The question pops up in nearly every bathroom remodel conversation: how much does it cost to refinish a bathtub? For New York–area homeowners, the answer can feel like a moving target. Material shortages, volatile labor markets, and ever-changing code requirements all affect price. CountBricks solves the guessing game with AI voice estimating that captures real-time commodity pricing and localized labor rates the moment you speak the words “Refinish my tub.”
Based on thousands of CountBricks residential projects, a standard 60-inch porcelain tub in good condition generally lands between $425 and $825, including surface prep, primer, top-coat, and cleanup. That broad range reflects differing site conditions and finish expectations.
• Low end $425–$525: Minimal repairs, single-stage acrylic top-coat, easy access
• Mid range $550–$675: Moderate chip repair, two-stage epoxy system, average access
• High end $700–$825: Heavy repairs, premium poly-gloss system, tight Manhattan walk-ups
Cast iron and porcelain bond differently than fiberglass or acrylic. Cast iron requires acid etching, while fiberglass often needs a flexible bonding primer, adding 8–12 % to labor.
Cracks and rust stains demand patching compounds, sanding, and in some cases fiberglass cloth reinforcement. Every extra repair pass can add $45–$90.
Urban apartments usually need temporary exhaust ducting to exterior windows and full plastic containment to protect adjoining finishes. Expect 30–60 minutes of extra setup time.
Single-stage acrylic systems are budget friendly but offer a 1-year sheen guarantee. Two-stage epoxy or premium poly-gloss systems carry 3–5-year warranties and cost roughly $110 more in materials alone.
The sample below was generated by CountBricks voice AI for a 5th-floor Manhattan co-op:
1. On-site prep & masking: $110
2. Acid etching & neutralization: $45
3. Chip and rust patching (7 spots): $70
4. Two-stage epoxy system (materials): $155
5. Spraying labor (3.5 hrs @ $68/hr): $238
6. Cleanup & re-caulking: $60
Total: $678
• Plumbing disconnect/reconnect if valves leak
• Elevator booking fees in high-rise buildings
• After-hours work premiums to meet building rules
• Color-matching surcharge for custom tints
A big-box refinishing kit costs roughly $60, but homeowners often underestimate:
• Tool purchases (HVLP sprayer, respirator, tarps) can exceed $250
• Learning curve mistakes may require full strip-down and start-over
• DIY warranties rarely extend beyond 90 days
When you factor time spent and risk of peeling finish, professional service remains the better value for most urban homeowners.
1. Open the CountBricks mobile app and start a voice session.
2. Describe your existing tub—material, visible damage, building access.
3. The AI pulls live material indexes and local union or open-shop labor tables.
4. You receive a line-item estimate, complete with task durations and warranty options.
5. Convert the estimate into a branded client quote or invoice with one tap.
• Instant, accurate numbers eliminate bid padding and profit erosion.
• Integrated blueprint takeoffs quantify surrounding tile, trim, and paint in the same session.
• Cloud sync lets field teams view scope changes in real time.
• CountBricks compliance library auto-attaches SDS sheets and warranty docs to every proposal.
Whether you’re a homeowner curious about a bathroom refresh or a contractor quoting multiple units, CountBricks delivers clarity. Start a free voice estimate at CountBricks.com/services and see precisely how much it will cost to refinish your bathtub—before you lift a brush or sprayer.
A recent CountBricks client purchased a 1980s Midtown one-bedroom where the avocado-green tub was scaring off renters. The board required all spray work to happen between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and elevators could only be reserved in 30-minute blocks. Traditional contractors submitted bids from $900 to $1,200, citing “city complexities.”
• Voice scoping: The contractor described the site, and CountBricks auto-added containment, elevator time, and union labor premiums.
• Live pricing: Epoxy and primer costs updated to reflect the week’s resin surcharge, keeping margins intact.
• Instant documentation: Building management received SDS sheets and insurance certificates generated through CountBricks.com/portfolio.
The final invoice totaled $742—18 % below the lowest competing quote. Work began two days after approval, finished in four hours, and passed board inspection without punch-list items. The investor listed the unit at a $150/month rent premium, recouping refinishing costs in just five months.
• Always photograph the existing finish in strong light; CountBricks image recognition flags hidden cracks.
• Schedule refinishing before tile or vanity installs to avoid overspray protection fees.
• Opt for a two-stage epoxy if your rental turnover is high—its harder surface resists cleaners and tenant abuse.
• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to estimate adjacent tile square footage for a full bathroom package bid.
Sign in at CountBricks.com/consultation or launch the app to price your next bathtub refinish in under 60 seconds. Live data, precise scopes, and friction-free paperwork—CountBricks keeps every residential project on budget and on time.
