Need to get a tub in our 1950 house refinished. Can't come out due to the way the remodel was done 10 years ago (we bought it just over a year ago, so it's not our fault :)), so can't be reglazed. From what I've read up on and seen, there are 3 ways it can be done:

Buy a cheap kit at a hardware store and brush it on without sanding, etc. (that's what the handyman did when the sellers got it "refinished" before we bought it), and that lasts for less than a year, we've found.

Sand it, spray some kind of epoxy stuff (similar to paint, maybe?) on it, and from what I've heard, that lasts about a year or so, maybe longer.

Miracle Method - supposed to last 10-15 years, but reviews indicate it doesn't always, and the quality depends very heavily on how much the applier cares or knows about how to do it.

We plan to be in this house 'til we die, and I know there are people here with lots of expertise, so wondering if anybody has any tips on what might be the best choice, any experience with any of the methods, any other methods I'm missing? Thanks much in advance.

This has been years ago, but back when I was painting for a living, we used a two part epoxy to spray the tub and tile surround. The tub and tile had to be properly prepped to make sure the the epoxy primer and top coat would adhere correctly. The epoxy was sprayed using a small pressure pot. When cured, it was smooth and hard as a rock. It is a multistep process that needs to be done right so the finish doesn’t pop over time . But it can be done.

This has been years ago, but back when I was painting for a living, we used a two part epoxy to spray the tub and tile surround. The tub and tile had to be properly prepped to make sure the the epoxy primer and top coat would adhere correctly. The epoxy was sprayed using a small pressure pot. When cured, it was smooth and hard as a rock. It is a multistep process that needs to be done right so the finish doesn’t pop over time . But it can be done.

Yep, that sounds like method #2. I've heard from someone that has done it multiple times (sanding it, then spraying it, so it appears he did the right prep) that it lasts only about a year, especially with daily use. What's your experience like regarding longevity - does that sound right or is he just doing it wrong?

If you’re talking about the old porcelain on steel tubs: there are fiberglass inserts that just fit right into them. I don’t know the details, I’m sure a little plumping would would need to be done to prevent water lock between tubs. But I’ve seen them in flipped houses with the ubiquitous steel tubs with the little dip in the middle in everything from pre war homes to motels from the 50’s. They often have matching wall mount sinks.

If you’re talking about the old porcelain on steel tubs: there are fiberglass inserts that just fit right into them. I don’t know the details, I’m sure a little plumping would would need to be done to prevent water lock between tubs. But I’ve seen them in flipped houses with the ubiquitous steel tubs with the little dip in the middle in everything from pre war homes to motels from the 50’s. They often have matching wall mount sinks.

Thought about that, but unfortunately it's not feasible, kind of hard to explain, but the tile they put on the walls during the remodel comes all the way down and covers the side of the tub, there's very little horizontal edge to that side, it just wouldn't fit well and we don't want to mess with the tile. Can't do anything to the sink either, it's a pedestal one they grouted to the wall. :( At least we like the color and style of the bathroom, the tub just needs a new finish...

I was just trying to describe the bathroom sets from the era. At the end of the day, tile is cheap, and paint doesn’t stop a tub from rusting.

The best way is to strip and refinish. Not sure what your budget is, but you can find a specialist to do it correctly in a day.

Yep, that sounds like method #2. I've heard from someone that has done it multiple times (sanding it, then spraying it, so it appears he did the right prep) that it lasts only about a year, especially with daily use. What's your experience like regarding longevity - does that sound right or is he just doing it wrong?

One of the tubs in the house we bought 4 years ago was just sanded and painted to make it look good to sell, and it's coming up now. It's a fiberglass tub, but it doesn't matter what the material, just sanding and painting won't last. All surfaces need to be properly prepped, ... de-glossed/de-greased in order for the finish to adhere. There's lots of film and scale in a tub/shower that the eye can't see, so a chemical de-glosser like PASO, or other alternative may be required.

If done right, it should last a good long time.