When starting a refinishing project, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right kit for your space. The best option depends on how much surface area you plan to coat and whether you’re refinishing just the tub or the surrounding walls as well. Understanding coverage is the key to getting a complete finish without running short on material halfway through the job.
Standard Bathtub Kit Coverage
The standard bathtub kit is designed for projects where you only need to refinish the tub itself. This includes the interior basin, sides, and exposed exterior areas of a typical bathtub. One kit covers up to approximately 50 square feet, which is enough for most standard-size tubs. This option is ideal if your tub surface is worn, stained, or outdated but your surrounding walls or tile are still in good condition. Many people choose this kit when they want a simple refresh rather than a full bathroom transformation.
Tub + Surround (2-Pack) Coverage
If you’re planning to refinish both the bathtub and the surrounding walls, the 2-pack kit is the better choice. This option is designed for larger projects and provides coverage for up to 100 square feet. That extra material allows you to coat not only the tub but also the wall panels or tile around it, giving everything a consistent, updated appearance. This is the best route if your surround is discolored, mismatched, or just doesn’t match the refreshed look of a new tub.
How to Decide
The decision really comes down to how much surface area you need to cover. If your project stops at the tub, the standard kit should be more than enough. If you want the tub and walls to match seamlessly, the 2-pack is the safer choice because it’s designed for larger coverage. It’s always smart to measure your surfaces beforehand, especially if you have a larger than average tub or unusually tall walls, since those can increase the square footage needed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right kit from the start makes the entire refinishing process smoother. A single bathtub kit works perfectly for standard tub only projects, while the 2-pack kit is made for full tub and surround transformations. When in doubt, slightly overestimating coverage is better than running out of material mid-project, because consistent application is what creates that durable, professional looking finish.