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The 8 Best Tub Repair Kits of 2024

Cover imperfections and make minor repairs with these top options

Tub Repair Kits

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

If your tub is looking dull, discolored, chipped, or cracked, a tub repair kit can help by concealing the damage and sealing the spot to prevent corrosion or additional wear. Tub repair kits can also be an economical and time-saving alternative to replacing your tub.

When shopping for a tub repair kit, double-check that it’s compatible with the material of your tub, shower, sink, or tile. Jay Sanders, general contractor and owner of Castle Dream Construction, says that ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, and enamel tubs are all good candidates for DIY tub repair, and the project can buy you 10 to 15 more years of use from your existing tub. Keep in mind that some tub materials, like ceramic, may require extra preparation (like using an etching agent) for the repair compound to adhere properly.

We researched dozens of tub repair kits, assessing the application, drying and curing times, compatibility with different tub materials, and effectiveness. From self-leveling formulas to easy spray paint finishes, these are the best tub repair kits on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit

Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Covers up to 110 sq. ft.

  • Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer

  • Self-leveling formula for less visible brush strokes

What We Don't Like
  • Long cure time

  • Strong fumes

The Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit is an easy-to-use epoxy acrylic formula that restores the appearance of your tub or shower. It can be used to cover chips or cracks in porcelain, ceramic, or fiberglass surfaces, including sinks and tile surrounds.

One kit covers 110 square feet, so there’s plenty of coverage for your project. Depending on the tools you have available and your preference, the formula can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer. If you do opt for brush application, the self-leveling formula means that you’re less likely to notice brush strokes in the finished product.

While you can complete the two-part process in just a few hours, according to the manufacturer, you shouldn’t expose the area to water for 72 hours. For homes with a single shower, it may not be practical to use a kit with such a long cure time. However, if you have multiple bathrooms or can forgo running the water in your tub or shower, then this tub repair kit is highly recommended.

You should also be prepared for strong fumes when using this product. The manufacturer emphasizes the need for proper ventilation while applying the formula and waiting for it to dry.

Coverage Area: 110 sq. ft. | Tub Compatibility: Porcelain, fiberglass, ceramic | Cure Time: 72 hours | Colors: White or coastal fog

Best Budget

Keeney Tub Repair Kit

Keeney Tub Repair Kit

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Short cure time

  • Can be used on wide variety of surfaces

What We Don't Like
  • Not tintable

  • May need to purchase additional materials

If you need a simple fix for restoring your bathtub’s appearance, the Keeney Tub Repair Kit is an affordable option. For about $20, you can fill any unsightly chips or cracks in your tub, shower, or sink. The formula is versatile enough to work on ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, and enamel surfaces.

This budget tub repair kit includes the basics you’ll need to make the fix, including sandpaper, gel coat putty, hardener, and polish. But if you have more than a few small repairs to make, you should probably supplement the repair kit with extra sandpaper in various grits and more polish. Unlike our best overall pick, which has a cure time of 72 hours, this product only takes a few hours to dry.

It’s also worth noting that the kit comes pre-tinted, so there’s no opportunity to color-match your tub. Even still, we think most people will feel that the final result is well worth the $20 spent for this tub repair kit and a better bargain than paying a handyman to do the job.

Coverage Area: 1.5 sq. ft. | Tub Compatibility: Ceramic, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, enamel | Cure Time: 1 to 3 hours | Colors: White

Best Spray

Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Aerosol

Amazon

What We Like
  • Single-step formula

  • Dries to touch in about 15 minutes

  • No application tools required

What We Don't Like
  • Small coverage area

  • 72-hour cure time

Most tub repair kits require some measuring and mixing, and others involve applying two coats of product. But if you pick a tub repair kit spray, you can skip straight to the results. If you’re looking for a fast and easy route to cover chips or discoloration, we recommend Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Spray Paint.

You won’t need tools to apply the product, and it’s dry to the touch in about 15 minutes. However, you will need to wait 72 hours for the product to fully cure. This aerosol paint formula can be used on ceramic, porcelain, or fiberglass surfaces, including tubs, tile surfaces, and sinks.

The coverage is rather sheer, so you may need to make a few passes with the can to conceal imperfections. That brings up the biggest gripe about Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Spray Paint: you’ll need multiple cans of product to cover a standard-size bathtub. Keep in mind it may be sufficient for covering a small bathtub and definitely sufficient for treating spots.

Each can cover about 15 square feet, so you may need several cans if you want to fully refinish your bathtub. Even still, this option is the best for a spray-on tub repair kit and is a great pick if you want a simple solution to improving the look of your bathroom fixtures. 

Coverage Area: 15 sq. ft. | Tub Compatibility: Ceramic, porcelain or fiberglass | Cure Time: 72 hours | Colors: White or coastal fog

Best for Chips

Bathworks Tub and Tile Chip Repair Kit

Bathworks Tub and Tile Chip Repair Kit in White

Homedepot

What We Like
  • Enough materials to cover up to 12 chips

  • Includes five shades of paint

  • Quick-drying chip filler compound

What We Don't Like
  • Should not mix entire kit

If your bathtub's smooth finish is spotted with chips from dropping heavy objects like a slippery shampoo bottle, you don’t need to invest all the effort and time it takes to refinish the entire tub’s surface. Instead, choose a tub repair kit for chips and scratches, like this popular version from Bathworks. 

The Bathworks Tub and Tile Chip Repair Kit covers up to a dozen spots the size of a quarter. Inside the box, you’ll find the fill compound and repair paint in five shades to match your tub’s finish. Be sure to only mix the amount of filler and cream hardener that you need for a repair job, as it must be used within two minutes of mixing.

The fast-drying chip filler formula should be dry and ready for light sanding in about 5 minutes, after which you can paint the repair to conceal the damage more fully. You’ll still need to wait 24 hours for the product to fully cure, but all things are considered, this tub repair kit for chips is much faster and easier than resurfacing your entire bathtub. 

Coverage Area: 10 to 12 chips | Tub Compatibility: Porcelain, steel, ceramic, plastic, and fiberglass | Cure Time: 24 hours | Colors: Almond, biscuit, black, bone, and white

Best Splurge

Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit

Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit
Amazon.
What We Like
  • Odorless formula

  • Thick, self-leveling epoxy

  • Includes basic tools needed

What We Don't Like
  • Roller is not of the highest quality

  • Learning curve for application

Instead of spending thousands to replace your bathtub, the best tub refinishing kits will restore the appearance and functionality by covering chips, cracks, and discoloration. If that’s what you’re after, then the Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit is a great option. While it’s more expensive than most other tub repair kits, this option is highly rated and results in a smooth, shiny surface for your worn or old bathtub

The Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit is available in four pre-tinted colors: white, gray, black, and biscuit. You can match the color to your existing tub but since it’s designed to completely resurface the tub, you can also pick the color that appeals to you the most. For instance, you may want to splurge on this tub repair kit to give new life to a dated beige or green bathtub.

While the coverage area isn’t specified in square feet, the manufacturer indicates that one kit is sufficient to cover an entire bathtub. If you want to resurface your tub and shower surround, plan to purchase two kits. Inside the box, you’ll find the basic tools necessary for the job, including a roller with foam covers. However, the paint roller may be the biggest weakness of this kit. It may not be the best option for applying this epoxy, as it could leave behind debris that then adheres to your tub.

There are online video instructions you can (and should) watch beforehand to help explain the application process since there is a bit of a learning curve to properly pouring and smoothing the epoxy formula.

Coverage Area: Not listed | Tub Compatibility: Porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic and cast iron | Cure Time: 24 hours | Colors: White, gray, black, biscuit

Best with Non-Slip

Bathworks Standard Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Non-Slip Protection

Bathworks Standard Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Non-Slip Protection
Amazon.
What We Like
  • Includes textured additive for extra grip

  • Resin formula is less likely to yellow

What We Don't Like
  • Separate etching kit recommended for some surfaces

  • Strong fumes

Since a shiny, smooth bathtub surface can be slippery when wet, many tubs have a textured bottom. When you refinish or reglaze the tub, you may lose the non-slip finish unless you choose a tub repair kit with a grippy additive, like this option from Bathworks.

The Bathworks Standard Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit with Non-Slip Protection is a two-part resin formula, which makes it less susceptible to discoloration and yellowing over time. It includes paint, primer, hardener, and a non-skid additive.

The instructions specify when and how to add the additive, resulting in a textured surface that is less likely to feel slippery when showering or bathing. Be sure to use the additive after you’ve applied the formula to other areas of the tub unless you don’t mind the same textured surface on all parts of the tub.

You can use Bathworks Standard Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit on a variety of surfaces, including porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, cultured marble, and plastic shower modules—but take note that the manufacturer suggests using an etching product to prep porcelain or ceramic surfaces.

This product does have a very strong smell, so we recommend keeping your bathroom's ventilation system running after the application is complete. It will need 24 hours to cure and you can expect some fumes to be present in the meantime. 

Coverage Area: 60 sq. ft. | Tub Compatibility: Porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, cultured marble, plastic | Cure Time: 24 hours | Colors: White, almond, biscuit, black, bone

Best Odorless

ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit

ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit
Amazon.
What We Like
  • No VOCs or odor

  • Pour-on formula

  • Includes etching cleaner

What We Don't Like
  • No color options

One of the most frequent complaints about tub repair kits is the strong fumes from most epoxy or resin formulas. Even after application, many people find that the odor lingers for several days and sometimes even permeates other areas of the home. You can avoid this hassle with the ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit.

This odorless product is free of VOCs and delivers smooth, shiny results for your porcelain, enamel, acrylic, fiberglass, or cast iron tub. There are no color options or tints for this tub repair kit, but this kit is most often used to cover the entire surface of the tub, so it’s usually not a cause for complaint. 

The ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit is a pour-on product and includes application tools, an etching cleaner to ensure proper surface prep, and online videos that detail the resurfacing process. The slow-acting hardener provides time to touch up any mistakes.

And true to expectations of a zero VOC formula, the ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit doesn’t have a strong odor during the application or curing time. Speaking of curing time, you’ll need to wait up to 36 hours before using the resurfaced tub or shower, which is a little longer than some other kits that have 24-hour cure times. 

Coverage Area: Not listed | Tub Compatibility: Porcelain, enamel, acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, plastic | Cure Time: 36 hours | Colors: White

Best for Color-Matching

HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit

HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Several tints for custom color matching

  • Odorless, non-toxic formula

  • Easy mixing process

What We Don't Like
  • Can be easy to over-tint

  • Only for spot repairs

Most homeowners who are repairing a small area of the tub rather than resurfacing the entire fixture are concerned about concealing the repair. The best tub repair kit for color-matching will include a dye that you can use to tint the product to match the color of your tub or sink. For this purpose, we suggest the HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit.

It includes black and yellow dye. When added to the repair formula, you can achieve a range of common tub colors, including shades of beige, gray, or white. The biggest thing to know when using this color-matching tub repair kit is that a little bit of dye goes a long way. The good news is that there is plenty of product included in the kit, so if you make a mistake on the color match, you can start over.

The process is fast and simple too; it only takes about 10 minutes to make the repairs. You’ll need to wait 24 hours for the product to fully cure before you expose it to water. 

The manufacturer doesn’t specify the coverage area, but it’s intended for repairing chips, cracks, or gouges in your tub or sink. It’s not a substitute for a reglazing tub repair kit if that’s what you need.

Coverage Area: Not listed | Tub Compatibility: Fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, gel-coat, enameled steel, enameled cast iron | Cure Time: 24 hours | Colors: Milk white, white, dune, bone, biscuit, almond, ice gray, thunder gray, cashmere, black

Final Verdict

The Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit is one of the most versatile options for a tub repair kit. It can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer and the self-leveling formula helps to conceal any mistakes. Like many other tub refinishing products, there is a strong odor and a long cure time. If you want to skip the strong fumes, check out the ArmoGlaze Bathtub Refinishing Kit. It has a VOC-free formula and a pour-over application to give your tub a facelift.

What to Look for in Bathtub Repair Kits

Coverage

When picking out a tub repair kit, you want to ensure that the kit has enough product coverage for your project. This is especially important in the case of pour-over or two-part tub repair formulas; once you start the process, you’ll need to finish resurfacing the entire area before the product sets and hardens. 

The average size of a bathtub takes up about 13 square feet of floor space. Most tub reglazing kits include enough materials to refinish the entire tub, including the vertical, horizontal, and other exposed surfaces. However, if you want to refinish a tile surround, you will likely need two kits. You may also need two kits if you have a larger soaking tub or clawfoot tub. Small tub repair kits are available for small-scale projects, like chip repair for a tub or sink. For example, the Bathworks Tub and Tile Chip Repair Kit (our best for chips option) will conceal up to 12 spots the size of a quarter. You’ll save on materials and costs by choosing the right size tub repair kit for your situation. 

Application

The method of application depends on the tub repair kit you choose. Some of the most common methods of refinishing a tub involve brushing on the product, using a roller to distribute the product, or using a plastic scoop and comb. These methods are best for covering a large project area. When deciding on which type of application tool to choose, your decision may be made by the tools included with the tub repair kit. For instance, the Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit (our best splurge) includes a roller to ensure that you can quickly and evenly smooth the refinishing compound on all surfaces. But if the decision on how to apply the product is left up to you, Sanders recommends using a high-quality roller to help achieve a smooth and even finish, with the help of a small brush for corners if needed.

Tub repair kits in the form of spray paint require no tools at all for application. This is the case for Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Spray Paint. You only need to shake the aerosol can well before spraying on the single-step formula wherever it’s needed. 

Drying and Curing

To ensure the success of your tub refinishing project, pay close attention to the drying and curing times indicated in the product instructions. Most tub repair kits specify a drying time, which is how long the product will be wet to the touch. Before the dry time expires, you can often make adjustments to the application of the product. 

After it’s dry, however, it’s still not time to use the newly refinished surface. Sanders explains that “curing is the hardening process—it helps seal any fixed areas.” Most tub repair kits require at least 24 hours of curing time, but some require 36 hours or more. Our best overall pick, the Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, has the longest curing time at 72 hours, while the Keeney Tub Repair Kit only takes a few hours. If you expose the repair to water before it’s fully cured, it may lift or peel. 

FAQ
  • Is it easy to repair a chip in my bathtub?

    Repairing a chip in a bathtub is easy enough for most people to do without hiring a handyman. Sanders suggests using an epoxy repair kit. Since the size of the repair is small, using an epoxy repair kit is less daunting than refinishing an entire bathtub. Just keep in mind that when viewed up close, it may be possible to see the repaired area, due to differences in color or finish. To minimize the likelihood of that, you may want to choose a color-matching tub repair kit, like the HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit

  • Can you epoxy a bathtub?

    Yes, most bathtubs can be refinished with an epoxy tub repair kit. According to Sanders, ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, and enamel tubs are all candidates for epoxy repair. Just keep in mind that it’s essential to properly prep the tub surface, which often means doing a deep cleaning and removing any chipped or loose finish material from the tub before you begin.

  • How long does a tub repair last?

    Based on Sanders' experience, you can expect a tub repair to last 10 to 15 years. This means that instead of needing to invest time and money into installing a new tub, you can greatly prolong the useful lifespan of your existing tub with a repair or refinishing kit. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis has been covering the best products for outdoor and indoor living at The Spruce since 2017. No stranger to DIY projects around the home, she understands the importance of picking the right product for the task and researched the best tub repair kits based on factors like coverage area, application, drying and curing time, and color options.

Our Experts:

Updated by
Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process