Doraville residential refinishing
Doraville Bathtub Refinishing & Tile Restoration for Older Homes
Many Doraville homes were built in the decades after World War II, and some bathrooms still have their original tub and wall tile. When the tile is firmly attached and the tub is sound, refinishing (also called reglazing) can restore both in place, keeping walls that would otherwise have to be torn open.
Older bathrooms
Why original tile is often worth restoring
In older homes the tub was usually set first and the tile built around and over its edge. Pulling out either one tends to damage the other, and replacing original wall tile can mean removing the wall surface behind it, not just the tile.
Restoring the tile instead means cleaning and preparing it, addressing damaged grout and minor chips, and applying a bonded coating for a uniform new color. It suits tile that is attached and dry behind; it is not a fix for water damage.
Tile condition guide
Can your tile be refinished?
Older tile shows its age in a few predictable ways. This guide shows what each condition usually means and what has to happen before a new finish goes on.
| What you see | What it usually means | Usual next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fine web of cracks in the glaze (crazing) | The glaze has aged, but the tile itself is usually still sound | Usually a refinishing candidate |
| Chipped tile edges or corners | Localized damage from impacts or fixture changes | Small chips repaired, then refinished |
| Stained, eroded or missing grout | Grout wears faster than tile | Grout addressed as part of tile refinishing |
| Tile that sounds hollow or moves when pressed | The tile has lost its bond to the wall, often from water | Must be reattached or repaired before refinishing |
| Soft wall, swelling or water stains near the tub | Water has reached the wall behind the tile | A wall or plumbing repair first; refinishing cannot fix it |
| Tile painted or coated before, now peeling | The earlier coating has failed | Old coating removed before a new finish |
Tub and tile together
Restoring the tub and tile as one set
When the tub and tile were installed as a matched set, refinishing both in one color keeps them consistent. A cast iron or enameled steel tub from the same era is often still structurally sound and can be repaired and refinished alongside the tile.
If only the tub needs attention, it can be refinished in a shade that works with the tile you keep. Antique and cast iron fixtures are covered on our antique tubs and sinks page.
Before
After
Before
AfterRelated services
Tub and tile services for Doraville homes
How long a refinished tub can last
Unique Refinishers has refinished bathtubs for more than 55 years. Non-abrasive cleaners and keeping caulk joints in good repair help refinished tile last.
In our experience it is not uncommon to see tubs we refinished 10–15 years earlier still in excellent condition. That is an observation from our own work, not a guarantee: results depend on the condition of the tub, surface preparation, use and cleaning. Ask about written terms for your project before work begins.
Not sure your tile can be saved?
Send a photo of the tile wall and a close-up of any loose tiles or damaged grout. We will tell you whether restoring it makes sense.
Doraville homeowner questions
Frequently asked questions
Our Doraville house still has its original bathroom tile. Is it worth keeping?
Often, yes. Original tile in older homes is frequently set firmly, and removing it can mean rebuilding the wall behind it. If the tile is attached and the grout is serviceable, refinishing gives it a new color and finish while the wall stays intact.
The tile has fine cracks all over the glaze. Can it be refinished?
Usually. Crazing is a network of hairline cracks in the glaze, not the tile body, and a bonded refinishing coating covers it. Cracked-through or loose tiles are a different problem and need repair first.
A previous owner painted the tile, and it is peeling. What can be done?
The failing coating has to be removed and the tile properly prepared before a professional finish is applied; a new coat over peeling paint will not hold. Our guide to bathtub surface problems covers why coatings fail.
Can the tub and tile be refinished in the same color?
Yes. In older bathrooms the tub and tile were often chosen as a set, and refinishing both in one color keeps them matched. Accent rows and trim pieces take the same color as the field tile.
Is tile restoration the same as reglazing?
Tile refinishing uses the same kind of bonded coating as bathtub refinishing or reglazing. Our tile refinishing guide explains the process.
Doraville service area
Serving Doraville homeowners
Doraville is in northeast DeKalb County, along Buford Highway where it crosses I-285. The Doraville MARTA station sits at the northern end of the Gold Line, and the former General Motors plant site is being redeveloped as Assembly. Nearby service pages cover Chamblee to the southwest, Norcross to the northeast and Tucker to the southeast.
Unique Refinishers works from its headquarters in Sugar Hill, Georgia, and does not have a separate office in Doraville. Availability varies by address, so call or request an estimate and we will confirm service for your home.
Nearby service pages
Pages for neighboring DeKalb and Gwinnett communities.
- Bathtub refinishing in Chamblee
- Bathtub refinishing in Norcross
- Bathtub refinishing in Tucker
- Bathtub refinishing in Peachtree Corners
- Bathtub refinishing in Brookhaven
See all residential services on our residential bathtub services page, check the Greater Atlanta service area overview, or browse real before-and-after work in the portfolio.
Prefer email or want our hours and address? Visit the contact page.
Request Your Free Doraville Tub & Tile Estimate
Tell us about the tub and tile, mention any loose tile or earlier painting, and send a photo of the wall you are most concerned about.
Tell us about your project and we’ll review your request. Photos of the bathtub, shower, tile or sink can help us evaluate the work.
Prefer to talk? Call us directly:
Call 770-945-0072