Cast Iron tub damaged: Resurface? ...experiences wanted

[kcndc]

Anyone have experience with resurfacing/reglazing thier cast iron tub?

Recently the city sewer backflowed into our home. Resulting in damage
to the enamal finish in the tub, which is cast iron. The city is taking responsibility financially for the damage but wants to have the tub resurfaced/reglazed. (the kind done in place, not where it's taking to a place to be refired with enamal)

The tub is about 25 yrs old but in very, very good condition before the backflow.

Will resurfacing last as long as our tub would have? (10 to 15 years or more)
Is it as durable?
Does it require special cleaning and handling? If so, what exactly?
How does it look compared to factory done enamal finish?

Or should we ask for a replacement tub? (which might include some tile work to the walls and floor from removing the tub I would think). We're not looking to 'take the city to the cleaners' ... all we want to have just as good as we had before the backflow.
Thank you.
Casey

 

[Jadnashua]

There are all sorts of techniques...a refinish can last anywhere from a year or less to maybe 10. It depends on what is used, how well the surface is prepped, and how you treat it. It is not anywhere as robust as the original finish.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[kcndc]

Thank you for the reply Jim.
The insurance adjuster needs documentation and that's what I'm hopeing to get here...actual experiences from poeple who have had resurfacing done. The 3 or 4 resurfacing companies she has contacted have told her it lasts almost as long as a factory finish (within 2-3 yrs).

Casey

 

[hj]

refinish

A good commercial refinisher can make the tub look as good as it did before the damage, or maybe better, but do not even consider a bathtub liner. Nothing will approach a factory finish because you cannot get the tub red hot and then apply the glaze, but they are as good as you can get.