FAQ
Q): What is
"Refinishing"?
A): Refinishing is a special kind of surface repair
and refinishing process designed for bathtubs and other porcelain
fixtures. Because of the low cost and
effectiveness of the process it is often used on
laminate counters, wall tile and fiberglass as
well. The process is done in-place without
heat. The material used produces a very hard
simulated porcelain that looks and feels like a brand
new porcelain finish when professionally
completed. When applied to counters it is usually
colored and often slightly textured which gives it a
slick new look for counter tops.
Q): What is
the refinishing process?
A): First the surface is thoroughly cleaned
with industrial cleaners to remove any soap scum,
mineral buildup etc. Then, any chips, holes, cracks and
damaged areas are repaired and filled with special
fillers to make the surface smooth and even. The entire
surface is sanded and then etched and primed with a
bonding agent to ensure an excellent bond with the
finish. (This is one of the steps some refinishers cut
corners to reduce costs. We are often called out to
repair work done by inexperienced or cut-rate tub
refinishers when their surface begins to peel through
incomplete preparation). Once fully prepared the surface
is sprayed with a high-tech acrylic coating that hardens
to form a new shiny surface that looks and feels like
the original porcelain.
Q): What material do you use?
A): We use only the highest quality materials
available.
Q): How do I take care of the new surface?
A): Abrasive cleaners should be avoided in
order to ensure the new reglazed surface keeps its
appealing fresh new shine. Abrasive cleaners will dull
the surface over a period of time. In fact the same is
true of a regular porcelain finish. Reglazed
surfaces are easy to keep fresh and clean. They do not
require harsh chemicals or rough scrubbing. Cleaning the
surface with a gentle cleaner such as the scrubbing
bubble cleaners is all it takes to keep the surface
clean and looking new. Constant dripping or constant
wetness can cause a problem over a long period of time.
For this reason we recommend against the use of
rubberized mats. The surface is not as slippery as
a porcelain finish so mats are not really
necessary.
Q): How soon before the surface can be used?
A): The surface is ready for use after 48
hours. Absolutely nothing should be put on the new
surface for this period. Water drops will damage
the new surface before it has cured so any use at all
should be avoided for a 48 hour period.
Q): What about your warranty?
A): Our refinishing services are covered by a
5 year service warranty. Full details of the warranty
are available on request. We have been in business since
1991 and have an excellent reputation for service and
always honor our warranty. Our service motto is "we
do it right the first time" and we work hard to
work by this motto. On the occasion we fail to fully
live up to that standard we are anxious to take care of
the problem as fast and thoroughly as possible. It
is company policy to ensure there is no bad work any
where associated with our name. Be wary of
individuals and companies who offer a warranty but fail
to back it up by never returning your calls, who aren't
organized to honor it, or who won't be around in a
couple of years when you need them. We have to re-do
many jobs done by other companies and many of them were
supposedly covered by a warranty that was never
honored.
Q): What can be refinished?
A): Porcelain bathtubs and sinks, fiberglass
bathtubs, laminate and tile counters, showers and walls, cultured
marble counters, and old appliances are
all commonly refinished. Some before and after photos are
available on this web site.
Q): Why would I refinish rather than replace?
A): Save time and money! You can save 80-85%
over the cost of replacing an item. For example, a
bathtub can easily cost upward or $1,500.00 to replace
by the time you tear out the old tub, dispose of it, buy
a new tub and have it installed, have a plumber refit
the drain and faucet, then fix any damage to walls or
tile surrounding the tub. It is very common that
to remove an old tub the doorway has to be widened or
the the tub has to be cut in two. These things add
a lot of time and money to the project. If you
plan on doing a full remodel that is the time to
think about replacing old fixtures. Some old
fixtures should be kept and refinished because of their
desirability as original fixtures or antiques. One time
a fixture should be replaced is when it is extremely
rusted such as can occur with low cost thin pressed
steel bathtubs. Once a steel tub has rusted
through it should be replaced.
Q): Can I choose a different color?
A): Yes. We can match any color you choose.
Our standard colors are white and almond. These are the
most common colors for porcelain finishes. Other colors
can be reproduced for an additional charge.
Q): Can you fix chips and stains?
A): Yes. We can repair chips, stains, burn
marks, knife marks, holes, gouge scratches and other
damage. There may be a slight halo but often the repair
is practically undetectable. If the rest of the surface
is in very good condition the damaged area alone can
often be repaired as a spot repair avoiding the need to
refinish the entire surface.
Q): Can you fix fiberglass cracks?
A): This is one of our most popular service
requests. Fiberglass bathtubs and showers commonly crack
over a period of time when not well supported. Plumbers
sometimes have to cut holes in the fiberglass
wall to access pipes. Many owners think they have to
replace the entire unit but we can repair it on site at
a much lower cost. When the cause of the crack is insufficient
support below the floor of the tub or shower unit, we
repair this error by rebuilding the floor and filling
the space below the floor of the unit with a hardening
foam, then patch the crack and refinish it to look like
new.
Please email
or call us with any other questions!
