As usual, this listserve is a gold mine of information.  Here are the suggestions I received in response to my  query a couple of weeks ago about bathtub refinishing. (Thanks to all who replied.)

1.    I used Perma-ceram out of Wexford.  They did a good job but it only lasted about 10 years.   (the inside that is, the outside of course remained in mint condition)

2.    We had our bathtub redone by Miracle Method almost 6 years ago.  It will need to be redone over the summer, but being that it's our only tub and gets daily use, and we have not AT ALL been careful with it, I'm pleased with the job they did.  It was absolutely unusable when we bought the house and they did a great job.  I want to say it was around $500 when they did it, and since the tub cannot be removed without demoing the bathroom, they did it here.  It was a two or three day process, and I recommend doing it when you can easily have windows open because they ran a vent fan out through a window.

3.    We used Avalon Tub and Tile: http://www.avalontub.com/   They are fantastic, they also did both of our bathroom renos.  They do a good bit of work in HP, so it's usually pretty easy to get on their schedules.  I don't know their specific pricing, but I would estimate something in the neighborhood of $450-500 all told.

4.    someone suggested gnu tub. I am going to call them for my tub.

5.    We had our bathtub refinished a couple of months ago. It turned out great. We hired the Tub Wizards. It was pretty painless -- they showed up at 8:30 in the morning and by 2:30, they were done. The tub looks great. Here's the site:   http://www.thetubwizard.com/

6.    We used Dream Maker Kitchen and Bath to do three claw-footed tubs and an old sink. We spoke with several companies and they were the most professional. They weren't the cheapest nor the post expensive -- right in the middle and well worth the money. They showed up when they said they would, did a very nice job -- tubs look new -- and they were careful not to spray the refinishing glaze (or whatever it is) any where but the tubs. I highly recommend them. Joanne answers the phone and someone named Al comes out to look at the job. Their number is 412-885-4440. 

7.    Avalon tub and tile just did my shower    looks good  412 583 8737

I haven’t chosen anyone yet, but I’ll keep you informed when I do, and when the job is finally completed.

-David Klahr