If replacing your bathtub is out of the question, why don't you consider bathtub repair as one of your options? Fixing it would be a much more viable choice because it cost a lot cheaper and can be done on your own. Let's face it, no one wants a well-word bathtub prominently displayed in your bathroom. It can be embarrassing for guests to see, not to mention very uncomfortable and unsanitary to soak in.
Most people overestimate the cost of bathtub repair. The truth is, it is a lot cheaper than you think. In this day and age, there are many home-improvement stores and hardware outlets selling tools and materials at a good price. All you need is to do a little bit of research on the internet about how to fix bathtubs and you are good to go.
The prices of all the necessary fixes are fairly reasonable. Say the tub has a couple of porcelain scratches. What you need to do is purchase a porcelain repair kit at a hardware store. They sell it on different colors, so you won't have a hard time finding the perfect match for the one you have at home. Make sure to wipe the scratched area dry before applying the porcelain paint. By simply following the instructions in the label, your tub would look as good as new.
If the scratches are few and far between, you can erase by simply applying a paste of cream tartar. What it does is it cleans the affected area and gently removes traces of wear and tear. You can also make use of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser which contains mild chemicals that can remove stains and ugly marks.
Installing a liner is a good way of doing bathtub repair. It is essentially a piece of acrylic that is made to cover the walls. When all is finished, your tub would look new and inviting.