If your clawfoot tub has lost its luster—stained, chipped, rough, or yellowed—professional refinishing can restore it to showroom condition at a fraction of the replacement cost. But how much should you expect to pay? This guide breaks down clawfoot tub refinishing costs so you can budget confidently.
Clawfoot Tub Refinishing Cost Breakdown
Refinishing costs vary based on the scope of work, tub condition, and whether you want interior-only or full restoration:
Interior Refinishing Only
Cost: $400–$700
Includes: Surface prep, chip repair, primer, and multi-coat topcoat application
Best for: Tubs with cosmetic interior wear but a good-looking exterior
Timeline: One day, usable in 24–48 hours
Interior + Exterior Refinishing
Cost: $800–$1,500
Includes: Everything above, plus exterior stripping, priming, and painting in your choice of color
Best for: Tubs where both inside and outside need a fresh look
Timeline: One to two days
Complete Restoration (Interior + Exterior + Feet)
Cost: $1,200–$2,500
Includes: Full interior and exterior refinishing, rust treatment, foot de-rusting and refinishing or replacement, hardware restoration
Best for: Vintage or antique tubs that need comprehensive work
Timeline: Two to three days
Add-Ons
Color change (interior): +$50–$100
Custom exterior color: Included in exterior refinishing
Non-slip bottom coating: +$50–$75
Foot replacement (per foot): $75–$200
Drain/overflow replacement: $100–$250
Refinishing vs. Replacement: Cost Comparison
The cost savings of refinishing over replacement are substantial:
Option
Cost Range
Timeline
Refinishing (interior)
$400–$700
1 day
Full restoration
$1,200–$2,500
2–3 days
New acrylic clawfoot + install
$1,300–$3,000
1–2 days
New cast iron clawfoot + install
$2,700–$7,000+
2–3 days
For most homeowners, refinishing delivers 80% of the visual impact at 30% of the cost of replacement.
What Affects Refinishing Cost?
Several factors influence your final price:
Tub condition — A tub with minor wear costs less to refinish than one with heavy rust, deep chips, or previous failed DIY coatings that need stripping.
Tub size — Larger double slipper and double-ended tubs have more surface area, increasing material and labor costs.
Previous coatings — If someone previously painted or applied a DIY kit, stripping those layers adds time and cost.
Color choice — Standard white is included. Custom colors may have a small upcharge for specialty coatings.
Location accessibility — Tubs in tight spaces, upper floors, or areas requiring protective covering may have slightly higher labor costs.
How to Get the Best Value
Get multiple estimates — Compare at least two to three quotes. Be wary of prices significantly below market—low bids often mean consumer-grade materials.
Ask about materials — Professional-grade coatings (urethane, acrylic-urethane) last 10–15 years. Cheap epoxy kits may fail within 1–2 years.
Bundle services — Doing interior and exterior together is more cost-effective than separate visits.
Address issues early — Small chips and minor rust are cheaper to fix than waiting until the damage spreads.
Call (504) 666-3779 for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Absolutely. Refinishing costs 30–50% of replacement and extends your tub’s life by 10–15 years. For vintage cast-iron tubs that are irreplaceable, it’s the smart investment.
How long does professional refinishing last?
With professional-grade coatings and proper care (non-abrasive cleaners, no adhesive strips), a refinish lasts 10–15 years.
Can I refinish a clawfoot tub myself to save money?
DIY kits cost $30–$80 but typically peel within 1–2 years due to inferior coatings and lack of proper preparation. Professional refinishing costs more upfront but delivers dramatically better results and longevity.
Does refinishing include the feet?
Standard interior refinishing does not include the feet. Full restoration packages include foot de-rusting and refinishing. Ask about our complete restoration option.
What warranty do you offer on refinishing?
We stand behind our work. Contact us at (504) 666-3779 to discuss our warranty terms for your specific project.
Can you refinish a clawfoot tub in place, or does it need to be removed?
Interior refinishing is done in place—no removal needed. For full exterior restoration, the tub may need to be flipped or partially moved, but it stays in the bathroom.
Turnkey Bathtubs 
