real-life use. The coating needs five to seven full days to reach full hardness. Step in too soon and you leave heel dents, towel snags, or deep scratches that never go away. Wait a week and enjoy it for years. 

Mistake 6: Ignoring Humidity and Temperature 

You can’t glaze when it’s too cold, too hot, or too humid. Do it below 65°F or above 85°F and the coating won’t cure right; it stays sticky or cracks later. High humidity makes it blush milky or fish-eye with tiny craters. Pros check the weather, use heaters or dehumidifiers, and only spray when conditions are perfect. Skip this, and your perfect prep and expensive materials still fail. 

Why Smart Homeowners Skip DIY and Go Pro First 

Six months after the average DIY job, the peeling starts. Then it spreads fast. Suddenly, the tub looks worse than before, and now a professional has to strip everything off before starting over. That doubles the final bill. Hire an expert who does bathtub reglazing Philly every day with the right tools and materials. You get one perfect result that lasts a decade instead of one regret that lasts forever. 


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