Myron Dissin has spent nearly half his life in bathtubs. About 18,000 bathtubs. Well, not exactly in them. More like on them. Actually, it’s what he puts on them. Dissin makes his living refinishing old bathtubs, making them look like new.

“Since 1 started the business over 50 years ago,” Dissin said, doing some fast calculations, “I’d estimate that I’ve refinished an average of 1,000 tubs per year.

His King of Prussia, PA company, Perma-Ceram, Inc., which began as a moonlighting operation, now employs three refinishers who are kept busy restoring tired and worn out tubs at the rate of 20 per week. In addition to tubs, the firm works its resurfacing magic on tile walls to give them a sparkling, new finish in any color.

According to Dissin, bathtub restoration was going on long before he got into the business. Right after World War II, the grand old Atlantic City hotels were using the technique to spruce up their bathrooms. They did it out of economic necessity since it was far less costly than replacing the tubs and it didn’t necessitate taking guest rooms out of service for days.

Dissin was a regional manager for a string of refinishing Panelrama Home Centers, a now defunct do-it-yourself handyman chain, when he formed his company in 1971. He began it as a part time venture but gave up his managerial job in 1978 and went full-time into bathtub revitalization.

Dissin and business partner, Stan Rubi,  said 95 percent of his business is residential, although he does have some large institutional customers such as Hahnemann University where he did 500 tubs over a three year span. He’s also done work for other area colleges Villanova, Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore and Rosemont.

Rubi likens the bathtub refinishing process to that of restoring an antique car. “It’s a four hour procedure. We spray on four coats of a hard, glossy coating and the tub is ready for use in two days.”

Customers can choose from 86 different stock colors for the tiles and tubs. Or, if they want to match the color of wallpaper or other accessories, Dissin can custom blend an exact match.

A typical tub re-coating costs about $300 and an average tile wall runs about $600, Rubi said. That contrasts with a $1,500 to $2,000 replacement cost for just the tub. The work is warranted for five years, but Dissin said he’ll come back any time during the life of the tub or tile to fix any problems.

Keith and Becky Brinks of Havertown can attest to Dissin’s concern with customer satisfaction. They had Dissin redo two bathrooms in their 81-year old home and after the job was done, they inadvertently scratched some tile moving furniture. “He came back and fixed it,” said Becky Brinks.

“My husband and I were impressed with his attentiveness to the job.

“That’s one of his big assets – Perma Ceram Bathroom is very prompt, very responsive. We’re very pleased.”

Resurfacing makes old tubs and wall tiles look new.

In today’s economy, where home improvement costs continue to rise and environmental consciousness drives many decisions, bathroom resurfacing has emerged as an innovative, sustainable alternative to costly replacements. For homeowners throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County, PA, professional resurfacing services offer an economical solution that transforms worn bathtubs and ceramic wall tile while significantly reducing environmental impact.

The Environmental and Economic Case for Resurfacing

The environmental benefits of choosing resurfacing over replacement are substantial and measurable. The production of new bathtubs consumes a wide range of natural resources, including minerals like iron, clay, and limestone, which are mined and processed, requiring significant energy consumption and contributing to ecosystem depletion. By contrast, the main environmental benefit of refinishing your old tub is keeping it in your house instead of sending it to the landfill.

When homeowners choose resurfacing, they actively participate in sustainable home improvement practices. Bathtub refinishing or surface restoration benefits the environment because old bathtubs are not thrown into the landfills but are refinished, creating a circular economy approach that extends the life of existing fixtures rather than contributing to waste streams.

The Economic Advantage is Clear

The financial benefits of resurfacing versus replacement are dramatic and well-documented. Replacing a bathtub costs an average of $5,700 and could cost as much as $14,700 while refinishing a bathtub is a small investment. This represents savings of thousands of dollars for homeowners who choose professional resurfacing services.

The cost difference becomes even more significant when considering the full scope of replacement projects. Installation charges for labor costs can range from $1,000 to $3,000, and this doesn’t account for the additional expenses of replacing plumbing fixtures, tile walls, wallboard, pipes, tile floors, and subflooring that often get damaged during tub removal. Professional resurfacing eliminates these cascading costs.

For homeowners in the greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County, these savings can make the difference between updating their bathroom this year or waiting indefinitely for budget constraints to ease.

Advanced Technology Delivers Superior Results

Modern resurfacing technology has evolved significantly, utilizing advanced coatings with glass elements similar to porcelain. This space-age technology creates surfaces that are aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, and easy to maintain. The result is a finish that rivals or exceeds the performance characteristics of brand-new fixtures.

Professional resurfacing services like those offered by Stan Rubi and the Perma Ceram team use proven multi-step processes that ensure long-lasting results.

Speed and Convenience Matter

One of the most appealing aspects of professional resurfacing is the minimal disruption to daily life. Installing a new bathtub takes about four hours, but this doesn’t account for the days or weeks of construction work required for a complete replacement project. Professional resurfacing typically requires only one day from start to finish, with homeowners able to use their refreshed bathroom within 24 hours of completion.

The convenience factor extends beyond just timing. All work is performed in place, eliminating the mess, dust, and debris associated with demolition and reconstruction. This contained approach means families can typically use other areas of their home while their bathroom is transformed.

Comprehensive Service Areas

Stan Rubi joined the Perma Ceram team in 2021, expanding their service reach throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Today, homeowners throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County have access to professional resurfacing services that bring new life to aging bathroom fixtures.

This expanded coverage area ensures that families across the region can benefit from cost-effective resurfacing solutions, whether they have worn cast iron tubs, damaged ceramic tile, or outdated fiberglass fixtures.

Versatility in Materials and Colors

Professional resurfacing isn’t limited to basic repairs—it offers complete aesthetic transformation. Modern resurfacing techniques work effectively on various materials, including ceramic tile, fiberglass, acrylic tubs, sinks, and other bathroom fixtures. Cast iron tubs, which often show their age through chips and discoloration, respond particularly well to professional reglazing.

Color options have expanded dramatically, allowing homeowners to choose from standard whites and off-whites to custom decorator colors that match their design vision. This flexibility means resurfacing can support broader bathroom renovation projects while maintaining budget-friendly costs.

Quality Assurance and Longevity

Professional resurfacing services stand behind their work with comprehensive warranties that match those offered with new bathtub installations. This warranty coverage reflects professionals’ confidence in their materials and techniques, providing homeowners with peace of mind about their investment.

With proper care and routine cleaning, professionally resurfaced fixtures are designed for long-lasting performance. The durability of modern resurfacing materials means homeowners can enjoy their refreshed bathrooms for years to come without the ongoing maintenance issues that often plague aging fixtures.

Making the Smart Choice

For homeowners throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County who are faced with the decision between expensive replacement and affordable resurfacing, the choice has become increasingly clear. Professional resurfacing offers immediate cost savings, environmental benefits, minimal disruption, and results that rival new installations.

The combination of advanced materials, proven techniques, and experienced professionals makes resurfacing an attractive option for families looking to update their bathrooms without the stress and expense of major renovation projects.

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?

Professional resurfacing could be the perfect solution if your bathtub or bathroom tile shows signs of wear, discoloration, or damage. The process is faster, more affordable, and more environmentally responsible than replacement while delivering results that will make your bathroom look and feel new.

Contact Stan Rubi and the Perma Ceram team to discuss your bathroom resurfacing needs. Their expertise in working with homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and their commitment to quality results and customer satisfaction make them the ideal partner for your bathroom transformation project.

Don’t let an aging bathroom diminish your home’s comfort and value. Professional resurfacing can deliver the fresh, updated look you want at a fraction of the replacement cost, proving that sometimes the most innovative solution is also the most practical.