Top Ten Questions

Why should I consider bath or kitchen refinishing rather than replacement?

The two key benefits of choosing refinishing over replacement are obvious: cost and convenience. Normal costs for replacing a bathtub range from $1,500 to $3,000, and typically take one and half to two weeks to complete. One customer reported to me that she had to look at the ground through the bottom of her shower for 2 months! Replacement of countertops is even more expensive. Refinishing will save you up to 70% of replacement cost and can usually be completed in just one day.

Furthermore, replacement involves the messy and time-consuming tearing out of the old fixtures as well as steep labor costs. With refinishing, you avoid installation hassles and labor costs, resulting in less disruption to your schedule.

What bathroom and kitchen fixtures as well as surfaces can be refinished?

We use an Aliphatic Polyurethane Acrylic Enamel, which is highly effective on the following surfaces:

• Fiberglass shower enclosures
• Sinks
• Ceramic tile
• Formica countertops
• Other fiberglass and acrylic surfaces
• Tubs (all types)
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Cultured marble countertops
• Shower Pans
• Ovens
• Stove tops (non-gas)
• Ranges (non-gas)

(NOTE: THIS IS NOT SOME CHEAP DO-IT-YOURSELF KIT SOLD IN THE HARDWARE STORES. This is a highly technical very specialized process. Anyone who doesn't use primer or uses a coating that is brushed or rolled on should be shown the door immediately.)

What is an Aliphatic Polyurethane Acrylic Enamel?

Our coating is a high-solids spray-able, two component aliphatic acrylic urethane used as a finishing coat for porcelain, fiberglass, ceramic or any industrial use. It creates a high-gloss, long lasting, durable finish. This is the same coating that is used on many multi-million dollar yacht finishes.

Both our primer and our top coat are two part coatings which means it's a stronger more durable coating than the one part coatings sold in discount stores, et cetera. We have had customer report to us that companies claim to use two part coatings but what they meant was one part primer and one part top coat equaled "two parts." If we were to use their logic, then you are getting a four part coating using our service! (They just don't know what they are talking about or they are being dishonest to our customers.)
 

How is this coating applied?

These coatings are applied using a high velocity low pressure (HVLP) spray rig, which is specifically designed for this purpose. These coatings cannot be “rolled” or “sprayed” on through conventional equipment (and still look professional). The preparation process is the key to a great looking finish that will last many years to come. Just touching the surface with your finger tip prior to application can transfer enough oil from your hand to the surface that will cause the finish to fail. I have to admit that on one occasion I had one drop of sweat fall on the surface and cause one little spot where the coating did not stick. Of course I repaired this area for the customer at no charge! Absolute care must be given to insure that the surface is ready to receive the coating so it will adhere properly.

We use special industrial strength cleaners during our preparation process. Our primer under-coating contains three Silanes in the resin (other primers contain one), which offers the absolute best adhesion. More Silanes equal better adhesion (it will stick). Our primer is the same primer used in the aerospace industry. If it will stick to an airplane zooming through the air at 500 miles per hour then you know it’s going to stick to your bathtub which is moving much slower!

Will my bath or kitchen fixtures look painted?

Absolutely not! In fact, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between a new bathtub and a refinished one. Refinishing will make your old, chipped, stained or color-dated fixture look like new again. The coating we use cannot be bought by ordinary individuals who would like to try it themselves. The manufacture will only sell these chemicals to trained professionals.

How long will refinishing take?

One of the key benefits to refinishing is that it can typically be completed in less than one day. Bathtubs can be used within 10 hours.

How do I clean and maintain my refinished fixture?

You can use any NON-ABRASIVE cleaner like Fantastic or Formula 409. We recommend Simple Green due to its strong, non-abrasive cleaning properties plus it is bio-degradable. It will safely keep your fixture clean without dulling the gloss.

What if my bathtub or countertop gets damaged?

Once we have refinished your surface we know that the work has been done professionally and the surface preparation was done properly. Therefore, we can come in and make repairs to just the damaged area for a nominal repair fee.

How long will refinishing last?

With proper care and maintenance, your bathroom or kitchen fixture that has been refinished with our coating should last you many years to come. Again, we recommend using Simple Green to maintain your refinished surface, and to extend the durability. We offer a 5 Year Limited Warranty to homeowners (a new tub bought in a store typically offers a 3-5 year warranty).

I have a crack (dent, ding, gouge, chip, hole, et cetera) in my tub. Do I need to replace it instead?

Not at all. We can repair holes and cracks in fiberglass as well as dents, dings, chips, et cetera in your porcelain tubs. Once we make the needed repairs, we refinish the fixture and it's just like new. You can't even tell that any damage ever existed. It looks just like new.